A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

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Question: Who are the principal gods and goddesses in the Vedic pantheon? What are their special features ?

Ans: In Hinduism, unlike many other world religions or faith sects, the devotee or practitioner has a very personal commitment and relationship with his/her GOD. In Hinduism again, unlike many if not all world religions, BELIEF and TOTAL surrendering to GOD is of utmost importance and is very essential to the spiritual success of a given devotee. Despite the image portrayed by the media and Western influences of religious dominance towards or against Hinduism, this religion has a unique relationship and path which has been prescribed for its followers for centuries.

Firstly, to access GOD, whether in Hinduism or any other religion, a person must establish a link and frequency into which they must attune their mind, heart and soul. I personally believe and hold the strong conviction that there is only one god, who is the ultimate and supreme Brahman. Most Hindus also share this opinion and belief, especially in the Western world where people like myself find ourselves defending Hinduism through the very unacceptable and unreal images and perspectives which have been promoted against Hinduism in this part of the world for so many years, which even till today, has left so much confusion in the minds of many including Hindus.

Now looking at Hinduism in this perspective, we find that the most common aspects or manifestation forms of GOD (I certainly would not say GODS because there is only ONE GOD), are the images or icons to which we have been accustomed to or exposed to for centuries. Depending on the geographical locations of the world where Hindus have settled, some of the allegiances to one aspect of an Isht Devta (patron saint or deity), might be different and therefore one would find that different opinions would be exist based on personal affiliations and appreciation. The most common forms or manifestations of GOD are Shiva, Surya, Ganesh, Durga, Lakshmee, Saraswatee, Ram, Krishna, Agni and Hanuman. Each of these forms or manifestations usually has its own set of followers, who may or may not subscribe to other aspects of Godhead but have a general acceptance of the Vedic and Celestial hemisphere.

Some of the special features of these aspects and manifestation of God are the abilities and capabilities which are believed to be held in uniqueness only by them, as believed by their followers; ex. Lord Ganesh to remove obstacles, Lord Shiva for longevity, Durga Maa for peace, Lakshmee Maa for wealth, Saraswatee Maata for knowledge and Almighty Hanumanji for strength, power, success and courage etc. These special features are believed to be the underlying factors why devotees, followers or people obtain a certain attraction or love for a special Isht devta or manifestation of God.

As mentioned above, Hinduism is a religion of belief, and the stronger the belief, the more real the relationship between man and god intensifies. The uniqueness of the form of god to which a person holds close to their heart is what drives the dept of devotion, attachment, reference, dedication, meditation and love for their GOD. Most if not all Hindus, see their God as a very personal experience and intervention in their life, which becomes more visible at some specific time during their spiritual growth. I would conclude that we pray to one and one god only and this is a proven fact. Hinduism is Religion where one pointed devotion and focus is of primary essence and requirement and this is the reason why in rituals, puja and worship, one puja at a time is conducted, completed and then the puja of the other deity is started. We never focus or pray to two aspects of divinity at any one time, NEVER and therefore Hinduism is a religion of a single GOD and we have practiced this path of divinity for centuries praying to ONE GOD – Brahman.