Brahma is responsible for creation and the four Vedas. Vishnu maintains order as the preserver. Shiva brings destruction and change, often depicted with snakes and multiple weapons. Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, known for his flute playing and childhood romance. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and beauty, often seen massaging Vishnu's feet. The gods impact Hindu literature by serving as aids to heroes and making plots more interesting, as seen in epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.