A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.8

c3.8

The Rāmāyana and Mahā-bhārata are poems of the heroic age, and though they are full of marvels, they deal more with the actions of mortal men and romantic creations than the might and majesty of the gods. The old deities of the Vedas have retired into the background, and some have disappeared altogether. Indra retains a place of some dignity; but Brahmā, Siva, and Vishnu have, in the Epics, risen to the chief place. Even of these three, the first is comparatively insignificant. His work of creation was over, and if he was ever an object of great adoration, he had ceased to be so. Vishnu and Siva both appear in these poems; and although Vishnu is the god who holds the most prominent place, still there are many passages in which Siva is elevated to the supreme dignity. The Vishnu who, in the Vedas, was the friend and companion of Indra and strode over the universe, has become the great deity of preservation, and the terrible and howling Rudra is now Siva, the deity of destruction and renovation. Each of these two gods in his turn contends with and subdues the other; now this, now that, receives the homage of his rival, and each in turn is lauded and honoured as the chief and greatest of gods.