Hindu Gods

Brahma : Only during the creation of the Universe does Brahma play an active role. At other times he's in meditation. His consotrt is Saraswati and his vehicle is a swan. He's sometimes shown sitting on a lotus that rises from Vishnu's navel, symbolising the interdependence of the Gods. Brahama is generally depicted with four heads (crowned and bearded), each turned towards a point od the compass.

Vishnu : The preserver or sustainer, Vishnu is associated with 'right action'. He protects and sustains all that is good in the world. Heis usually depicted with four arms, holding a lotus, a conch shell (as it can be blown le a trumpet, it symboliies he cosmic vibration from which all existence emanates), a discus and a mace (a reward for conquering Indra, the god of battle). His consort is Lakshmi and his vehicle is Garuda,a half-bird, half-beast creature. The Ganges is said to flow from his feet. Vishnu has 22 incarnations including Rama, Krishna and Buddha.

Shiva : Shiva is the destroyer, but without whom creation couldn't occur. Shiva's creative role is phallically symbolised by his representation as the frequently worshipped lingam. With 1008 names, Shiva takes many forms, including Pashupati, champion of animals and Nataraja, lord of the 'Tandava' (cosmic dance), who paces out the cosmos' creation and destruction.

Sometimes Shiva has snakes draped around his neck and is shown holding a trident (representative of the Trimurti) as a weapon while riding Nandi, his bull. Nandi symbolising power and potency, justice and moral order. Shiva' consort Parvati, is capable of taking many forms.

Other prominent gods are : The elephant headed Ganesh is the God of fortune and patron of scribes.

Krishna is the incarnation of Vishnu, sent to earth to fight for good and combat evil.

Hanuman is the hero of Ramayana and is the king of monkeys.

Goddesses : Durga, Lakshmi (the goddesses of wealth), Saraswati (the goddesses of learning) etc.

Epics : Mahabahrata (1000 BC)and Ramayana (300 BC).

Sacred animals and plants : Animals particularly snakes and cows, have long been worshipped in India. The cow represents fertiliyy and nurturing, while snakes (especially cobras are associated with fertility and welfare).

Plants can also have sacred associations, such as the Banyan tree, which symbolising the Trimurti. Mango trees are symbolic of love - Shiva is believed to have married Parvati under one.