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In Hinduism, the concept of principal deities is complex due to the religion’s polytheistic nature and the vast diversity of traditions and beliefs.
However, there are several deities that are widely revered and hold significant importance across various sects and traditions.
Here are some of the principal deities of Hinduism:
1. Brahma
- Role: The Creator
- Attributes: Brahma is responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings. He is part of the Trimurti (triple deity) along with Vishnu and Shiva.
- Depiction: Brahma is usually depicted with four heads, each representing one of the Vedas. He also has four arms and is often shown holding a lotus, a water pot, a rosary, and the Vedas.
- Consort: Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts.
2. Vishnu
- Role: The Preserver and Protector
- Attributes: Vishnu’s role is to preserve and maintain the order of the universe. He incarnates in various forms (avatars) to restore cosmic order.
- Depiction: Vishnu is often depicted with blue skin, four arms, and holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
- Consort: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
3. Shiva
- Role: The Destroyer and Transformer
- Attributes: Shiva is associated with destruction and transformation, making way for new creation. He represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- Depiction: Shiva is depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon in his hair, and the Ganga river flowing from his locks. He often holds a trident (trishula) and a drum (damaru).
- Consort: Parvati, who is also worshipped in her forms as Durga and Kali.
4. Devi (The Goddess)
- Role: The Supreme Goddess, Mother of the Universe
- Attributes: Devi encompasses various forms and aspects of the feminine divine, including Parvati, Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. She represents creation, protection, destruction, and nurturing.
- Depiction: Depictions vary widely depending on the specific form, but she is often shown with multiple arms, each holding symbolic items.
5. Ganesh (Ganesha)
- Role: The Remover of Obstacles, God of Beginnings
- Attributes: Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of rituals and new ventures for his blessings. He is also the patron of arts and sciences.
- Depiction: Ganesha has an elephant head, a large belly, and four arms. He is often seen holding a modak (sweet), a trident, an axe, and a lotus.
- Consort: Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power).
6. Hanuman
- Role: The Devotee of Rama, Embodiment of Strength and Devotion
- Attributes: Hanuman is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength and courage.
- Depiction: Hanuman is depicted as a monkey-faced god with a strong, muscular body. He is often shown carrying a mace and sometimes a mountain.
7. Surya
- Role: The Sun God
- Attributes: Surya is worshipped as the source of life, energy, and illumination.
- Depiction: Surya is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, representing the seven days of the week or the seven colors of the rainbow.
- Consort: Chhaya and Sandhya.
8. Indra
- Role: King of the Gods, God of Thunder and Rain
- Attributes: Indra is the ruler of the heavens and the god of storms and war.
- Depiction: Indra is often shown riding a white elephant named Airavata and holding a thunderbolt (vajra).
These deities are central to Hindu worship and mythology, each embodying different aspects of the divine and playing specific roles within the cosmology of Hindu beliefs.
