The Hindu Pantheon of Gods consists of three hundred and thirty-three million Gods. The word Bhakti means the devotion to the God and the Gods of Hinduism. In Hinduism existence is composed of three worlds:
The First World
The Second World
The Third World
'The First World is the physical universe, the Second World is the subtle astral or mental plane of existence...and the Third World is the spiritual universe of the Mahadevas, 'great shining beings', or Hindu Gods.' (Himalayan Academy)
There is only one God in Hinduism, the other Gods and Goddesses, whose name resides in books and myth, are all considered and thought of as manifestations of their supreme God. With many Gods and Goddesses worship varies from person to person. This is accepted in Hinduism as all Hindus show great respect for another own personal beliefs in which ever deity they choose to worship. Thus, bringing tolerance in an individuals freedom of expression.
Temple carving at Hoysaleswara temple representing...
Holy places #2: Hinduism
Holy places #2: HinduismHinduism is made up of four main denominations:
Saivism
Shaktism
Vaishnavism
Smartism
they all reside under a divine hierarchy of the pantheon. (or Mahadevas) 'Theses great Mahadevas, with their multitudes of angelic devas, live and works constantly and tirelessly for the people of the religion, protecting and guiding them, opening new doors and closing unused ones.' (Himalayan Academy)
One of the most common Mahadevas is Brahma. He is considered to be the Father of gods and men and the creator of the universe. He is one of the most revered. Brahma has many forms but is depicted with being a man of four faces. He acquired theses faces when his consort Sarasvati (Goddess of water) emerged from his side, as told in legend, being the modest woman she was Sarasvati stepped to one side to avoid his gaze, a second face emerged on...