Final answer:
In Hinduism, the three main deities of the trinity, known as the Trimurti, are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. They are integral to the cyclical process of creation, preservation, and destruction within the universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three Supreme Gods in the Hindu trinity are commonly referred to as the Trimurti. These deities are Brahma, the creator of the universe; Vishnu, the preserver of the cosmos; and Shiva, the destroyer or transformer. Each deity serves an essential function within the cosmic cycle. Brahma's role is to create the universe, Shiva's purpose is to destroy it at the end of each cycle to allow for regeneration, while Vishnu's duty is to preserve the universe from total annihilation. This cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction is continuous and represents the dynamism of the universe. In various Hindu traditions and practices, followers may consider one of these three deities as the Supreme Being—however, they all are respected as principal figures within Hindu cosmology and spirituality.
Various texts and religious practices have emphasized the roles of these deities differently, and in some Hindu literature, each of these gods is paired with a consort goddess, further emphasizing the complexity and interdependent nature of the divine forces within Hinduism. Hindus worship these deities in many forms, and often, iconography will depict them with specific symbols and avatars, highlighting their unique attributes and powers.