The Deities of Hinduism

Tradition of the Ages

There can really be as many Hindu deities (gods) as there are devotees to suit the moods, feelings, emotions, and social background of the devotees.

Vishnu

The Preserver

Vaishnavism is a sect of Hinduism that worships Vishnu and his ten incarnations. Followers worship many deities, including incarnations Rama and Krishna. Other names for Vishnu: Narayana, Venkateshwara, and Dasavatara (the ten incarnations).

Shiva

The Destroyer

Saivism is the Hindu sect that worships the god Shiva, who is sometimes depicted as the fierce god Bhairava. Many devotees can be found wandering India with ashen faces performing self-purification rituals. Some other names for Shiva: Mahadeva, Mahesh, Bhairava, Nataraja, Pashupati, Rudra.

Devi

Feminine Energy, goddess

Shaktism is the branch of Hinduism that is devoted to Devi. Most followers see Shakti as the power that underlies the male principle. Devi is depicted as Parvati (partner to Shiva) or Lakshmi (Vishnu's partner), as well as fiercer forms Kali or Durga. This sect practices purification rituals to clean the mind and body. Other names for Devi: Durga, Bhadrakali (peaceful form of Kali).

"I prostrate myself before the five-faced Lord of Parvati, who is adorned with various ornaments, who shines like the crystal jewel, who is seated peacefully in the lotus pose, with moon-crested crown, with three eyes, wearing trident, thunderbolt, sword and axe on the right side, who holds the serpent, noose, bell, damaru and spear on the left side, and who gives protection from all fear to His devotees."