The Trinity

The Hindu Triad comprises Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - Creator, Protector and Destroyer representing the creative, preservative and destructive energies of god. Brahma embodies Rajasguna' the quality of passion or desire, the cause of creation, hence the red colour. Shiva embodies 'Tamas-guna, the attribute of darkness, and the destructive fire by which the world is consumed, hence the ashen blue. Vishnu is the embodiment of 'Sattvaguna', the property of mercy and goodness, by which the world is preserved, hence the earthy ochre hue.

Seen on extreme left is Brahma who created the three worlds and all life. But the act of creation involves the acts of preservation and dissolution, hence the need for a Protector God Vishnu seen in profile on the right and a Destroyer God Shiva seen in the middle. These three gods charged with the tasks of creation, preservation and dissolution constitute the primary group of deities. They are depicted with elaborate crowns in brilliant colours. If the 'Trimurti' displays vibrant and brilliant hues, the background has shades of soothing luminous colours.

This description by Renu Rana.