Trimurti and Tridevi

Question 1

name the trimurti (and their roles)

Answer 1

Brahma - the creator
Shiva - the destroyer
Vishnu - the preserver

Question 2

name the tridevi (and their roles

Answer 2

Saraswati - goddess of learning arts and cultural fulfilment - consort of Brahma
Lakshmi - goddess of wealth and beauty - consort of vishnu
Parvati - Mother goddess - consort of shiva

Question 3

Describe Brahma

Answer 3

Brahma have four heads, which see in all directions at once and symbolise a set of scriptures called the four
Vedas. Brahma’s four arms carry symbols of power - a goblet, a bow, a sceptre and the Vedas. In Hindu creation stories, Brahma brings the universe into being. Brahma is not worshipped by many Hindus today, in comparison to the other two murtis.

Question 4

Describe vishnu

Answer 4

Vishnu express splendour and power. His four arms carry symbols of power - a discus, a lotus flower, a conch shell and a mace. Vishnu, god of light and enlightenment
has appeared on Earth through avatars. Vishnu (and his avatars, including Krishna) are worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.

Question 5

Describe Shiva

Answer 5

often pictured dancing and with four arms. He holds a drum and a flame, and he points to his dancing feet with one hand and holds in the other hand a pen, meaning ‘fear not’. His necklace of cobra snakes is a sign of power. Shiva is worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.