The Hindi Gods and Goddesses

We are definitely a global society. And the evolution of the global marketplace has created a fusion of cultures that didn't exist 20 years ago.

While most Americans grouse at the prospect of receiving tech support from a land half way around the world, India is here to stay. The success of Slumdog Millionaire certainly emphasized just how influential and pervasive Indian culture has become.

For those of us in the software field, this has been a reality for more than ten years. And while the practice of outsourcing is controversial, the Indian people are far less so. I've spent time in Mumbai and found my counterparts in India to be open, honest and respectful. Their fun, passionate and as diverse in attitude and demeanor as we are. This is well reflected in the Hindi religion which worships multiple deities.

Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion with origins in India. Followers believe in reincarnation, an absolute being of multiple manifestations, balance and the liberation from birth and death.

All representing one supreme absolute, Brahman, there are thousands of Hindu Gods and Goddessess. They are represented by images that possess divine powers, and some are housed in beautiful, intricate temples.

Brahman is everything in existence, and everything living or non-living comes from it. Because of this, Hindus honor everything as sacred. Equating Brahman to God is impossible as God is male and describable. Braham has no form and is unconceivable. It can however manifest into many forms including Hindu gods and goddesses.

Meditation on a Ganesh statue, the elephant-headed god, creates internal balance. He stills the rational mind and doubts forcing you to look beyond the outer shell. He is believed to create faith in order to move obstacles. He rides a rat that represents a demon of vanity.

Krishna is love and joy that destroys all pain and sin. Meditation upon a Krishna statue will assist you with peace and humor. A trickster that played the flute to seduce village girls was born to establish the religion of love.

The incarnation of Lakshmi, Radha possesses beauty and intelligent. Focusing energy on a sculpture of Radha brings mental clarity. She is a figure of joy and the most beloved to Krishna.

She signifies love and grace, and is easily bored with those who are lazy or only yearn for her as wealth, a Lakshmi picture or statue brings good fortune and wealth. She is light and beauty.

Saraswati, also known as Vak Devi is a goddess of knowledge, art and music. A Saraswati sculpture is usually created with her riding a swan or peacock, and playing music on a veena. Saraswati’s mantra, repeated daily can improve memory, power and concentration.

Hinduism boasts over 900 million followers that live all over the world. The majority of followers live in India. It is hard to define Hinduism as a religion as most view it as a way of life. Leaders and books are not uniquely identified like in other religions.

Regardless, Hindu gods and goddesses are predominant within Hinduism, and many look to them for guidance, solace and peace. Honoring one of these sculptures or statues is true to this way of life.