Hindu gods facts for kids

Shiva, one of the three gods of creation

The concept of God or Goddess in Hinduism is different from that of monotheistic religions. The Gods of most cultures in Asia are icons of excellence to be emulated. Each represents a strength of human character. Yet, they are not absolutes and may be questioned.

Supreme divine power in Hinduism is Para Brahman. It is formless and gives life to all things. Different forms of supreme Brahman (called Avatars) are worshipped by various Hindu sects.

The unique understanding in Hinduism is that God is not far away, living in a remote heaven, but is all-pervasive and energizes the entire universe. He is also inside each soul, waiting to be discovered. Knowing the one Supreme God in this intimate and experiential way is the goal of Hindu spirituality.

Supreme God

The three gods who started creation are Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva.

Shiva is the supreme God of Hinduism. Most Hindus worship him as the Supreme Being, though by different names. This is because the peoples of India with different languages and cultures have understood the one God in their own distinct way.

Regional and family traditions can play a large part in influencing this choice. Through history four principal Hindu denominations arose —Vaishnavism, Shaktism, Shaivism, and Smartism.

For Vaishnavites, God Vishnu is God Of Supreme, For Shaktas, Goddess Shakti is supreme, For Shaivites, God Shiva is Supreme. For Smartas—who see all Deities as reflections of the One God—the choice of Deity is left to the devotee.

Most Hindus worship some form of a personal aspect of God, although they believe in the more abstract concept of a Supreme God as well.

Other gods

Sarasvati, Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning

Hindus also believe in other deities. They are referred to as Deva (masculine) and Devi (feminine). The root of these terms means "heavenly, divine, anything of excellence".

Devas and Devis represent the forces of nature and some represent moral values (such as the Adityas, Varuna, and Mitra), each symbolizing the epitome of specialized knowledge, creative energy, exalted and magical powers (Siddhis).

Devas and devis should not be confused with the Supreme God. These deities have distinct personalities and powers, yet are often viewed as different aspects of Brahman. They are often represented in human form or partially human and partially animal forms. Sometimes they are also represented as non-living things and plants. In ancient and medieval era texts of Hinduism, the human body is described as a temple, and deities are described to be parts residing within it.

In Hinduism the scriptures recommend that for the satisfaction of a particular material desire a person may worship a particular deity. For example, shopkeepers frequently keep a statue or picture of the devi Lakshmi in their shops.

The most referred to Devas in the Rigveda are Indra, Agni (fire) and Soma, with "fire deity" called the friend of all humanity. Indra and Soma are two celebrated in a yajna fire ritual that marks major Hindu ceremonies. Savitr, Vishnu, Rudra (later given the exclusive epithet of Shiva), and Prajapati (later Brahma) are gods and hence Devas.

Devas constitute an integral part of the colorful Hindu culture. These various forms of God are represented in innumerable paintings, statues, murals, and scriptural stories that can be found in temples, homes, businesses, and other places.

Each denomination worships the Supreme God and its own set of divine beings.

Avatars of Hindu deities

Indian God-siva and vishnu in single form of Sivakesava

Hindu mythology has nurtured the concept of Avatar. Avatar is commonly translated as "incarnation" and represents the descent of a deity on earth.

The concept of Avatar is most developed in Vaishnavism tradition, and associated with Vishnu, particularly with Rama and Krishna. Vishnu takes numerous avatars in Hindu mythology. Various texts discuss the idea of Avatar of Vishnu appearing to restore the cosmic balance whenever the power of evil becomes excessive and causes persistent oppression in the world.

Temple and worship

Puja offerings - food and flowers, on top is a burning incense stick

In Hinduism, deities and their icons may be hosted in a Hindu temple, within a home or as an amulet. The worship performed by Hindus is known by a number of regional names, such as Puja.

The Puja practice is structured as an act of welcoming, hosting, honoring the deity of one's choice as one's honored guest, and remembering the spiritual and emotional significance the deity represents to the devotee.

Deity worship, visiting temples and Puja rites are not mandatory and is optional in Hinduism; it is the choice of a Hindu, it may be a routine daily affair for some Hindus, periodic ritual or infrequent for some.

Iconography

Hinduism has an ancient and extensive iconography tradition, particularly in the form of Murti. A Murti is itself not the god in Hinduism, but it is an image of god and represents emotional and religious value. Just like the photograph of a person is not the real person, a Murti is an image in Hinduism but not the real thing, but in both cases the image reminds of something of emotional and real value to the viewer. When a person worships a Murti, it is assumed to be a manifestation of the essence or spirit of the deity, the worshipper's spiritual ideas and needs are meditated through it.

A Murti of a Hindu deity is typically made by carving stone, wood working, metal casting or through pottery. Medieval era texts describe their proper proportions, positions and gestures. They are found in Hindu temples or homes, where they may be treated as a beloved guest and serve as a participant of Puja rituals in Hinduism.

Major regional and pan-Indian Hindu deities

See also

In Spanish: Divinidades hinduistas para niños

• Hindu denominations
• Hindu iconography
• Hindu mythology
• Puranas
• List of Hindu deities
• Rigvedic deities

Images for kids

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  This seated Brahma, with four faces and four arms, is cast in a single piece with solid arms and a hollow crown, head and body.

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  Sculpture of the god Skanda, from Kannauj, north India, circa 8th century.

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  The image of Durga in a small temple next to Rewalsar Lake, Himachal Pradesh, India in 2010

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  Lakshmi, Hindu goddess, as "Gajalakshmi" flanked by two elephants and joined by Sarasvati and her peacock