MULTIPLE DEITIES

The entire concept of multiple deities can be overwhelming to an outsider. For the Hindu believer, the Absolute unmanifested Brahman has taken forms in order to govern specific aspects of existence and to provide direct and indisputable guidance to devotees. It is considered natural that as humans we respond to those deities that meet our individual needs. Some, such as Shiva, are demanding of a rigorous and disciplined life. Rama, one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu, is a leader and a warrior whose qualities are justness and social balance. Krishna, another of Vishnu's incarnations, is linked closely to the heart and to salvation through love. The goddess Durga is the embodiment of the feminine power of action, invoked as a decisive force to bring about change by vanquishing evil and restoring peace. Lakshmi is the feminine provider of wealth and prosperity, prayed to for the health and welfare of the family. Ganesha, one of the sons of Shiva, is beseeched at the beginning of any endeavor to bring about its success.

As they worship, almost all Hindus will direct their prayers to several deities, either at once or individually, attuning themselves to those aspects of the divine essence that they find fulfilling to their own requirements.