Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva - Understanding the Main Deities of Hinduism

India is known for its countless deity figures with many arms, elephant heads, and vibrant colors.
Who hasn’t heard of Shiva, Ganesha, or Krishna?

Thousands of gods are worshipped, and it’s easy to assume that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. But this is a common misunderstanding.
In this article, we’ll explore the foundations of the Hindu worldview and introduce its main deities.

A Common Misunderstanding: Hinduism Is Not Polytheistic

For many Westerners, Hinduism appears to be a polytheistic religion filled with gods, avatars, and mythological stories. In reality, the Hindu tradition is based on a much deeper idea: monism.

It is one of the few spiritual traditions that affirms: “All is One.”

According to ancient texts, there is only one ultimate reality — an absolute, universal principle called Brahman.

Brahman has no form, no limits, no beginning and no end. It is not a “god” among others, but the source of the universe, the light behind all forms, the consciousness within all beings.

The many deities of Hindu tradition are therefore not separate gods, but manifestations or expressions of this single reality, Brahman.

Among these manifestations, Hinduism recognizes three major forms, known as the Trimurti, representing the three fundamental functions of the universe: creation, preservation, and transformation.

1. Brahma – The Creator

 

 

(Not to be confused with Brahman)

Brahma is the creative force of the universe. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, learning, and music.

He symbolizes:

• the emergence of matter
• the birth of worlds
• the appearance of living beings
• the original breath of existence

He can be associated with the energy that triggered the Big Bang.

Brahma is often depicted with four faces, facing the four directions (symbol of total knowledge), four arms, holding the Vedas (primordial wisdom), and seated on a lotus, a symbol of purity.

 

2. Vishnu – The Preserver

Vishnu is the energy that sustains life, protects the universe, and maintains balance.
His consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity.

Vishnu embodies stability, harmony, and cosmic order. When chaos threatens the world, Vishnu intervenes by incarnating among humans — these incarnations are known as avatars. Buddha is considered one of these avatars, and some traditions even include Jesus as a divine incarnation of Vishnu. Each avatar appears to restore harmony among beings. There are nine known avatars, the most famous being Rama (hero of the Ramayana) and Krishna (spiritual guide of the Bhagavad Gita). The tenth avatar is yet to come and is said to bring an end to the dark age the world is currently experiencing.

 

Vishnu represents the benevolent presence of existence — the energy that guides us, protects us, and helps us stay aligned.

3. Shiva – The Transformer, the Destroyer

 

Shiva is not a “destroyer” in a negative sense — he is the energy of transformation.

For something new to be born, something else must end.
Shiva represents this natural cycle: the end of one form so another can emerge.
Dissolution that allows renewal.

He is considered the first Yogi on Earth, living in deep retreat in the Himalayas.
His consort is Parvati, also known as Shakti, the primordial feminine energy.

Shiva embodies:

• deep meditation
• right vision (non-duality)
• inner knowledge
• detachment
• absolute freedom

 

He is often depicted seated in meditation posture, on a tiger skin (symbol of mastered animal instincts), with the third eye open (inner vision and non-duality), one hand raised in a gesture of fearlessness, and wearing the attire of yogic ascetics — signs of spiritual practices such as meditation and mantra repetition (japa).

Shiva is a call toward silence, depth, and awakening. He represents the aspect of Brahman that dissolves illusions in order to reveal truth.

A Final Note

I hope this brief introduction helps you better understand the foundations of Hindu iconography. Of course, each deity has many names depending on regions and aspects, as well as numerous representations — which doesn’t always make things easy for us!

In each family, everyone is free to pray to the deity they feel closest to, the one they connect with and feel a natural affinity for. I deeply appreciate this freedom and openness, because ultimately, it all refers to the same reality — one God, one unique energy, expressed through different forms. What truly matters is faith. For many Indians, the worst thing is not choosing the “wrong” god, but not believing in anything at all.

In Summary

The Trimurti: three faces, one Reality.
One single energy — Brahman — expressed through three complementary aspects:

Brahma: what begins
Vishnu: what continues
Shiva: what transforms
These are the three fundamental movements of life.
The breath.
The cycle.
The deep rhythm of the universe.

They remind us that multiplicity is only a reflection of unity, and that every being carries within them a spark of the divine.

 

Julia