Many Hindus believe in one Supreme Being, Brahman, who is able to take many forms, represented as numerous deities.  

The image of a deity is more than just a picture but is seen as the embodiment of the god itself, representing different aspects of life and spiritual wellbeing.   

The images in this section are of some of the most important and popular deities. 

The Trimurti

The three principal forms of Brahman are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are called the trimurti which means ‘three forms’. 

Ravi Varma Press, Maharashtra, c.1900

Brahma

Brahma is the creator of the universe. In his hands he holds manuscripts representing the Vedas: the ancient Hindu religious texts.

Chore Bagan Art Studio, Calcutta,  early 20th century

Vishnu

Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the universe. His role is to maintain balance.

Vishnu has four arms, in which he carries a chakra (or disc), a lotus, a mace and a conch shell. The conch shell produces 'om' - the sound of creation.

Ravi Udaya Vijaya, Mumbai, c. 1900

Shiva and Parvati

Shiva's role is to destroy and re-create, driving positive change. He is full of natural opposites: good and evil, piety and mischief, calm and passion. Parvati, Shiva’s wife, brings balance.

In keeping with his complex nature, Shiva is shown in many guises. He can have blue or white skin, and is often wearing a leopard skin or seated on one. His hair is in a matted bun and he carries a trident, sacred beads and a cobra - often around his neck.

Printer unknown, c.1900

Krishna and Radha

Krishna is both an avatar of Vishnu and a god in his own right. Krishna is widely revered and is the god of love, compassion and kindness. Radha is Krishna’s favourite gopi (milkmaid) and his constant companion, to some she represents the human soul.

Krishna has blue skin and wears a crown of peacock feathers. He is often shown playing a flute.

Kansari Para Art Studio, Calcutta early 20th century

Durga

Durga is the warrior form of Parvati. She is a goddess of war, and stories about her centre around combating evil and demonic forces that threaten peace and prosperity. 

South India, mid-20th century

Kali

Kali is the goddess of time, the destroyer of evil, and liberator and protector of the innocent. To some sects she is also the Mother of the Universe.

Kali’s appearance is fierce. Her skin is dark blue or black, representing her supreme divinity. She has a long tongue, multiple arms, a girdle of human arms, and necklace of decapitated heads. She is often portrayed standing or dancing on her consort, Shiva, who lies calmly beneath her.

Ravi Varma Press, early 20th century.

Saraswati

Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, learning, music and the arts. She is usually depicted with her musical instrument, the vina. Her mastery of the instrument not only reflects her knowledge of music but represents her control over life and emotions.

South India, mid-20th century

Ganesha

Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is one of the most popular Hindu deities. He is seen as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. Here Ganesha seated on a throne with his rat vahana at his feet.

Ravi Varma Press, early 20th century.

Lakshmi

Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, rose on a lotus flower from the waters during the churning of the ocean. She is the goddess of wealth, good fortune and purity and is one of the gods particularly worshipped at Diwali.

Owners sometimes embellished prints to increase the power of the image to attract the deities.

Printer and date unknown

Kartikeya

Kartikeya

Kartikeya is the god of war. Stories about him represent him as a warrior and philosopher, defeating demons and destroying evil. He is shown as a handsome young man riding a peacock.

Kansaripara Art Studio, Calcutta, early 20th century