Hindu gods
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The document provides an overview of Hinduism, including its major gods and goddesses like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Rama, Ganesha, Devi, Durga, Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. It also discusses some key concepts in Hinduism such as Atman, Maya, Karma, Samsara and Moksha. Additionally, it briefly mentions the sacred texts of Hinduism including the Vedas and references sources for further information.
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Hindu gods
- 1. Hinduism
- 2. Hinduism Brief overview of Hinduism
- 3. The Hindu Gods The Gods & Goddesses
- 8. Goddess Kali
- 9. Sacred Texts of Hinduism • Vedas • Rig Veda • Yajur Veda • Sama Veda • Atharva Veda
- 10. Concepts of Hinduism • Atman • Maya • Karma • Samsara • Moksha
- 11. Additional Information • Social Classes • Stages of Life
- 12. References 10 Amazing Hindu Temples. (n.d.). Retrieved from Touropia.com: http://www.touropia.com/amazing-hindu-temples/ Brahma. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma Cartwright, M. (2013, 06 21). Kali - Ancient History. Retrieved from Aincent.eu: http://www.ancient.eu/Kali/ Devi. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi Durga. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga Ganesha. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha Hindu Dharma. (n.d.). Retrieved from Veda.Wikidot.com: http://veda.wikidot.com/hinduism Kali. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali Krishna. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna Marchand, P. (n.d.). Hindu Goddess Kali. Retrieved from Sanatan Society: http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/kali.htm#.Vtx_PVUrK00 Rama. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama Sarsawati. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saraswati Shiva. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva Toh, K. G. (n.d.). World Cloud Concept Illustration of Hinduism. Retrieved from Shutterstock.com: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=48031666&src=id Violatti, C. (2013, 05 11). Hinduism. Retrieved from Ancient.eu: http://www.ancient.eu/hinduism/ Violatti, C. (2013, 01 18). The Vedas. Retrieved from Aincent.eu: http://www.ancient.eu/The_Vedas/ Vishnu. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu
Editor's Notes
- Hinduism Hinduism is often considered a religion but is actually more of a “vast and complex socio-religious body which reflects the complexity of Indian Society”. Made up of no one single founder, belief system or specific point in time, it contains varying interpretations, beliefs, philosophies and viewpoints which do not always find a common ground agreement with the masses. Little is known about the Hindu religion beyond the Vedas. Some say that it is “a mistake to reduce all Hinduism to Vedic Religion” as many other non Vedic religions existed in early Hinduism which have left no early references that can be verified to some extent by archeological significance. The belief that “more is better than one” it is a religion for the masses. It allows for individuals to worship a specific God or Goddess which it most closely relates rather than following one ideology. More freeing and with more options that historical religions such as Judaism or Catholicism it focuses on the desires of the people and the Gods/Goddesses they wish to follow.
- Brahma Known as the “God of Creation”, he has four faces looking in four different directions. Known as the creator of the four Vedas (represented by each of his four mouths). Considered the creator of the universe, however no longer popular in modern worship. Vishnu Known as the “God of Preservation”, he is a supreme god. Considered one of five forms of god, he carries a lotus flower in his lower left hand, mace in his right lower hand, a conch shell in his upper left hand and a discus weapon in his upper right hand for protection and perseverance. Shiva Known as the “God of Destruction and Re-creation”, he is considered an omnipresence with neither a life or death being recorded. He is further considered one of five major gods and one of the three major gods of Hinduism. He is often viewed with a third eye on his forehead, a snake around his neck, a crescent moon and a river ganga flowing from his unkept coif. He is further adorned with a weapon and a musical instrument.
- Rama Feminine in his appearance, he is considered a central figure of the Hindu epic “Ramayna”. His wife, Sita, is considered the embodiment of perfection. To some he is an avatar of Vishnu and in more circles, he is considered a prime being. Ganesha Ganesha is the most well known and highest worshipped of the gods. Easily identified because of his elephant head, he is considered a remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the “deva” of intellect & wisdom. Further considered the god of beginnings, he was included among the five gods in the 9th century and is still revered today.
- Devi Known as the “heavenly divine” with concepts of existence appearing in the 2nd millennium B.C. She is the strongest divine feminine presence known throughout Hinduism. Her name, Devi, comes from French origins meaning “divine”. She is a central figure throughout religion. Durga Durga is a principle form of goddess considered a primary root of creation, preservation and annihilation. She manifests herself to overcome evil and obstacles. Lakshmi Lakshmi is considered the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity – both spiritual and physical. She has four hands (much like other goddesses possessing multiple arms) which represent the “four goals of human life considered important to the Hindu way of life”. She was first revered by the faith in the first millennium B.C.
- Kali Kali, the goddess of creation is associated with empowerment. Literal translation of her name means “black one” and “force of time”. She is one of the goddesses worshipped as a Brahma. Sarswati Sarswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, music, wisdom and learning is part of the trinity of Brahma, Vishru and Shiva who maintain and regenerate (recycle) the universe and respectively. She is commonly found outside Hindu faith in India and has been revered worldwide. Krishna Krishna, a goddess who is worshipped across many tradition, is one of the most revered and popular gods to date. She appears in many ways due to her widespread popularity across the faiths.
- The Goddess Kali Kali, revered as the most “ferocious form of divine mother” is an interpretation and rebirth of Parvati, wife of god Shiva. She is fiercely represented through her appearance and physical appearance. Often portrayed as a fighting figure wearing a necklace of heads, a “lolling” tongue, carrying a knife dripping with blood, a shirt made of arm or children’s heads of the slayed evil. Revered as the slayer of demons, she is said to have conquered three worlds (both celestial and astral planes). Referred to as the first born and feared by many for her legiance. Kali is said to devour all things and be irresistibly attractive to mortals and gods alike and is referred to in later traditions as the “benevolence of a mother goddess”. In Assam, Kerala, Kashmir and Bengal, a yearly festival of Kali Puja worshipping Kali is held on the new moon in the Kaleighat Temple in Calcutta. In modern terms, Kali would be equivalent of a supermodel and serial killer or religious zealot wrapped into one person. She would maintain her feared status and followers and become a major threat to a way of life unlike her own. She may even reach a level of status equal to that of a terrorist with her wrath and reputation.
- Vedas There are four “Vedas” or sacred text collections within the Hindu faith. Vedas when translated means “knowledge” or “sacred love”. This collection of Hymns and religious texts was composed between 1500 and 1000 B.C. in India. While origin of the Vedas cannot be traced to an exact date, it is estimated that they track back around 1500 BCE when the Aryans (a group of nomads) migrated into the Indian subcontinent. The language of the Vedas is Sandskrit which is a base (or ancestor) of modern languages spoken today in Southeast Asia. Beyond the exact date of the origins, the authors of the texts have no exact authors but the Vedas are based on ideas rather than on the authors. This allowed for the review of the text and ideas rather than the agenda of the author or the reputations of the authors. By way of comparisons, the Vedas would be the equivalent of the ancient scrolls which the catholic faith is based. It could also be compared to the bibles of catholic faith as the bibles were meant as interpretations of their dealings with Jesus and were truly based on opinions of the writers which varied by person. Rig Veda The Rig Veda translates to “Hymn Knowledge” and is a collection of over 1,000 chants to Aryan gods. It is regarded as the most important of all Vedas and has an account of origin relating to the beginning of the universe. Yajur Veda Yajur Veda “Ceremonial Knowledge” contains information for use when reciting during sacrifice. Sama Veda Sama Veda “Chant Knowledge” is a handbook (of sorts) of musical basis used during Vedic chants. Atharva Veda Atharva Veda “Knowledge from (the teacher) Atharva” is a collection of practical prayers and chants to protect against evil things (such as snakes and sickness)
- Atman The Atman is a notion related to that of the Brahman and considered in the same high regard in terms of Upanishads. It is sometimes translated as “Self” or “Soul”. It refers to the experience of the “sacred within oneself”. Maya The Maya or “Illusion” root suggests an illusion and mystery. Further, it suggests that all reality is Maya and that all would exist but not in the way assumed by the masses. Karma Karma is a hind notion of rebirth and presumes that all humans have lived at lower forms in previous life. Additionally, it is based on the presence that you get in your next life what you gave in your previous one. Samsara Samsara refers to “the wheel of life” and the circle of constant rebirth. Similar in theory to Karma in its belief of rebirth and new beginnings. Moksha Moksha – “Freedom” or “Liberation”. This is the ultimate human goal of spiritual and physical happiness and well being.
- Social Classes There are five main social classes within the Hindu faith. They are Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishays, Shudra and Untouchables. Brahman Priests. Performs rituals and acts as counsel to those who seek his guidance. Kshatriya The warrior nobles or protectors who guar society. This is a mark of aristocracy. Vaishayas Merchants, landowners, money lenders and the occasional artisans fall into this category. Males of the 3 upper classes (Brahman, Kshatriva, Vishayas) are recipients of a sacred cord during a ceremony during their youth and after they reach this status which is often called “twice born”. Shudra Manual laborers all fall into this class. They are generally required to serve the upper castes of society in a servant capacity. Untouchables “Dalit” by definition. This class of citizen typically does the dirtiest work. From digging trenches, ditches, sewage, etc., they are at the bottom of the rung socially speaking. Stages of Life There are four stages of life within the Hindu faith. These stages include Student, Householder, Retiree and Renunciate. Student The first stage of life, this time is spent laying a religious foundation for life. Participants are required to remain celibate from ages 8-20 as a necessary part of their training. Householder Through marriage (which is typically arranged through parents), it occurs at approximately age 20. A person is expected to fill the demand of society at this time by reproducing and raising children. Retiree When grandchildren arrive, one is transformed from a Householder to a Retiree by tradition. Renunciate By entering this final stage following that of a Retiree, one is considered to have completed the Stages of Life and may retire to an Ashram (religious community) to live out the remainder of their life as a person of devout faith.