What is the meaning of the Trimurti?
The three faces of the divine — creator, preserver and dissolver. But the Trimurti is less central in Hindu worship than many people think. Where does the idea come from, and what does it really mean?
The verse
Three functions
Trimūrti means "three forms": Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, and Shiva dissolves so that creation can begin again. The famous carving at the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai — often called the Trimurti — is in fact Sadashiva, Shiva with three faces, showing how differently traditions read the idea.
Where the idea appears
The Maitri Upanishad and several Puranas describe the three as forms of one reality. But a surprise awaits anyone who looks for temples to all three…
The journey continues for members
- One reality, three roles
- Dattatreya and the Tridevi
- For life today
Sources
- Maitri Upanishad — 4.5–4.6
- Vishnu Purana
- Shiva Purana