What makes Hindu gods and goddesses so influential in millions of lives?
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion and tradition spanning thousands of years. Its unique attributes, stories, texts, and symbolism date back to even before the birth of Christianity. Hinduism believes in the existence of one supreme reality, Brahman. Brahman is believed to be formless and beyond human comprehension. In this hustle and bustle of this modern life, spirituality can be a great way to escape this busy world. Learning about Hinduism and its deities can be the best way to start your spiritual journey. Even the world’s well-known religions like Buddhism Jainism Sikhism and Ayyavazhi originated from Hinduism.
Hinduism has an endless number of gods and goddesses. Some communities might have their local deities and traditions. Well, Hinduism is a bit complex but the fact is whatever deity you believe or worship must make you satisfied and happy. People tend to believe in gods according to their personal preferences and family traditions.
List of Hindu gods
| Diety | Significance |
| Brahma | He has 4 faces that represent the four Vedas. |
| Vishnu | He maintained cosmic order by taking various incarnations |
| Shiva | He was a destroyer and transformer. |
| Krishna | He was an incarnation of lord Vishnu and is known for his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. |
| Lakshmi | A goddess is known for wealth, prosperity, and fortune. |
Brahma
Brahma has 4 faces each facing a cardinal direction and signifies 4 Vedas or his all-encompassing knowledge. He is not widely and regularly worshipped like Lord Vishnu and Shiva because there are several myths and stories associated with him.
Vishnu
Almost every sacred Hindu text, Vedas, Upanishads, and Purana mentions the significance of Lord Vishnu and he is also widely worshipped because of the great reverence and devotion by millions of followers. He is the supreme deity of Vaishnavism which is one of the major traditions within Hinduism.
He is represented with his four arms holding symbolic objects like a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Shiva
He is regarded as one of the principal deities of Hinduism and is widely known as Mahadeva and Nataraja. He destroys the universe and paves the way for its recreation and that’s why he is referred a destroyer and a transformer. Lord Shiva is often associated with yogic practices, meditation, and a profound connection to the spiritual world.
Krishna
He was the eighth incarnation of lord Vishnu he is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Lord Krishna has many legendary stories and has done many miracles. He was the main essence of the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagwat Gita mentions him as a charioteer and advisor his teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield are even studied today his verses had a very great and deep meaning. His life and teachings gave influence and direction to millions of people worldwide.
Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi was a divine embodiment of wealth, both material and spiritual. She is often represented as a beautiful woman wearing luxurious clothing and jewellery and is either sitting or standing on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity, transcendence, and divine beauty. She holds great significance during the festival of Diwali. People clean their houses and then decorate them with lights, lamps, and candles, and perform prayers because they believe that the goddesses going to come and their families.
Significance of Hindu Gods in Modern Society
Apart from providing glory to art, literature, dance, and music Hindu gods and gods have completely changed the view of an ordinary man. Every Hindu god and goddess teaching has given a source of guidance, inspiration, and comfort, providing devotees with a sense of purpose and direction. All of the festivals have no meaning without them. Their blessings, knowledge, prosperity, and protection are why people are fostering a deep connection with humanity
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