God in the eyes of an 8 year old!

Among Hindu Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are accorded the highest status - they are the supreme beings, along with their consorts. All the other Gods and Goddesses are either incarnations or are relations of the almighty Trinity.

What was that preamble for, you ask? Well, it was just to refresh the memory!

This happened when I was seven or eight years old. Those were the days when we grew up reading Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha.

The tales of the Devas, Asuras and the rest of the celestial beings were unambiguously retold in a language children would understand, with beautiful illustrations to reinforce the story!

One fine day, I had just read about the Trinity, and wanted to impress a friend of mine with my newfound knowledge.

Me : "You know, there are three main Gods in Hinduism. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Each has a specific role to play. "

Friend : "What role does each God have?"

Me : "Brahma is the creator, he created the world and everything else. Vishnu is the protector, who protects those who pray to him. Shiva is the destroyer, who kills evil."

Friend : "Okay, so?"

Me : "You know whom I want to marry when I grow up? Vishnu. That's because he is the protector, and I will always be safe with him!" (That idea notwithstanding, I found Vishnu to be the most genial of the lot, because he didn't seem to be uttering curses every now and then!)

Friend : "Okay. You marry him. I will marry Brahma."

Me : "Brahma is old. Why do you want to marry him?"

Friend : "Because he is the creator. He can give me anything I ask for!!"



Believe me, this entire conversation took place with earnest seriousness. Neither of us was joking!!

Now, I understand, why they always say, that 'Child is the Father of Man!'

Sowmya..so did you marry Vishnu? (Just kidding). It is funny how we interpret things so differently at different stages on our lives!

Hi Venonimiss,

Thanks for stepping in! This is my first ever thread here!

Well, I didn't marry Vishnu per se, but I would have loved to! Who wouldn't like to marry a God!

True, children view things very differently, and their questions often flummox us!!

Cheers,

Sowmya

Very nice to read the conversation, Sowmya...interesting..so you and your friend talked about Gods and also marrying them....Is your husband closely related to Vishnu and your friend's closely related to Brahma ( atleast in their names)just kidding...
The reasons behind marrying is very much appreciated..

sriniketan

Dear Sriniketan,

Nice to see you here!

You know, the funny thing is - my husband's name is a synonym for Lord Shiva!

And as far as I know, my friend too failed to marry any of Brahma's incarnations!

So looks like Vishnu deserted me and I had to seek refuge with Shiva!

Cheers,

Sowmya

It is always a pleasure to listen to children talk. Some of the best things come out from them. Enjoyable read, Soumya!

hi Sowmya...

it was really lovely conversation between you and your friend...so none of you succeed to get them ..but one thing you got at least Shiva to kill all evils in your life...did you ever talked to your friend regarding this after both of you got married..

Dear Nivedi,

True, children say things that seem perfectly normal to them, but bewilder us!

Thanks for stepping in,

Regards,

Sowmya

Dear Padmatvt,

Unfortunately, I have lost touch with that friend now...Your post makes me want to reach out and contact her again!

Thanks for your post,

Regards,

Sowmya

that is why may be the tamil proverb proved that kuzhandaiyum deivamum gunathaal ondru, god and children are alike in their mind and can fantasies anything, wonderful write up..sunkan