Hinduism: Many Gods, One Essence

Hinduism is considered a polytheistic religion because it worships 330 million gods.

Hindus believe that the 330 million deities are separate and independent from each other.

The concept of Brahman is a recent development in Hinduism.

Hindus believe that reality is multiple and fragmented.

The story of the 93-year-old man who documented 330 million deities is a myth.

Brahman is described as changing and finite in Hindu scriptures.

The concept of Trimurti in Hinduism involves three main deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Brahma and Brahman are the same entity in Hindu belief.

Hindus believe in many gods but consider there to be one essence behind those deities.

The Puranas claim that Vishnu was created by Shiva.

Hindu Concept of the Sacred

Hinduism is both theistic (believes in deities) and monistic (believes in one ultimate source)
This concept is often misunderstood, leading to questions about whether Hinduism is monotheistic or polytheistic
Hinduism can be considered monotheistic because it believes in one supreme God, Brahman
However, Hindus worship multiple deities, which can be seen as polytheistic

Many Deities, One Essence

There are approximately 330 million deities in Hinduism
Despite this, Hindus believe in one supreme God, Brahman, who can be worshiped in many different forms and persons, called avatars
These forms, known as devas or deities, are not the same as Brahman, but rather different aspects of the one God
This concept is reflected in the Hindu view of reality, which believes that there is one reality with many different sides and forms

Brahman

Brahman is the supreme God in Hinduism, considered unchanging and infinite
Brahman is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, and indescribable
Brahman is the divine ground of all matter in the universe and beyond
Brahman is genderless and cannot be seen by the eye

Creation and the Trimurti

According to ancient Hindu tales, Brahman created Shiva, who then created Vishnu, and from Vishnu's navel, Brahma (not to be confused with Brahman) emerged
These three deities form the Trimurti, the cosmic function of creation, maintenance, and destruction personified

Explore the complex concept of the sacred in Hinduism, where theistic and monistic beliefs coexist. Delve into the monotheistic aspects and the worshipping of different deities.