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Hinduism presents a startling number of gods, goddesses, demons, nagas (snakes), and heavenly beings, most with multiple names and epithets. A popular phrase holds that there are over thirty-three million gods in Hinduism. Although this is an exaggeration, it does underscore the reality that Indian religions in general, and Hinduism in ...
Hinduism is a major world religion, with one of the longest-surviving pantheons in history. Within its rich mythology, elephant-headed gods clash with powerful demons and titans, preserver gods send out their avatars to restore the righteous order of the universe, and powerful sages challenge the gods themselves. View collection.
Ganesha, the son of the powerful gods Shiva and Parvati, is one of the most popular gods in modern Hinduism and is widely worshipped throughout South and Southeast Asia. Even people in predominantly Buddhist countries, such as Thailand, devoutly worship the god. As the remover of obstacles, worshippers call on him every day for matters great ...
The four-faced god Brahma is widely represented throughout Hindu and Buddhist mythology. When not serving as the creator god, he usually acts as an advisor to his fellow deities. Many of his appearances in myth involve him playing the role of a generous lord who gives out gifts, boons, and blessings to those who practice enough austerities and ...
Vishnu’s main function is to send out avatars to right the world’s wrongs. Within the Hindu trimurti (“trinity”), he acts as the preserver, alongside Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer. But in Vaishnava traditions, Vishnu reigns supreme as creator, preserver, and destroyer; all other gods are merely emanations of his godhead.
Krishna’s family ties are more complicated than those of other gods, as he is the biological son of Vasudeva and Devaki but was raised by Nanda and Yashoda in a small cowherding village. His brother, Balarama, remained a constant companion throughout his adventures, and his 16,000 marriages led to thousands of children. Family Tree. Parents
Parvati is the daughter of the Himalayan Mountains and the wife of Shiva, set apart from other Indian goddesses due to her extreme asceticism. As an embodiment of shakti (feminine power), she stands as an immensely powerful goddess, demon slayer, and creative force. Parvati often appears in the guise of Durga or Kali.
Shiva, the destroyer, is the supreme god in Shaivite sects of Hinduism and spends his time meditating in the Himalayas. Often seen smearing himself with ashes and visiting cremation grounds, he is a god of lust and masculinity. His followers worship him through lingas, or phallic symbols.
Birth by Agni and Svaha in the Mahabharata. According to the version told in the great Hindu epic the Mahabharata, Skanda-Karttikeya is the son of Agni, the fire god, while Shiva and Parvati play no role whatsoever in his birth. The story begins long ago, when the terrible demon Taraka was oppressing the gods and overwhelming them in battle.
Amaterasu is the great and glorious goddess of the sun. An embodiment of the rising sun and Japan itself, she is the queen of the kami and ruler of the universe. The Japanese Imperial Family claims to have descended from her, and this is what gives them the divine right to rule Japan. She is the center of Shinto, and Japanese spiritual life.