GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Hinduism is a complex system of beliefs. It incorporates many religious texts and many local and village gods, along with the principle triad of the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hinduism includes the belief that opposing forces are aspects of one eternal truth, the belief in reincarnation, and the practice of good deeds in hopes of being reborn into a higher caste. Through trade and cultural connections, Hinduism became a major cultural influence in many places throughout Asia, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The conventional triad of Hindu deities includes Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. In principle, these gods are equal in power and influence, representing three aspects (creation, preservation, and destruction) of One Divine Power.
In one Hindu creation story, Brahma was responsible for all of creation. Hindu cosmology records the time of creation in terms of the days and years of the life of Brahma. His four heads symbolize the four Vedas, Hindu’s oldest scriptures, and the goose or geese he often rides represent knowledge. These themes add to the perception of his role as counselor and teacher of the gods. However, Brahma has lost popularity in the modern era and is rarely worshiped by Hindus today.
Instead, Devi, a figure who embodies all Hindu goddesses, has become the third most popular figure in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. Devi is short for Shri Devi, which means “the great goddess.”
Excerpt from
"Hinduism," DMA Connect, 2012.
"Hinduism," DMA Connect, 2012.
NOTES
1963.29 Vishnu and attendants
1963.33 Ganesha
1995.77.A-GG
1996.211
1997.7
1982.20.A-B Ten-Armed Durga Slaying the Demon Mahisha
1994.256 Asura
1995.77.A-GG Shrine
1999.168 Thali
2000.377 Shiva Nataraja
2003.7.2 Durga
2009.17
ASSOCIATED CONTENT CHUNKS (list applicable note links)
AUDIO ASSETS
Gallery talk: Hindu Art
13310048: UMO
Gallery talk: The Eye of the Beholder: Hindu Sculpture
13310048: UMO
Lecture: The Hindu Art of Love: Illustrating the Kama Sutra
13315922: UMO
Learn about the role of Hinduism in Indian culture,
44997534: UMO
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
- Khan Academy~Learn more about Hinduism and Hindu art and culture.
- YouTube BBC Radio 4 Channel~Watch a video short about Hindu creation stories.
- Khan Academy~Read more about the Hindu gods Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History~Read an essay about Hinduism and Hindu art.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES (digitized/non-digitized)
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
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apply to content where content contains hindu
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General Description
Hinduism is a complex system of beliefs. It incorporates many religious texts and many local and village gods, along with the principle triad of the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hinduism includes the belief that opposing forces are aspects of one eternal truth, the belief in reincarnation, and the practice of good deeds in hopes of being reborn into a higher caste. Through trade and cultural connections, Hinduism became a major cultural influence in many places throughout Asia, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The conventional triad of Hindu deities includes Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. In principle, these gods are equal in power and influence, representing three aspects (creation, preservation, and destruction) of One Divine Power.
In one Hindu creation story, Brahma was responsible for all of creation. Hindu cosmology records the time of creation in terms of the days and years of the life of Brahma. His four heads symbolize the four Vedas, Hindu’s oldest scriptures, and the goose or geese he often rides represent knowledge. These themes add to the perception of his role as counselor and teacher of the gods. However, Brahma has lost popularity in the modern era and is rarely worshiped by Hindus today.
Instead, Devi, a figure who embodies all Hindu goddesses, has become the third most popular figure in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. Devi is short for Shri Devi, which means “the great goddess.”
Excerpt from
"Hinduism," DMA Connect, 2012.
"Hinduism," DMA Connect, 2012.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
(digitized/non-digitized)
Web Resources
- Khan Academy~Learn more about Hinduism and Hindu art and culture.
- YouTube BBC Radio 4 Channel~Watch a video short about Hindu creation stories.
- Khan Academy~Read more about the Hindu gods Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History~Read an essay about Hinduism and Hindu art.
Notes
1963.29 Vishnu and attendants
1963.33 Ganesha
1995.77.A-GG
1996.211
1997.7
1982.20.A-B Ten-Armed Durga Slaying the Demon Mahisha
1994.256 Asura
1995.77.A-GG Shrine
1999.168 Thali
2000.377 Shiva Nataraja
2003.7.2 Durga
2009.17
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