The deities

• Hindus can believe in many deities , but still recognise that there is only one Supreme Being
• There are 3 main female deities :

  • Saraswati , the consort of Brahma  
  • Lakshmi , the consort of Vishnu  
  • Shakti / Parvati , the consort of Shiva 
• Hindus usually favour one particular god or goddess but recognise other gods and offer sacrifices to whichever one seems right on that occasion
• Saraswati consort of Brahma

  • Goddess of music , knowledge , art and learning  
  • Musicians pray to her before concerts  
  • University students pay respect to her before their studies  
  • Worldly possessions do not interest her  
  • Often dressed in white and riding on a swan , peacock or goose  
  • Her son is called Manu  
  • The Vedas (oldest Hindu holy text) are thought of as her children 
• Saraswati's son is called Manu , and he is thought of as the father of mankind - he is also the author of the Laws of Manu , which is a book of moral laws in Hindu scriptures
• Shakti is the general term for a goddess , meaning energy , but is especially used for Shiva's consort - Shakti is though of in more specific forms when worshipped (e.g. Parvati , Durga or Kali)
• Parvati (form of Shakti)?

  • Parvati – the reincarnation of Sati (Shiva’s first wife), born again in a new body  
  • Parvati is the perfect example of motherhood  
  • Often pictured with her children Ganesha and Skandi  
• Durga (form of Shakti)?

  • Durga – a fierce form of Shakti  
  • Has many arms to fight with  
  • Portrayed riding a tiger or lion  
  • Carries a conch shell to summon warriors to battle  
  • Usually wears a red sati 
• Kali (form of Shakti)?

  • Kali – a fierce and wild goddess  
  • Has at least four arms  
  • Is shown naked with blue or black skin  
  • Has a protruding tongue and a garland of human skulls  
  • Associated with death or destruction  
  • Worshipped at the particular Kalighat temple in Kolkata 
• Lakshmi consort of Vishnu

  • Often referred to as Sri (meaning beauty, prosperity and wealth)  
  • Often worshipped during Diwali and prayed to for a prosperous new year  
  • Her marriage to Vishnu is considered the perfect union 
  • Her marriage to Vishnu is remembered by newly-weds praying for a happy life together