For a Modern Sanatani, it is essential to know the basics (like the sacred trinity), the pillars on which the religion stands and the most inherent thoughts that should drive our lives. In the Hindu Religion, the moment we say the words the Trinity of Gods – our immediate thought goes to three names – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh/Shiva. You are absolutely right! If you were not aware of the Trinity of Gods until now, I bring to you a collection of information that would definitely upgrade your knowledge considerably.
After reading through a pile of books, watching documentaries, podcasts and more, I have been able to collect the basic characteristics of the Three Gods that rule us all. They are the center of the world and drive it every second of our life. Without any one of them, the world could be chaos.
Summarized View on the Sacred Trinity
| Brahma | Vishnu | Shiva |
| Creator – World (Flora and Fauna), Vedas (Books of Knowledge), Manavs (Humans)Priest – Teacher Chases Goddess – Knowledge and more Relativity to Knowledge | Ensures Sustainability – Upholding the balance of nature and culture King and Worldly God Showcases love, passion, family life and importance of protecting Goddess/women Relativity to Wealth | Destroyer – ego, selfishness and other evil characteristics Ascetic Tries to Withdraw himself from Family Life – Goddess Relativity to Power through Meditation, Yog and more. |
Once you understand the main characteristics of each God, you would know the importance each one of them holds in the balance of the world. Knowledge, Wealth and Power are the three main elements that every human being tries to chase throughout their life span. All three may not be easily attainable but you can acquire one or more in a lifetime.
Brahma
The role of Brahma is finished once the world and everything in it is created. The role of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) continues to play out throughout the entire lifecycle of a world. Our Vedas indicate that creation and destruction are inevitable. The lifespan of every living and non-living being is destined to come to an end. This paves way for the creation of yet another world where a chance is given to correct the karma, balance the sheets and work towards the achievement of Moksha (releasing oneself from the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth).
Vishnu
The role of Vishnu is sustainability. He is responsible for taking care of the balance of nature and culture in the world we live in. The following quote is often heard on TV, from spiritual leaders or on decorations in marketplaces.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय संभवामि युगे युगे॥ भागवत गीता
The quote means that God Vishnu has vowed to come to earth every time the weight of evil becomes high for the Goddess Bhoodevi (earth) to bear. It is the responsibility of Vishnu to ensure that the world continues to function in the right manner. Although he does not interfere in the free will that is given to Humans, he definitely keeps a check on their actions. The reaction of every action is given in this lifetime or the next. He lets people make choices but when the consequences cause harm to the well-being of the functioning of nature as a whole, that is when he steps in to cleanse the world.
Mahesh/Shiva
Shiva is the ultimate destroyer of everything evil. When the world has to be destroyed and remade, the responsibility falls on Shiva to step in. He is not just the God with the reset button but also the eliminator of all evil characteristics that in-built in Humans. Some of these include – dishonesty, selfishness, ego, laziness, greed, arrogance etc.
He is the God who believes in the power of Meditation and Yoga. He teaches the Manavs how you can fight your natural instincts and work on yourself to reach your supreme potential. For example, if you cannot fight laziness, you cannot work hard and achieve the impossible in life. He gives the Power to acquire knowledge and wealth. Shiva is the destroyer of everything that stumbles in your way to success.
My Thoughts:
The above information is summarized for the basic knowledge of newbies. If you crave for more knowledge, the best way forward is to keep reading. The more you indulge yourself in literature, the more you realise the ultimate truth of life. Give up on social media or binge watching shows on TV. It’s time we all wake up to the necessity of understanding the world, finding the purpose of life and achieving what we are destined for.
Once you know about the sacred trinity of the Gods, you might want to read about the Main Elements of Our Creation.
