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Lord Ganesha also known as Ganapati: The elephant-headed, good-humored god is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is often found at the entrance of buildings, and he is the first god HinduÍs pray to because he is associated with auspicious beginnings. His invocation is considered essential by Hindus because he is believed to be the remover of all obstacles. |
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Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge and art, is depicted with a book, rosary, and the Indian musical instrument, called Veena. She is the patroness of speech, song, and wisdom. She is often accompanied by a swan that typifies her grace. |
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Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: These are the main characters in the epic poem Ramayana composed between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. by the poet Valmiki. Rama, as the prince of Ayodhya, is the hero of the great epic. He is the epitome of truth and righteousness and a role model of dutiful son and king. Sita is his loving wife and Lakshmana is RamaÍs loyal brother. Hanuman is the monkey king, who serves Rama and helps defeat the wicked King Ravana. Hanuman is in turn is revered as the quintessential bhakta (devotee) of Rama. |
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Lakshmi: Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, beauty, good fortune, prosperity, and abundance. She is placed in the central location in the Hindu Temple of Delaware. She is sometimes considered to be the consort of lord Vishnu, but she is also independently worshiped as a regenerative mother goddess for her powers to confer prosperity and wealth. She is frequently depicted with an elephant and is often seen seated or standing on a lotus flower. |
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Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: These are the main characters in the epic poem Ramayana composed between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. by the poet Valmiki. Rama, as the prince of Ayodhya, is the hero of the great epic. He is the epitome of truth and righteousness and a role model of dutiful son and king. Sita is his loving wife and Lakshmana is RamaÍs loyal brother. Hanuman is the monkey king, who serves Rama and helps defeat the wicked King Ravana. Hanuman is in turn is revered as the quintessential bhakta (devotee) of Rama. |
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Lakshmi: Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, beauty, good fortune, prosperity, and abundance. She is placed in the central location in the Hindu Temple of Delaware. She is sometimes considered to be the consort of lord Vishnu, but she is also independently worshiped as a regenerative mother goddess for her powers to confer prosperity and wealth. She is frequently depicted with an elephant and is often seen seated or standing on a lotus flower. |
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Shiva and Parvati: Shiva is the third God in the Hindu trinity. He is worshiped for his energy (shakti). This energy can be manifested in fertility, destruction, or as meditation for an ascetic. Shiva is also worshiped in the symbolic or emblem form of a Linga. He is accompanied by the bull Nandi. His consort is Goddess Parvati, or Uma, who is considered to be the Shakti or energy of Shiva. |
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Rama, Laksmana, Sita, Hanuman: Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: : These are the main characters in the epic poem Ramayana composed between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. by the poet Valmiki. Rama, as the prince of Ayodhya, is the hero of the great epic. He is the epitome of truth and righteousness and a role model of dutiful son and king. Sita is his loving wife and Lakshmana is RamaÍs loyal brother. Hanuman is the monkey king, who serves Rama and helps defeat the wicked King Ravana. Hanuman is in turn is revered as the quintessential bhakta (devotee) of Rama. |
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Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. |
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Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. |
