Which deities are traditionally named in the Hindu Trimurti?

Which deities are traditionally named in the Hindu Trimurti?

• A. Brahma, Krishna, Shiva
• B. Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer)
• C. Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha
• D. Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi

Answer: (B)

The Trimurti expresses three essential cosmic functions: creation, preservation, and dissolution. The deities that embody these roles are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Together they symbolize the cycle of the universe—birth, maintenance, and end—and are the traditional trio named for this concept. Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu, not a separate member of the Trimurti; Ganesha is Shiva’s son and is not part of the threefold framework. Saraswati and Lakshmi are goddesses of knowledge and wealth, respectively, and do not form the Trimurti.

The Trimurti expresses three essential cosmic functions: creation, preservation, and dissolution. The deities that embody these roles are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Together they symbolize the cycle of the universe—birth, maintenance, and end—and are the traditional trio named for this concept.

Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu, not a separate member of the Trimurti; Ganesha is Shiva’s son and is not part of the threefold framework. Saraswati and Lakshmi are goddesses of knowledge and wealth, respectively, and do not form the Trimurti.