Gods of Hinduism

Unlike most religions, Hindus do not believe in only one god, but several deities. These gods were
represented from powers in nature.Those who practice the religion individually have their personal deities
(ishta devata). There are a trinity of gods in the Hindu culture consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The main god is Brahma, the creator of all, which is referred to the universal spirit(Ramey, 2001).
Brahma has four faces that represent the four ways thoughts function: mind, intellect, ego and
conditioned-consciousness. Vishnu is the preserver, or maintenance, and has the belief that all human
will reach salvation if they are on their predetermined journey of duty. When evil has overcome mankind,
Vishnu will approach earth as human form (an avatar) and save the people. Shiva is the destroyer which
can only act when there is perishable matter. Shiva sits in a meditative state against the white snow caps
of the Himalayas in peaceful bliss. The white snow caps represent the pure knowledge of inner self; only
when you are calm and uninterrupted can you acknowledge your true inner self. These three gods use
their powers together at all times. In all aspects of nature, something is created, maintained, and
destroyed; whether it is the daytime or a living creature. Creation and destruction are on going powers
that go hand in hand(Rudra, 2007). With the destruction of night comes the creation of day.
Beliefs of Hinduism
Like most religions, Hinduism has a variety of beliefs about deities (gods and goddesses), life after
death, and personal conduct. Many groups have arisen within Hinduism and developed varying texts,
philosophies, and forms of practice (Ramey, 2011). Hinduism represents a diverse group of beliefs,
practices, and texts that have developed over thousands of years. Many Hindus claim that their religion
has been practiced for longer than any other religion in the world. No single authority exists in Hinduism,
and the diversity within this religion has led some scholars to prefer the plural term Hinduisms.
Origins of Hinduism
Hinduism is the belief system that occupies the majority of India. Hinduism includes almost 900 followers,
mainly living in India. Many Hindus say that their religion has been around longer than any other
practicing religion in the world. Hinduism revolves around the diversity of worship, beliefs, practices and
texts, all of which represent Hinduism in some way (Ramey, 2011). Hinduism is a name that covers a wide
variety of religious aspects all centering around India. Hinduism is like a collection of different parts of
India religions. Although the texts vary and change, the Hindu tradition is as constant and ancient as can
be remembered. Hinduism is Indias melting pot of religion (Kinnard, et al., 2011).
Sacred Texts
Hinduism has no single book that is the source of its doctrines, but it has many sacred writings that have
contributed to its beliefs and practices. (Ramey, 2011) Because Hinduism was taught orally in its earlier
stages, its impossible to tell who the original author was or if its even the right interpretation. Todays
Hindus hold four sections of the sacred texts in the highest esteem: the Vedas, the Puranas, the
Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. The Veda is is divided into four parts and those four parts are divided
into four parts. The entirety of the Veda details rituals, hymns, theology, and philosophy. The Puranas tell
stories of the gods and Hindu heroes. The Ramayana is the tale of a prince who rescues his wife from the
demon king. Lastly, the Mahabharata is the story of two families who both desire to rule over the kingdom
but only one of them is the rightful leader. All of these texts create a base for the ideals and morals of the
Hindu religion.
Effects on Society
One of the most notable effects Hinduism had on the society of India is the Caste. Caste is a
system of social classes that reflect a general division of labor.(Ramey, 2011) This gave general divisions

according to your work. But, there was and still is a division. The lowest class (hardly considered a class),
were the untouchables. This was the lowest and dirtiest form of work. They were deemed so filthy that
one should not dare to touch them. Although Indias Constitution gave them full citizenship and
discrimination should no longer exist, it is still most noticeable in choosing one to marry. (Ramey 2011)
Modern Tradition
A tradition that is still practiced is worshipping at home. This is done with family
members only. Another tradition that is still in place is marrying in the proper social class.
(Ramey, 2011)

References
Ramey, Steven W. "Hinduism." World Book Student. World Book, 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
Kinnard, Jacob N. & Mulhern, Kathleen A. & Egge, James Hinduism Overview. Patheos. 21
Feb. 2011.
Hindu Trinity Rudra Centre-Living Enlightenment, 2007 Web. 20 Feb 2011.