Vishnu, God of Preservation
It is said that there are over 330 million gods and goddesses within the Hindu religion and each god/goddess has his or her own story that reveals his or her own religious significance. For this discussion, you will be selecting 2 different Hindu gods/goddesses of your choosing that you would be interested in learning more about.
For each selected Hindu deity, you must provide the following:
Name and Title (Ex: Vishnu, God of Preservation)
Image of the deity
Brief explanation of why you chose that specific god/goddess. Below are some examples of this:
Maybe that Hindu god/goddess reminds you of a Christian saint or biblical character who is the Catholic patron/patroness of a particular human endeavor, career field, or avocation that somehow pertains to you
Ex: Saint Cecilia Patroness of Musicians and Sarasvati Hindu Goddess of Music
Maybe you found the specific image of that god/goddess intriguing
Maybe there is a pop culture reference to the deity
Ex: TV series, movie, book, video game, etc.
Deity in Scripture
Summarize a story from the Hindu scriptures in which that the deity plays a major role.
This can be their origin story or another important story about the deity.
Relationship to other Hindu Deities
How is this specific deity related to at least 2 other Hindu deities?
Ex: Is the selected deity a mother/father to another deity or possibly a husband/wife of another deity?
Imagery & Symbolism
Explain the traditional symbolism associated with the selected deity
Ex: Color of their skin, why they are depicted with specific animals, pose or stance in which they are depicted, any object they may be holding or that are depicted around them
Websites for assistance in selecting specific Hindu gods/goddesses:
BBC: God or Gods?Links to an external site.
Hindu GalleryLinks to an external site.
Hindu Gods and GoddessesLinks to an external site.
Information on HinduismLinks to an external site.
Ten of the Most Important Hindu GodsLinks to an external site.
You are not limited to using these websites as additional websites and/or the Van Voorst text may be beneficial for you to consider consulting.
Sample Solution
Hindu Deities: A Deep Dive
Deity 1: Vishnu, the Preserver
Image:
Why I Chose Vishnu:
Vishnu, the Preserver, is one of the primary deities in Hinduism. His role in maintaining the cosmic order and his numerous incarnations, or avatars, make him a fascinating figure.
Deity in Scripture:
One of Vishnu’s most famous incarnations is Krishna, the central figure of the Bhagavad Gita. In this sacred text, Krishna imparts divine wisdom to the warrior Arjuna, guiding him on the path of righteousness. This story highlights Vishnu’s role as a spiritual guide and protector.
Relationship to Other Hindu Deities:
- Consort: Vishnu is married to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Avatar: One of Vishnu’s avatars is Rama, the hero of the Ramayana.
Imagery and Symbolism:
- Color: Often depicted with a blue or dark complexion.
- Attributes: Typically shown holding a conch shell, discus, lotus flower, and mace.
- Vehicles: Rides on the divine bird Garuda.
- Symbolism: The four attributes symbolize the four goals of human life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
Deity 2: Kali, the Divine Mother
Image:
Why I Chose Kali:
Kali, the fierce and powerful goddess, is a complex and enigmatic figure. Her terrifying appearance belies her benevolent nature. She is often misunderstood, but her symbolism and significance in Hindu mythology are profound.
Deity in Scripture:
Kali’s origin story is often linked to the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred text that extols the power of the divine feminine. In this text, she emerges from the wrathful form of the goddess Durga to slay the demon Raktabija.
Relationship to Other Hindu Deities:
- Consort: Kali is often depicted as the consort of Shiva, the destroyer god.
- Form of Durga: She is considered a fierce form of the goddess Durga.
Imagery and Symbolism:
- Appearance: Often depicted with a dark complexion, protruding tongue, and a garland of severed heads.
- Attributes: Carries a sword and a severed head.
- Symbolism: Her terrifying appearance represents the destructive force of time and the inevitability of death. However, she is also seen as a transformative force, capable of destroying ignorance and leading to spiritual liberation.
By exploring these two deities, Vishnu and Kali, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses. Their stories, symbols, and relationships offer insights into the spiritual beliefs and practices of Hinduism.