Hindu deities

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জী. ডি. ব্লক সল্টলেক দূর্গা পুজো ২০১৮

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Seal Surin

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Surya Majapahit Diagram

Sriyantra

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Six Hinduism deities. Surya, Parvati, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Indra. All of them came from India, except Vishnu (from the Thai-Cambodian border). Various eras. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Hindu deities are the gods and goddesses worshipped in Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in the Indian subcontinent. These deities are a significant part of Hindu mythology and are revered in various forms, manifestations, and aspects. The pantheon of Hindu gods is vast, with each deity embodying different aspects of life, from creation and preservation to destruction.

Overview

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses. Its deities are worshipped in many forms and are believed to reside in a celestial realm, influencing the universe and the lives of people. The worship practices, icons, and rituals associated with each deity vary widely among different regions, communities, and individuals within Hinduism.

Major Deities

The Hindu pantheon consists of a myriad of gods and goddesses, but there are three principal deities known as the Trimurti:

• Brahma: The god of creation, Brahma is often depicted with four faces, each looking in a different direction. He is considered the source of all knowledge and the creator of the universe.
• Vishnu: Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, who incarnates on Earth to restore cosmic order whenever it is threatened by evil. His ten avatars, including Rama and Krishna, are widely worshipped.
• Shiva: Shiva is the destroyer or transformer, playing a crucial role in the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. He is worshipped in both benevolent and fearsome aspects.

In addition to the Trimurti, other major deities include:

• Devi: Also known as the Great Goddess, Devi manifests in various forms, including Durga, Parvati, and Kali, representing the feminine energy of the universe.
• Ganesha: The elephant-headed god, son of Shiva and Parvati, is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
• Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning, Saraswati is worshipped by students and scholars alike.
• Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, both material and spiritual, Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu.
• Hanuman: A devotee of Rama, Hanuman is worshipped for his unwavering faith, strength, and devotion.

Worship and Rituals

Hindu deities are worshipped through a variety of rituals, including daily prayers (Puja), recitation of scriptures, singing of hymns (Bhajans), and participation in festivals. Each deity has specific festivals associated with them, such as Diwali for Lakshmi, Navaratri for Durga, and Janmashtami for Krishna. Temples dedicated to various deities are centers of worship and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from across the world.

Philosophy and Beliefs

The worship of Hindu deities is deeply intertwined with Hindu philosophy, which encompasses a wide range of beliefs about the nature of reality, the self, and the universe. Key concepts include Dharma (righteous living), Karma (the law of cause and effect), Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth), and Bhakti (devotion to a personal god).

Conclusion

The pantheon of Hindu deities represents the rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and philosophical ideas that constitute Hinduism. These deities, with their diverse forms and stories, not only embody the spiritual heritage of Hinduism but also serve as symbols of the universal principles of creation, preservation, and transformation.