The Trimurti is a concept in Hinduism in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and Shiva the destroyer or transformer. These three deities have been called the Hindu triad or the Great Trinity. However, the ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism feature many triads of gods and goddesses, some of which do not include Shiva.