Gods and Goddesses: Depictions of the Divine in Indian Art

Durga is a powerful Hindu goddess who is often depicted as riding a lion or tiger. She is associated with power, strength, and destruction, and is often invoked in times of need or danger.

Vishnu is a benevolent Hindu god who is known as the preserver and protector of the universe. He is often depicted with four arms, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus flower.

Brahma is a Hindu god who is known as the creator of the universe. He is often depicted with four heads and four arms, holding a book, a rosary, a water pot, and a sacrificial spoon.

Shiva is a Hindu god who is known as the destroyer of the universe. He is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a trident in his hand, and a snake around his neck.

Lakshmi is a Hindu goddess who is known as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is often depicted as sitting on a lotus flower, holding a pot of gold and a lotus flower.

Saraswati is a Hindu goddess who is known as the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. She is often depicted as playing a veena (a stringed instrument).

Parvati is a Hindu goddess who is known as the goddess of love, marriage, and fertility. She is often depicted as riding a parrot or a swan.

Avalokiteshvara is a Buddhist deity who is known as the embodiment of compassion. He is often depicted as a bodhisattva, sitting in a lotus position with a serene expression.

Amitabha is a Buddhist deity who is known as the Buddha of Infinite Light. He is often depicted as sitting in a lotus position, with his hands in the mudra of meditation.

Manjushri is a Buddhist deity who is known as the bodhisattva of wisdom. He is often depicted as holding a sword and a book.

Maitreya is a Buddhist deity who is known as the future Buddha. He is often depicted as sitting in a lotus position, with his hands in the mudra of teaching.

Rishabhanatha is a Jain deity who is known as the first Tirthankara. He is often depicted as standing in a meditative posture, with a lotus flower beneath his feet.

Parshvanatha is a Jain deity who is known as the twenty-third Tirthankara. He is often depicted as holding a broom and a dustpan.

Mahavira is a Jain deity who is known as the last Tirthankara. He is often depicted as sitting in a lotus position, with a lion beneath his feet.

Guru Nanak is a Sikh guru who is known as the founder of the Sikh religion. He is often depicted with a long beard and a turban.