Hinduism and the Hindu Deities

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Rae SchwarzBellaOnline's Pagan Editor

 

 

 

Hinduism and the Hindu Deities

 

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with somewhere along the lines of 750 million followers. It evolved over thousands of years, starting somewhere around 4000 BCE. Different cultural influences came together as tribes moved down from Europe into Northern India, combining with the practices of the native inhabitants. There is no one defining text that Hinduism is based on, and many sects and variations continue to flourish to this day.Theologians argue about how to define Hinduism. Some say it is polytheistic (many gods) whereas others say it is monotheistic, as the universe is viewed as one divine entity called Brahman. Perhaps a more accurate term is “henotheistic” which means there is one supreme Godhead, and that all the other deities are viewed as aspects of this one being.Reincarnation is a core belief in Hinduism. It is believed that human souls go through cycles of life, death and rebirth as we evolve spiritually.

Actions of good and bad are called “karma” and are considered to have an effect on what your next life might be. The goal is to grow in enlightenment, through pure thoughts and deeds, so that the soul can be freed of this cycle.The main deity of Hinduism is viewed as being a tri-fold god. Each aspect also has a goddess consort who is his partner and who contributes to his power.

 

Brahma - the Creator, the universe. He is depicted with four heads (one for each direction of the world) and hands. His consort is Sarasvati.

Vishnu - the Preserver, also referred to as Krishna. He appears with blue skin and four hands. His consort is Lakshmi. Vaishnavaism refers to Hindus who follow this god as their primary deity.

Shiva - the Destroyer, he is viewed as being both destructive and creative. He is most often shown meditating, holding a trident in one hand. His consort is Durga. Shivaism refers to those who worship Shiva as the dominant deity.There are many gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Some practitioners worship many of them, and some people devote themselves to just a single deity. Nearly all have multiple aspects and names. Some of the most prominent deities are

 

Durga - wife of Shiva, also called Shakti or Parvati. She and Shiva are the parents of Ganesha. She rides on a lion.

Ganesha - God of Knowledge, Remover of Obstacles. He is depicted with the head of an elephant.

Ganga - this goddess is a representation of the river Ganges, and is shown riding a crocodile.

Gauri - Goddess of Purity and Austerity. She is often worshipped by unmarried women.

Hanuman - God of Intellect, Courage and Hope. He is depicted as a monkey.

Kali - Goddess of Destruction. The fiercest aspect of the goddess Durga.

Lakshmi - Goddess of Prosperity, Purity and Generosity. Her palm is always extended to bless people.

Rama - He is viewed as a hero god, who destroys evil and preserves families. He always carries a bow and arrow.

Sarasvati - Goddess of Speech, Wisdom and Learning. She rides a goose and is dressed in white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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