Devas Represent Certain Forces In The Hindu Culture - By: Victor Epand

Agni has one aspect as the flame, but this flame symbolizes the psychological power associated with Agni, which is namely, the power of will. Agni can be called God will, which is similarly to Indra as the God mind and Sarasvati is the power of inspiration, not merely of learning.

The devas constitute an integral part of the colorful Hindu culture. These various forms of the supreme being are depicted in innumerable paintings, statues, murals, and scriptural stories that can be found in temples, homes, businesses, and other places. In Hinduism, the scriptures recommend that for the satisfaction of a particular material desire a person may worship a particular deity.

For example, shopkeepers will frequently keep a statue or picture of the devi, Lakshmi, in their shops for financial prosperity. The elephant headed deva, known as Ganesha, is worshiped before commencing any important undertaking, as he represents the superior being's aspect as the remover of obstacles. Students and scholars may propitiate Saraswati, the devi of learning, before taking an exam or giving a lecture.

The most ancient Vedic devas included Indra, Agni, Soma, Varuna, Mitra, Savitri, Rudra, Prajapati, Vishnu, Aryaman, and the Ashvins. Important devis were Sarasvati, Ushas, and Prithvi, then later scriptures called the Puranas recount traditional stories about each individual deity, such as Ganesha and Hanuman, and avatars such as Rama and Krishna.

Vishnu and Shiva are not regarded as ordinary devas, but instead as Mahadevas, which means great gods, because of their central positions in worship and mythology. These two along with Brahma are considered the Trimurti, which is the most supreme individual deities. These three symbolize the entire circle of samsara in Hinduism, which are Brahma as the creator, Vishnu as the preserver, and Shiva as the destroyer or judge.

In their personal religious practices, Hindus may worship primarily one or another of these deities, known as their Ishta Devata, which means the chosen deity. The particular form of God worshiped as one's chosen ideal is a matter of individual preference, although regional and family traditions can play a large part in influencing this choice. Hindus may also take guidance about this choice from scriptures.

Although Hindus do worship deities other than their chosen deity from time to time, depending on the occasion and their personal inclinations, it is not expected that they will worship, or even know about, every form of God. Hindus generally choose one concept of God with the popular choices include Krishna, Rama, Shiva, or Kali, and cultivate devotion to that chosen form, while at the same time respecting the chosen ideals of other people.

Goddesses are worshiped when God is thought of as the universal mother, with particular forms including Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Parvati, Durga, and Kali. Shaktism recognizes Shakti as the supreme goddess. The concept of Mahadevi as the supreme goddess emerged in historical religious literature as a term to define the powerful and influential nature of female deities in India. Throughout history, goddesses have been portrayed as the mother of the universe, through whose powers the universe is created and destroyed. Jagaddhatri and Mariamman are other significant female deities.

About the Author

4Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. Please visit these sites for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hindu culture.

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