Our Hindu Gods and Goddesses represent many aspects of the divine energy, often referred to as Brahman in Hindu philosophy. This Brahman is an all-encompassing spiritual force that underlies and connects everything in the universe. A part of this divine energy, known as Atman, resides within each and every one of us.
By recognizing the presence of Atman within ourselves and understanding that the qualities and virtues embodied by the Gods and Goddesses are reflections of this inner divinity, we are reminded that we too, have the potential to manifest these divine qualities in our lives. It serves as a powerful message that encourages us to cultivate virtues like love, compassion, strength and wisdom in our everyday actions, aligning ourselves with the divine presence that exists within.
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the God of wisdom, new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. The lotus flower He holds symbolizes purity, while the axe represents the power to overcome obstacles. The bowl of modaks signifies the sweetness of success that arises from hard work.
Goddess Bhudevi
Also known as Mother Earth, she is the nurturing force that sustains all life on our planet. She makes the soil fertile, helping plants grow and providing us with delicious fruits, vegetables and grains.
We can learn from Goddess Bhudevi the importance of taking care of the environment and showing gratitude for the gifts of nature. She reminds us to be mindful of our actions and treat the Earth with love and respect.
Lord Brahma
Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe and all living beings. He represents creativity and knowledge. His four heads represent the four Vedas, which are sacred texts. Lord Brahma is shown holding prayer beads (representing time), a pot of water (representing life), a lotus flower (representing purity) and the Vedas.
Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is the Divine Mother and a powerful warrior Goddess who protects the world from evil forces. She is usually shown holding weapons which represent her strength and a conch shell which represents purity. She is often shown sitting on a lion or a tiger.
Goddess Ganga
Goddess Ganga is the sacred deity embodying the Ganges River. Devotees worship her for spiritual purification and the cleansing of sins. She is often depicted as a serene and graceful goddess with water vessels in her hands.
Goddess Gayatri
Goddess Gayatri personifies the sacred Gayatri mantra - a powerful prayer from the Vedas. She symbolises divine wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment.
The Gayatri Mantra seeks to invoke and honour the divine light and wisdom. It is a prayer for spiritual illumination, guidance and the removal of darkness from the seeker's path.
Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman is a loyal and devoted companion of Lord Rama. He is often shown holding a mace which signifies his great power and strength. Lord Hanuman is a representation of selfless service and His devotion to Lord Rama is an inspiration to all devotees.
Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna symbolises love and compassion. He is depicted with a blue complexion, a peacock feather in his hair and a flute in his hand. His flute serves as a reminder that we too can be instruments of the Divine and channel this holy energy through our bodies.
Lord Krishna's teachings, found in the Bhagavad Gita, show us the importance of righteousness, performing our duties and having devotion to God.
Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the deity of prosperity and abundance. Beyond material wealth, she symbolises the idea that true wealth is measured by the goodness we cultivate and our noble qualities. She inspires us to work hard and persevere so we can succeed and achieve our goals.
Lord Murugan
Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, is a courageous and mighty warrior in Hindu mythology. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and brother of Lord Ganesha. With his trusty vel (spear) and peacock vahana (vehicle), Lord Murugan is a symbol of bravery and victory. He also shows us the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting those in need. Lord Murugan's stories inspire us to be disciplined, focused and compassionate.
Goddess Parvati
Goddess Parvati is revered for her roles as a devoted wife, nurturing mother and embodiment of divine feminine strength and energy. She is often depicted as a loving companion to Lord Shiva and is also recognised as a representation of feminine cosmic energy.
Lord Rama
Lord Rama is known for his qualities of courage, honesty and righteousness. He is a noble prince who upholds his duty and honour even in the face of great challenges. Lord Rama is often shown holding a bow and arrow, which he uses to protect his people. His teachings inspire us to be compassionate and do the right thing at all times.
Goddess Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music and art. She is worshipped by students, artists, musicians and scholars who seek her blessings and guidance in their pursuits.
Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is known as the God of destruction. His role is important for the cycle of life to continue by allowing for new creation. His teachings encourage people to embrace change and see the value in transformation. He is often shown sitting in deep meditation, signifying his qualities of self-control and discipline.
Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu is revered as the protector and preserver of the universe. He is often depicted holding a conch, discus, mace and lotus, which symbolise knowledge, protection and creation.
When humanity is threatened by evil, it is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnates in the world as an avatar to restore order. His well known avatars include Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.