Kali, Mother of the Four Great Gods: Indra, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Shown here is the Holy Trinity of classic Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma, the Creator of the universe, looks in all four directions. He is also god of wisdom, while his partner Sarasvati is the goddess of wisdom. learning and music. He is not to be confused with Brahman, the world soul, with which every individual soul (atman) seeks to reunite. Blue Vishnu on a lotus is the Preserver of the universe. His partner, Lakshmi, is beauty. Shiva with a snake is the Destroyer of the universe. Shiva's partner, Uma, is perishable matter. The activities of the Holy Trinity are all happening all the time. The main point of this image is that Kali (in the birth giving position with her necklace of skulls) is the Mother of them all. Such a theology is a continuation of the Stone Age and Bronze Age traditions of the Great Goddess, "Giver and Taker of All," before the male principle became dominant in India with the arrival of the Indo-Europeans. The fourth god pictured is Indra, "King of the Gods" in ancient Vedic mythology with eyes on his body. He appears to have come to India with the Indo-Europeans. This modern replica was commissioned from the esteemed artist Shri kailish Raj who continues the rich tradition of his ancestors. (FLG)

Frame is 15.5" x 11.5" x 1.5"