Hindu Deities: A Mythological Dictionary with Illustrations"Hinduism is the term now used to summarize the religious aspirations of the majority of Indians. It includes a variety of highly intellectual, metaphysical and philosophical systems, as well as the naive demonology and magico-religious beliefs of the masses. Hinduism is also a synthesis of three, originally separate religious traditions: the Dravidian, the Aryan and the aboriginal." "Although many Westerners regard Hinduism as polytheistic, this view does not take into consideration the sophisticated basis of the tradition as seen in the ancient Rgveda where a transcendental Oneness is perceived that manifests Itself only partially in this world to "create" apparent forces which appear to human beings as separate deifies, thus there are as many gods as there are aspects of creation." "Many deifies are depicted with a multiplicity of arms, heads, and emblems, so distinguishing them from ordinary mortals as well as pointing to the immense potentiality of the Divine that is forever beyond the comprehension of human beings."--BOOK JACKET. |
Common terms and phrases
According Agni ancient animal appears aspect associated assumed became become body born brahman called cause century concept connected consort contains cosmic created creation creatures cult dance death deity demon denotes depicted destroy destruction devotees divine Durgā earth eight embodiment energy epithet especially existence female Feuerstein figure fire five followers forces four goddess gods head hence Hindu Hinduism horse human identified important incarnation Indian indicating Indra invoked king knowledge known Kṛṣṇa later linga living Lord magical manifestation māyā means mother mount myth nature offered originally personified points portrayed principle Reality refers regarded religion remains represents ritual Rudra sacred sacrifice Śakti serpent seven signifies Śiva Śiva's snake soma sometimes South Indian spiritual Stutley suggests symbolizes Tantric temple term things tradition tree universe usually various Vedas Vedic Visnu waters wife worshipped Yoga