Revered Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and is the third most popular. It has evolved over thousands of years and is one of the most complex belief systems out there. This article will introduce essential elements of Hinduism, and focus primarily on the most revered gods and goddesses of Hinduism.
Hinduism, believed to have originated in the Indus Valley civilization (around 3300-1500 BCE), has no single founder, rather it is a collection of religious, spiritual and philosophical teachings that were written in a spiritual text called the Vedas.
Hinduism is polytheistic, meaning those who practice this faith revere multiple gods and goddesses who each offer protection, favor and health in all areas of life: health, wealth, romance, business, areas of education and more.
Among the most powerful, omniscient and benevolent gods of Hinduism are: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.
Vishnu is the preserver of the universe. He also known as the protector god, Vishnu will occasionally reincarnate himself in human form in order to restore balance in the world. He is depicted with four arms, and with a blue-purple complexion.
Shiva is the destroyer of evil and animalistic tendencies in us. He is associated with transformation, as well as with yoga, meditation, and asceticism. Shiva is pictured with three eyes, smeared with ash, wearing a tiger skin and bearing a trident.
Brahma is the creator of the universe. He is said to be a figure of immense knowledge and has four heads each of which represents one direction of the space. He is normally presented seated on a lotus flower.
These three gods make up The Trimurti (a group of three major Hindu gods), but Hinduism also has many other gods and goddesses that are worshipped and revered, such as Ganesha, Krishna, Durga, and Rama.
The Hinduism Pantheon
The Indian pantheon includes 33 gods and goddesses that range from the divine, the philosophic, rogues, minor gods, goblins, and gnomes. While some are unknown to the world outside Indian culture, some Hindu divine aspects have achieved well-known status.
Hindu gods not only have unparalleled powers, but are also worshipped for moral values, excellence and their spirit of selfless service to mankind. They are composed of elements similar to humans such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and even making mistakes.
Each Hindu god signifies and symbolizes an attribute or element essential to life. Examples include transition, growth, and renewal (Kali), healing (Dhanvantari), fertility and growth (Ganesha), and the moon (Chandra).
The gods are also symbols of moral forces and are guides to reward good behavior, and to punish evil behavior. It is a belief in Hinduism that persons devoted to them will one day be blessed with sympathetic gods, rewarding both good and bad deeds.
Hindu gods offer protection on life’s journey, and provide guidance throughout times of transition and personal evolution. They are a source of inspiration, guidance and hope for many who come from various backgrounds and faiths.
Variations of Hinduism
Although Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, there are several sects that feature devotionalism towards a particular god or goddess. Vaishnavism, for example, is a sect dedicated to Vishnu and his many forms, such as Rama and Krishna, who are considered part of the larger Vishnu pantheon.
The followers of Shiva are known as Shaivism, and those who are devoted to Shakti, the goddess personifying energy, are called Shaktism.
The emphasis of each particular sect is distinct and their rituals may differ but their core beliefs remain the same.
Different Hindu sects may also focus on different aspects of the gods and goddesses they venerate. The followers of Vishnu worship him as the “Preserver” of the Universe, while the followers of Shiva revere him as a “Destroyer” of evil.
The followers of Durga, for example, venerate her as a warrior goddess, who is powerful and fierce, in her fight against evil. Other Hindus view her as a symbol of purity and fertility.
Worship and Celebration
Worship of Hindu gods takes numerous forms, such as pooja rituals, devotional singing, and chanting of mantras. Offerings are made often, such as food, incense and flowers, as an incarnation of the god or goddess being venerated.
Festivals dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses are recognized widely in India and by adherents of Hinduism throughout the world, such as the popular Holi, Dusshera, Deepavali and Diwali festivals. These joyful occasions celebrate good triumphing over evil, nature’s bounties, knowledge and wisdom.
Hindu festivals are major occasions of jubilation and joy, as many Hindu gods and goddesses are closely associated with prosperity, abundance, and a good quality of life. They also provide a powerful means of connecting to spiritual teachings and enlightenment.
The color, rituals, customs and the exuberance of Hindu festivals serve to bring people together and remind them of their duties and obligations to their divine benefactors. It is through these annual festivals that the importance of Hindu gods and goddesses are celebrated.
Rituals in Hinduism
Rituals and traditions play a major role in Hinduism. Hindus do not believe in rigid religious rules but that rituals bring about a sense of connection with the divine. Many rituals involve devotion to the gods and goddesses, such as praying and offering flowers and food in their honor.
Rituals also play an important role in a person’s life, such as marriage ceremonies and birth rituals. Other rituals include taking part in yagnas (fire ceremonies) with the aim of attaining “posho” or peace, chanting ancient mantras, performing aartis (ritualistic worship with lights, incense, and flowers), and offering donations.
Rituals are believed to bring clarity, peace of mind, and relief from suffering. Through these rituals, Hindus manifest the divine power, which will ultimately dissolve the limited self into spiritual oneness.
Rituals offer a way to celebrate life and to mark special occasions. Hindus believe that devotional practices lead to higher knowledge and insight, and ultimately, a liberation from the cycle of life and death.
The Significance of Hinduism Gods and Goddesses
Hindu gods and goddesses have been part of the Indic cultural tradition and mythology for centuries, offering Hindu devotees security and protection in all of life’s phases.
The gods and goddesses of Hinduism offer insight into what it takes to live an ethical and moral life and the importance of striving for knowledge and understanding, in addition to an understanding of our place within the universe and the power of the divine within us.
The gods also offer an opportunity for contemplating life and morality, as well as a connection to richer spiritual beliefs and spiritual growth.
Hindu gods and goddesses have been revered for centuries and their influence will continue to live on for centuries to come. In Hinduism, the gods and goddesses help devotees learn and understand the true meaning of life and the importance of living it to its fullest.
