The word Hindu originated from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, the native name for the Indus River. Known to its followers as the “eternal law”, Hinduism composed of many unmistakable or philosophical points of view that form a code of ethics based on the principle of karma, dharma and on the principles of karma, dharma and societal standards native to India.
Incorporate of Vedic traditions dating back to the early Harappan period, Hinduism scopes some of the world’s oldest religious traditions. Because of its tolerance of differences in interpretation and belief, devotees consider Hinduism a way of life centered on the quest for the truth and the practice of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal way.
The various Hindu deities are regarded as aspects of a supreme being. Depending on the alignment of the different denominations of hindu belief, one particular aspect might be deemed more relevant and thus favored above the others.
The incarnation of the deities is intrinsic in Hindu mythology, art, architecture and literature; the recurring theme of which is the avatar of God arriving on earth to bring humans to moksha-the liberation from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth.
(1) GANESH
Ganesh is the son of Shiva and his wife Parvati, among the many stories; it is told that Ganesh was created to protect his mother, one day Shiva came to see Parvati while she bathed. Ganesh tried to stop him and a battle ensued, resulting in the beheading of Ganesh.
Paravti then demanded that shiva should restore their son, and the latter vowed the head of the first animal that came in sight, which happened to be an elephant, the cleverest animal. It is for this reason that
Ganesh symbolizes elephant’s head and is known as the god resolver of obstruction both material and spiritual. With his big ears, he is a God who listens and is often turned to for direction in ventures in business and spiritual revelation.
(2) MUCALINDA
The Naga King of Serpents who protected Buddha from the seven day long outpour of rain as he was meditating under the Bodhi tree.
(3) SARASWATI
Goddess of learning and the arts, with her lute.
(4) SHIVA
In a different guise
(5) TRIMURTI
The Hindu counterpart of Christianity’s Divine trinity, representing the forces of BRAHMAN (creation), VISHNU (perpetuation), SHIVA (destruction)
(6) LINGA
Legend has it Shiva was killed and his organ (Stambha) was mounted on the yoni of Kali, goddess of power. Linga is worshipped by pouring water or milk over it, and meditating upon the icon for prayers requests for strength, among other things.
(7) LINGGAM
Representing Shiva Hindu God of destruction and change. The phallus in the center represents the infinities of Shiva, as well as the creative energy of the male.
Ganesh is the son of Shiva and his wife Parvati, among the many stories; it is told that Ganesh was created to protect his mother, one day Shiva came to see Parvati while she bathed. Ganesh tried to stop him and a battle ensued, resulting in the beheading of Ganesh.
Paravti then demanded that shiva should restore their son, and the latter vowed the head of the first animal that came in sight, which happened to be an elephant, the cleverest animal. It is for this reason that
Ganesh symbolizes elephant’s head and is known as the god resolver of obstruction both material and spiritual. With his big ears, he is a God who listens and is often turned to for direction in ventures in business and spiritual revelation.
(2) MUCALINDA
The Naga King of Serpents who protected Buddha from the seven day long outpour of rain as he was meditating under the Bodhi tree.
(3) SARASWATI
Goddess of learning and the arts, with her lute.
(4) SHIVA
In a different guise
(5) TRIMURTI
The Hindu counterpart of Christianity’s Divine trinity, representing the forces of BRAHMAN (creation), VISHNU (perpetuation), SHIVA (destruction)
(6) LINGA
Legend has it Shiva was killed and his organ (Stambha) was mounted on the yoni of Kali, goddess of power. Linga is worshipped by pouring water or milk over it, and meditating upon the icon for prayers requests for strength, among other things.
(7) LINGGAM
Representing Shiva Hindu God of destruction and change. The phallus in the center represents the infinities of Shiva, as well as the creative energy of the male.
Copyright © Artiste Works International Inc. 2020
Photography by: Dexter Lansang
Photography by: Dexter Lansang