|
|
Some Deities Used In Worship
Within Hinduism there are a large number of personalities or forms, which are worshiped as murtis. These beings are either aspects of the supreme Brahman, avatars of the supreme being, or significantly powerful entities known as devas.
The exact nature of belief in regards to each deity varies between different Hindu denominations and philosophies. Often times these beings are depicted in humanoid, or partially humanoid forms, complete with a set of unique and complex iconography in each case. In total, there are over three hundred million of these supernatural beings in various Hindu traditions.
Bhagavan is a word that is used to refer to the personal aspect of a Supreme Being in general. It is not specific to a particular deity. Bhagavan transcends gender, yet it can be looked upon as both father and mother, child, or sweetheart. Most Hindus, in their daily devotional practices, worship some form of this personal aspect, although they believe in the more abstract concept of Brahman as well. This may mean worshiping through an image or a picture, or simply thinking of Him as a personal being.
Ishvara is a name or title used to emphasize the role and function of the supreme being as controller of the universe. When Hindus refer to Ishvara, they are emphasizing a monastic idea of Him as a principle of the universe, rather than a person. Different names and different images are often used, depending on which aspect of Bhagava is being discussed. For instance, when the supreme being is being talked about in the aspect as the creator, then they call it Brahma.
If one is emphasizing the supreme being's capacity as preserver of the world, then the name Vishnu is used. When referred to in the capacity as destroyer of the world, then the supreme being is called Shiva. Many of these individual aspects of the supreme being also have other names and images. For example, Krishna and Rama are considered forms of Vishnu. All the various deities and images one finds in Hinduism are considered manifestations of the same supreme being, called Bhagavan in the personal aspect and Brahman when referred to as an abstract concept.
Many denominations of Hinduism, such as Vaishnavism and Saivism, teach that occasionally, the supreme being comes to Earth as a human being to help humans in their struggle toward enlightenment and salvation, which is known as moksha. Such an incarnation of of the supreme being is called an avatar, which is known as avatara. In some respects, the Hindu concept of avatar is similar to the belief that is found in Christianity that the supreme being came to the earth incarnated.
However, most Christians believe that the supreme being has assumed a human body only once, Hinduism teaches that there have been multiple avatars throughout history and that there will be more. Thus Krishna, who is not only viewed as an incarnation, but also source of all incarnations, says that when ever righteousness declines and unrighteousness increases, I make myself a body. In every age I come back to deliver the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish righteousness.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 120 | |
|
| More Articles from Hinduism | | |
| Top Articles in Hinduism | | |
|
