Trimurti

Definitions

The trinity of supreme divinity, as represented by the forms of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the maintainer or preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer or transformer).

Hinduism

Equivalents

Examples

“1874, Later Hindu Myths, in The Monthly Packet, New Series, Volume 17, John and Charles Mozley, page 481, We now turn⟳ to the third Person in the Trimurti—Siva, the destroyer—but in doing so it is as well to remark⟳ that the character and attributes of the Hindu divinities are not very clearly defined, the special offices and qualities of one being often attributed to the other; thus Vishnu often appears as the destroyer and avenger, Siva sometimes as the restorer and redeemer.”

“We must first note⟳ that Hindus themselves were sober in their assessment of Trimurti, which was never a universally accepted doctrine. For instance, in the Tamil devotional tradition of the medieval Vaisnava saints known as the alvars, we find⟳ ambivalence toward "the three." Their hymns both recognize the Trimurti and downplay its importance.”

“2018, Swami Achuthananda, The Ascent of Vishnu and the Fall⟳ of Brahma, Relianz Communications, page 23, It was not until the arrival of the Puranas that the Trimurti, as we know⟳ them today, became accepted as standard doctrine. One of the earliest images of Trimurti can be found at one of the many caves on Elephanta,¹⁶ an island near Mumbai, India.”

CEFR level