Introduction to Hindu Deities

Hindu Deities

• The term "Deity" in Hinduism encompasses a diverse range of gods and goddesses within its various traditions.
• Hindus can hold various beliefs, including polytheism, pantheism, monotheism, monism, agnosticism, atheism, or humanism.
• Deities are referred to using various terms and epithets, including Deva, Devi, Ishvara, Ishvari, Bhagavān, and Bhagavati.
• The concept of Hindu deities has evolved throughout history, from the Vedic era (2nd millennium BCE) to the medieval era (1st millennium CE), and continues to evolve across regions and diverse traditions in Nepal, Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
• The number of deities varies widely, ranging from thirty-three in the Vedas to hundreds in the Puranas.
• Major deities include Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Parvati, Brahma, and Saraswati.
• These deities possess distinct and complex personalities but are often considered aspects of the same Ultimate Reality called Brahman.
• The concept of the equivalence of deities has been cherished throughout Hindu history, with depictions like Harihara (Half Vishnu, Half Shiva) and Ardhanārīshvara (half Shiva, half Parvati) symbolizing their unity.
• Major deities have inspired distinct Hindu traditions, including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, yet share common mythology, ritual practices, theosophy, value systems, and polycentrism.
• Some traditions like Smartism (mid 1st millennium CE) view multiple deities as henotheistic manifestations of Saguna Brahman, a path to realizing Nirguna Brahman.
• In Samkhya philosophy, Devata (deities) are considered "natural sources of energy" dominated by the Sattva Guna.
• Hindu deities are represented through sculptures, paintings, and other forms called Murtis and Pratimas.
• Some traditions, like ancient Charvakas, rejected deities and gods entirely, while 19th-century movements like the Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj adopted monotheistic concepts similar to Abrahamic religions.
• Hindu deities have been adopted by other religions, such as Jainism, and in regions outside of India, including Thailand and Japan, where they are venerated in temples and art.
• Ancient and medieval texts describe the human body as a temple containing deities, and Brahman (Absolute Reality) is considered the same or similar to Atman (Self), which Hindus believe to be eternal and present in all living beings.

Explore the fascinating world of Hindu deities in this quiz. From the diverse beliefs surrounding deities to their significance in various traditions, this quiz covers major gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, and Lakshmi. Learn about the evolution of these divine figures throughout history and their role in Hindu philosophy.