Hindu Deities
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.10
Hindu Deities
Deities and Brahman
- Hindus worship many gods and goddesses, known as deities.
- Each deity shows a different part of the divine. For example, love, strength, or wisdom.
- The deities are expressions of the one ultimate reality: Brahman.
- Brahman is infinite and formless, but appears in many ways that people can understand.
- Hindus worship in different ways, but believe in one divine truth.
Monotheism, Polytheism, and Pantheism
- Hindu Dharma accepts many ways of understanding God.
- Some Hindus see their faith as monotheistic. This means they believe in one supreme God (Brahman).
- Others see it as polytheistic. This means they worship many gods and goddesses.
- Others see it as pantheistic. This means God is present in every person, animal, and nature.
- Many Hindus think all ideas fit together: one divine reality with many forms.
Unity in diversity
- There is unity in diversity.
- Many paths, but all leading to the same truth.
- Hindu Dharma teaches respect for all beliefs and ways of worship.
- It is a flexible and open religion that welcomes different understandings of God.
Examples of Hindu Deities
Brahman does not have a body. The main deities of Hinduism have specific roles and personalities. They are often represented in images.
Shiva
- Shiva is the Supreme Being in Shaivism.
- The followers of Shaivism regard Shiva as the god who destroys what is imperfect, so there can be renewal.
- Lots of images of Shiva show him as the Lord of the Dance because dancing symbolises balance.
- Sometimes he is a yogi, in meditation.
Vishnu
- Vishnu is the Supreme Being in Vaishnavism.
- Vishnu is the protector of the universe. He represents the idea of goodness and preservation.
- Vishnu is often represented in Hindu iconography as a bejewelled man.
- Sometimes with blue skin and four arms.
- He may hold a flower as a symbol of purity.
- Hindus believe that he has been incarnated as figures who fight against evil.
- Most notably as Krishna and Rama, who are often represented in art.
Ganesh
- Ganesh (or Ganesha) takes the form of a man with the head of an elephant.
- He is the Lord of Good Fortune and is believed to bring prosperity.
- He often has many arms. Each arm carries an item of symbolic importance.
- This could be sweets, symbolising the reward of a good life.
- Or a lotus flower, which symbolises enlightenment.
Test yourself on Hindu Deities
What do all Hindu gods and goddesses represent?
Select the correct options about Hindu beliefs.
Which Hindu deity takes the form of a man with the head of an elephant?
What items with symbolic importance is Ganesh often shown holding?