Exam 3 - Hindu Art in India: Gods and Goddesses

Question 1

What type of animal is Brahma’s vahana, and what is it named?

Answer 1

Brahma’s vahana is the goose

Question 2

What type of animal is Vishnu’s vahana, and what is it named?

Answer 2

Vishnu’s vahana is the man-bird deity known as Garuda

Question 3

What are some of the identifying attributes of the god Vishnu?

List four examples:

Answer 3

1. Vishnu is The Preserver of the universe and is often portrayed as a cosmic savior in art
2. Vishnu is often seen carrying his conch shell, club/mace (gaddha), _discus whee_l (chakra), and a lotus
3. Vishnu’s most popular avataras are Krishna and Rama
4. Vishnu’s vahana is the man-bird deity known as Garuda

Question 4

Who are Ganesha’s parents?

Answer 4

Ganesha’s parents are Parvati (goddess of abundance and life) and Shiva (the Destroyer)

Question 5

What are some of the identifying attributes of the god Ganesha?

List three examples:

Answer 5

1. Ganesha is often seen carrying an axe, an elephant goad, a noose, and a bowl of sweets
2. Ganesha is depicted with only one tusk
3. Ganesha’s vahana is the rat

Question 6

What is the name of Shiva’s three-headed form and what does it represent?

Answer 6

Shiva’s three-headed form is known as Mahadeva, and represents the three manifestations of the god’s being (the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer)

Question 7

What type of animal is Ganesha’s Vahana?

Answer 7

Ganesha’s vahana is the rat

Question 8

What are some of the identifying attributes of the god Brahma?

List four examples:

Answer 8

1. Four-headed and four-armed to signify his role as The Creator of the universe
2. Usually shown as a bearded old man
3. Often holds water pots (holds the waters of creation) and the Vedas (sacred Hindu texts)
4. Brahma’s vahana is the goose

Question 9

Ganesha is worshipped as a god of?

Answer 9

Ganesha is worshipped as a god of removing obstacles

Question 10

Who are the three members of the Hindu Trinity and what are their roles as gods?

Answer 10

1. Brahma - the Creator
2. Vishnu - the Preserver
3. Shiva - the Destroyer

Question 11

What type of animal is Shiva’s vahana, and what is it named?

Answer 11

Shiva’s vahana is the bull known as Nandi

Question 12

What are some of the identifying attributes of the god Shiva?

List five examples:

Answer 12

1. Shiva is known as The Destroyer, although his multiple powers can be viewed all together simultaneously as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer of the universe. This multi-formed Shiva is signified by it’s three heads.
2. Shiva is often associated with the lingam, a phallic shaped stone that represents his role as the reproductive/generative power of the universe
3. Shiva is often identified by his trident, drum (damaru) of creation, third eye, as well as the crescent moon in his hair
4. Shiva is often shown as the great ascetic (white, tangled, matted hair) and the Lord of the Beasts (usually seen holding an antelope)
5. Shiva’s Vahana is the bull known as Nandi