The Hindu Trinity

Brahman, the Absolute Spirit, is represented in the three aspects of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and make up the Hindu trinity. Trimurti or, the "three forms" in the ancient language of Sanskrit, are the cosmological pantheon of Hinduism. The functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are embodied within these three forms and each God has a consort, or wife, to help Him in carrying out His duties. For Brahma this consort is Saraswati the Goddess of Knowledge; for Vishnu she is the Goddess Laskmi

who represents beauty and light; and for Shiva she is the Goddess Parvati (Kali) who signifies authority, destruction, and transformation. Each Goddess is also worshipped individually. The Hindu trinity can be compared to the Christian trinity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Brahma is known as the Creator or cosmic mind. It is said that as Vishnu was lying on a great serpent, known as the "naag," in the vast ocean of Garbhodaka, a lotus sprouted from his navel. In the center of the lotus sat Lord Brahma looking in four directions as He created the world. The lotus symbolizes Reality and His four heads represent the ancient Sanskrit scriptures known as the Vedas.

Once the world was created Lord Vishnu maintained it through the virtues of morality, integrity, and truth. He is often depicted as lying on His "naag" fast asleep. He is revealed as dark blue in color and having four arms. In these arms he holds a conch shell, a lotus, a discus, and a sword. When the sense of equilibrium of power is disrupted in the world He is said to come to earth in His human form, or avatar, to save humankind. Vishnu has a thousand name that are often chanted as an act of devotion.

The world is preserved by the Lord Shiva who sits on a mountain encapsulated in snow in deep mediation. He has a third eye that is the eye of wisdom. He is also called "Gangadhar," meaning the "carrier of the river Ganges." The river is shown as flowing from his long locks of hair. Shiva protects the world for a period of time until what is known as Brahma Day. As Brahma Day

comes to a close He takes a new form known as the "Nataraja." The Nataraja dances a cosmic dance to create destruction. After the destruction there is a period of oblivion that lasts for 311.04 trillion years under the spell of Yoganidra or a spell of "deep sleep." At the end of this emptiness when Yoganidra lifts her spell Vishnu awakens and the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction begins again.

Sources:

Flood, Gavin (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Encyclopedia.farlex.com

Hindunet.org

Rudraksha-Ratna.com