Aim

To become familiar with the three main gods of Hinduism.
To begin to understand how these gods are seen by Hindus.

Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy images of symbolic figure and gods. Prepare story.

Lesson

Begin lesson by discussing figures such as the Grim Reaper, Jack Frost or Old Father Time with the children. Use images, if available.

Who are they? Why do they exist? Explain to the children that these figures, like symbols, are a way of understanding difficult ideas such as death and time.

Brahman is a difficult idea. Remind children that Brahman is not a person. Brahman is a power. The Great Power which creates, sustains and destroys life.

Hindus worship these three different aspects of Brahman as gods. These gods are called Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Like everything else, these gods are part of Brahman.

Distribute images of the three main gods. What do the children think of them?

Allow children time to explore the different features of each. Ask them to identify which god represents which aspect of Brahman?

Following discussion, remind children that Hindus do not think of these gods in the same way as Christians think of their God. Hindu gods are seen by the majority of Hindus as a way of thinking about or worshipping the different aspects of Brahman. They are symbols.

Throughout the centuries, Hindus have told stories featuring their gods.

Conclusion

Conclude lesson by sharing with the children the story of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the Pillar of Light.

Teachers' Notes

Brahma is the creator. Vishnu is the preserver or sustainer of life. Shiva is the destroyer. Creation is continuous: Brahma's creation is preserved by Vishnu and then destroyed by Shiva and so the continuous cycle of change goes on.