Polytheism
Hinduism is a unique religion in that it is a polytheistic faith, rather than monotheistic, in the way that Christianity, Judaism and Islam are. This means that Hindus believe in and worship multiple gods and deities, which form a vast and complex pantheon of gods which can range from one to a thousand depending on the region from which the Hindu tradition is from.
In Hinduism, there are a variety of gods, with the three most powerful being Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who together make up the Tridev, or “Holy Trinity.” These gods are revered and worshipped by Hindus, who may pray to one or all three, depending on their individual traditions.
In addition to Brahman, Vishnu, and Shiva there are many other gods in the Hindu pantheon such as Hanuman, the monkey god; Kali, the goddess of death and destruction; Ganesh, the god of good luck and beginnings; Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune; and Indra, the king of the gods. These gods are respected and worshipped by Hindus around the world, who view each as having his or her own unique significance and power.
Some Hindus may also worship local gods, such as those of the regional patron deity, or the spirits of the land, rivers, trees, and mountains. Worship takes a variety of forms, from the chanting of mantras and the offering of flowers and food to the gods, to elaborate temple ceremonies and processions.
Although worship may take different forms, Hindus believe that there is One Ultimate Power, Brahman, which is the source of all existence. In this sense, all gods are merely manifestations of Brahman, who exist to bring spiritual awareness and enlightenment to humanity. Some Hindus also believe that all souls on the planet are part of this One Power, and as such, all gods and goddesses, no matter what pantheon they are from, are intrinsically connected.
Ahimsa
In Hinduism, ahimsa, or “non-violence” also plays an important role in the practice of worship. Hindus believe that all living creatures, no matter what form, are all part of the same One Ultimate Power, and as such, treating other beings with kindness is essential. As such, the practice of ahimsa is considered a fundamental tenant of the Hindu religion, and a necessary part of one’s spiritual practice.
The practice of nonviolence is so central to the Hindu faith that some Hindu denominations, such as Jainism, take the practice a step further, and believe it imperative to abstain from harming not only living creatures, but all forms of life, and as such are strict vegetarians, even abstaining from the consumption of dairy products. Others, like Buddhism, adhere to the same principle and practice nonviolence in the form of abstaining from killing or harming any living creature.
Practicing nonviolence is a way to show respect and reverence to all living beings, and to understand that everything, from the gods to humans, animals and plants, are all part of the same One Ultimate Power. It is a way to show humility and reverence to the divine and to create a reverence for all of creation.
Contemporary Practices
In the modern world, many Hindus still adhere to the traditional practices of respect and veneration of the different gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon, though some may reserve their main devotion for a single god or goddess. Others may practice a more generalized form of worship, honoring all of the gods and goddesses in the pantheon. Each individual’s approach to Hinduism is unique and personal.
Some Hindus in the contemporary world may also look to deities from other religious backgrounds, such as Jesus or Buddha, and seek to incorporate this into their own religious practice. Despite their different backgrounds and stories, Hindus view these gods as simply different manifestations of the same One Ultimate Power, Brahman.
In some cases, Hindus may even venerate the gods and goddesses of those around them, such as the gods of a foreign country, or those of a local faith, such as the gods of the indigenous people of the region. This is because although many gods and goddesses have been given different names and forms, ultimately they are all expressions of the same One Ultimate Power, Brahman.
Festival Celebrations
Hinduism is also an important part of Indian culture and many festivals and celebrations are held in honor of the gods and goddesses. These include festivals such as the nine-day long Navaratri, the harvest festival of Pongal and of course, the world-famous festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
These festivals are a way for Hindus to celebrate the power and presence of the divine in their lives, to show respect and revere the gods and goddesses, and to share their joy and reverence with their communities.
At these festivals, Hindus may practice puja, or the ritual of worship, where offerings are made of flowers and food to the gods and goddesses. They may also practice bhajan, or devotional music, sing sacred hymns, and do devotional dancing and traditional dances. The festivals also involve the exchange of gifts, the sharing of food, and the burning of candles and diyas as a symbol of light in darkness.
Yagnas and Ritual Ceremonies
Other than festivals, Hindu communities may practice yagas or ritual ceremonies to honor the gods and goddesses. These ceremonies involve rituals such as the sharing of offerings, the chanting of mantras and prayers, and the burning of incense. Some yagas may also involve sacrificing animals and birds, though this is not always the case.
Yagnas are performed to gain the blessings of the gods and goddesses and to thank them for their presence in one’s life. They may also be used as a form of penance for one’s wrongdoings or a way to ask for forgiveness for any past misdeeds.
The rituals involved in yagna ceremonies vary greatly depending on the tradition, but all involve the chanting of mantras and the burning of incense and other offerings. The goal of these ceremonies is to draw the presence of the gods and to respect and appreciate them for their presence in one’s life.
Significance
By worshipping the gods and goddesses, Hindus remind themselves of the power of the divine in their lives and of their connection to the One Ultimate Power. It is believed that by showing respect and reverence to the gods and goddesses, Hindus can better cultivate a spirit of compassion, understanding and respect for all life as well as a deep sense of reverence for the divine.
Furthermore, Hindus believe that by worshipping multiple gods and goddesses, they are reminded of the interconnectedness of all parts of the Universe and of the importance of respecting the diversity of all religions and of showing respect and compassion to those with different beliefs.
Overall, the practice of worshipping multiple gods and goddesses is an integral part of Hinduism and is seen as a way of nurturing a deep connection to the divine and of promoting peace, love and understanding between people of different religions and cultures.
