Hindu Gods and Goddesses

by Harshananda

This elegantly got up handy volume of a couple of hundred pages draws the reader into a fascinating labyrinth of symbols and mythology, philosophic speculation and spiritual insight. The author finds a successful clue to the understanding of the Hindu pantheon in the employment of symbolic interpretation. According to that clue, he elaborates the significance of divine figures and forms, ornaments and weapons, vehicles and retinue. He interprets the bewildering variety of Hindu gods on the principle that "the gods are doorways leading to one Godhead." One of the important features of the book is the copious illustrative sketches of the different gods, and goddesses; they are simple and graphic.

Genres: Hinduism, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

195 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1982

Reviews

[Harish Challapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its very tough to simplify all hindu gods and goddessess in a single book!! But the author had done a commendable job!! This book can be used as a basic source for non hindus to know about hindu gods and goddesses!
Being a hindu, I felt few concepts are explained in another way! I am not sure of those!! Need to confirm!!
On the whole its a great experience reading this book!!

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the Hindu faith: The significance of deity worship

In this book, entitled “Hindu Gods and Goddesses,” author Swami Harshanada, a disciple of the Ramakrishna Order elaborates and interprets the significance of the Hindu Gods & Goddesses. The apparent polytheistic nature of Hinduism and the unique style of deity worship are inherent in Indian traditions since Vedic times. The idea of polytheism is especially confusing for some followers of Hindu faith, and it is even more confounding to others since the Hindu practices are different. The vast collection Hindu scriptures, the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita, the Epics and the Puranas, with six schools of Hindu philosophy that provides a solid foundation for a belief system that is significantly different from Abrahamic religions. A proper understanding is required to comprehend the whole system into a simple working faith. In this regard, Swami Harshananda’s approach of explaining the deity worship and apparent polytheistic nature is commendable. Hinduism is actually the worship of One God in many forms, and the monotheistic nature of the faith is found in the concept of “Brahman,” in the holy scriptures of Gita and Upanishads. This idea is enumerated extensively in the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. It is disconcerting and even demeaning to the entire Hindu population to know that the Supreme Court of India concluded that Hinduism is not a religion, but “it’s a way of life.” It is incomprehensible that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees with this verdict. How can one come with such an erroneous conclusion? The gods of Hinduism are eternal, even though some of them are from the Vedas and some from Ithihasas (Epics) and Puranas. The Vedic god represent forces of nature, Agni for fire; Varuna for water (ocean); Vayu for wind; Soma for plants; and Indra for thunder. The prayers (hymns) offer the highest attributes to these gods; something done for one Supreme Godhead. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita (4:11; 7:21) says that He, the Supreme Lord, will respond to the devotees in whichever form they worship Him and in whichever way they approach Him. In RgVeda 1.164.46, we find, “ekam sat viprah bhaudha vadanti,” translation; The Truth is One; Sages call it by different names. This sets the tone for very early metaphysical ideas that were later developed in Upanishads. The scribe of this hymn suggests that deities appear to be different and independent from each other but they are actually manifestations of the same Supreme God.

Bulk of this book discusses the attributes of Vedic gods; and the Holy Trinity of Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and their reincarnations. Yet these seemingly different gods led to the development of monotheism in Upanishads. When the Vedantic concepts are fully grasped, the apparent polytheism of Hinduism disappears. The worship of gods becomes adoration of One Supreme Being.

[kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanatana Dharma Dharma in the primary sense means the Godhead that supports the entire creation. In the secondary sense it signifies any path that leads to it. 'Sanatana' means what is 'eternal' and 'ancient'. --- Hence 'Sanatana Dharma' simply means the path of spiritual discipline, that is very ancient and which when sincerely followed will invariably, lead to that Godhead.

The small book that portrays new dimensions to the Hindu Gods and Goddesses is a good introductory read if one wants to get the fundamental understanding of the Worship of God with Form. The different forms of the Devas and Devis, both major and minor, are explained with illustrations. The symbology that lies behind these forms is described. The Polytheistic approach of Hinduism is a way to start which will rather culminate in the Supreme God, the Brahman.

The book opens up with the Vedic Gods like Adityas (different forms), Agni, Surya, Indra, Rudra, Soma, Varuna, and Yama. The worshipers were broadly divided into 3 groups—saivaites (who worship Siva), saktas (who worship Sakti), vaisnavites (who worship Visnu). Then comes the major deities called the Trinity — Brahma (creation), Visnu (preservation), and Siva (destruction). The 3 Devas are associated with 3 Gunas (rajas, satva, tamas). There is an elaborate note on the forms of the Trinity – their incarnations, aspects, Gunas, Devis, minor deities, and especially the symbolic representation of the forms of these deities.

The part of the book that deals with the Goddessess or Sakti is elaborate. The author’s perspective on the Samudramathana is commendable and very insightful. The importance and the association of the Mantra, the Yantra, and the Tantra are beautifully put forth by the author.

The last part is about the minor deities such as Ganapati, Subrahmanya, Sasta, Navagrahas, and others. The Astadikpalakas (Asta – 8, dik - directions) need a special mention here.

A representation of Astadikpalakas:
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The other deities like Ksetrapala, Dvarapalakas, Sitaladevi also find a place in this book.

Overall this book has kindled my interest that I have for Hinduism and the symbology that is associated with the Gods with Forms.

The best way to end this review with the author’s own words:

The Anglo-saxon word ‘God’ hardly gives the sense of the Sanskrit term ‘Deva’. While God is pantheistic in Western poetry and mysticism, there is a tendency for transcendentalism in Hinduism.

[Ritik Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fair and short introduction to the philosophy and symbology behind Indian Godheads.
A special attention to Vedantic practices and connecting it back with Saivism and Vaishnavism also persists.