GODS AND GODDESSES

Sikhs believe in only one all-encompassing deity, comparable in concept to the God of the Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Hindus believe in a universe created and maintained by many Gods and Goddesses. The entire concept of multiple deities can be overwhelming to an outsider, especially when confronted by the statement that Hinduism is a religion of a million and one gods. It is indeed a religion of diversity; but it is essential to understand that underlying all is the belief in the unity in one great god: the Absolute, often known as Brahman. Although some Hindus believe that God is formless, most believe in an Absolute that manifests itself and its powers through various gods and goddesses. It is considered natural that as humans we respond to those deities that meet our individual needs. By selecting one or more of these gods and goddesses to worship, and by conducting the rituals designed to facilitate contact with them, a Hindu devotee is striving to maintain balance in this world.

Jains believe in the divine as manifest through perfect human beings called Jinas, ones who in history have evolved beyond the needs of temporal existence and exist in a perpetual state of grace. Images of these Jinas are the primary focus in many Jain shrines and temples. Nevertheless most Jains also conduct pujas to images of deities believed to personify aspects of the greater Divine that must be acknowledged and honored.