Hinduism was not founded by a historical personage as a result of some revelation but grew and evolved from a variety of cults & beliefs, of which some had their foundations in Vedic religion, and others were popular cults, which became associated with the more sophisticated religion.

The successful attack of few sects on Vedic sacrifices and beliefs strengthened the trend of monotheistic thinking in Vedic teaching, which trend had originated in the philosophy of the Upanishads with its concept of the Absolute or the universal Soul. This concept also resulted in the idea of the trinity of gods at this time, with Brahma as the Creator, Vishnu as the Preserver, and Shiva as the god who eventually destroys the universe when it is evil-ridden.

This concept was associated with the cyclical conception of nature where creation, preservation, and destruction were seen as the natural order of things. Of the three gods, Vishnu and Shiva gained a vast following and through ensuing centuries the Vaishnavas and the Shaivas two main sects of Hinduism, each believing that its God represented the Absolute.

Brahma created the world, upon which Vishnu, who been sleeping in the Sheer Sagar (ocean) on the coils of the thousand headed snake (Shesh Naag), awoke. Vishnu took up residence in the highest of the heavens from where he observes the universe, and at times when the evil is rampant, he assumes various forms or incarnations and enters the world of men in order to save them from evil.

He is believed to have manifested himself in nine incarnations so far, the last being that of the Buddha. The tenth and final incarnation has yet to come and on this occasion he will come in the form of Kalkin Avataar riding a white horse, which suggests a connection with the idea of the coming of the Maitreya Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism.

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