< previous page page_61 next page >

Page 61
0061-01.gif
Lord of Creation in the Hindu Trinity. Four bearded heads with each face representing one of the Vedas, the source of spiritual wisdom. Each hand signifies a cardinal direction and omnipresence. His eyes represent the sun and moon, each nose the life-sustaining breath. His beards are whitea reminder that the act of creation began long, long ago. He often sits on a lotus, the symbol of Truth. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.
Figure 12
Brahma

0061-02.gif
Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, she is the embodiment of spiritual wisdom and referred to as the Mother of the Vedas. Normally shown with four hands: two hands play the vina (stringed instrument) through which she spreads the Word; a third hand holds a Veda; a fourth hand holds rosaries signifying need for meditation and chanting. Through acquisition of knowledge and acts of devotion one comes to the Truth.
Figure 13
Saraswati

0061-03.gif
Lord of Destruction with many manifestations. Also called the Lord of Yoga and often shown in meditationsymbolizing the path to self-realization. His left and right eyes represent the outer world. His third eye represents destruction and therefore rebirth. His throat is blue from holding poison swallowed in a battle with demons. His matted hair carries the sacred River Ganga. The crescent moon hair ornament holds the nectar of immortality. The poison and the nectar symbolize the presence of dualities in our life. The rest of Shiva's body is fair, symbolic of peace. The ashes remind us of the oneness of all mattereverything decomposes to ashes or dust. His consort is the Goddess Parvati who assumes many forms, including Durga.
Figure 14
Shiva

 
< previous page page_61 next page >