Popular Deities
In most Hindu philosophies there is only one ultimate reality. Also known as Brahman (the infinite manifestation the universe - not to be confused with Atman, the manifestation of god within a body; somewhat comparable to a soul), all others are considered his aspects, or avatars, - Vishnu, the protector or preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer, are the main examples of this, due to them being more popular aspects of the Ultimate Reality. In their personal religious practices, Hindus may worship primarily one or another of these aspects, known as their "Ishta Devata" or "Ishvara" (chosen deity). The particular Gods worshipped are a matter of individual preference, although regional and family traditions can play a large part in influencing this choice. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and the Ganapatya sects of Hinduism states that Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and Ganesha respectively equate to Brahman, and that all other deities are aspects of their chosen deity. Some popular Hindu deities and avatars include Vishnu and his form as Jagannath,Venkateshwaraand his Avatars : Narasimha,Krishna, Rama and others, Shiva (Hanuman worshipped as his aspect), Shakti, the feminine principle (and her aspects Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi and others), Ganesha, Murugan.
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Famous quotes containing the words popular and/or deities:
“But popular rage,
Hysterica passio dragged this quarry down.
None shared our guilt; nor did we play a part
Upon a painted stage when we devoured his heart.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“The cloud was so dark that it needed all the bright lights that could be turned upon it. But for four years there was a contagion of nobility in the land, and the best blood North and South poured itself out a libation to propitiate the deities of Truth and Justice. The great sin of slavery was washed out, but at what a cost!”
—M. E. W. Sherwood (1826–1903)