10 of the Most Important Hindu

Gods
For Hindus, there is a single, universal god known as the Supreme
Being or Brahman. Hinduism also has numerous gods and
goddesses, known as deva and devi, who represent one or more of
Brahman's aspects.

Foremost among the many Hindu gods and goddesses are the Holy
Triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the creator, sustainer, and
destroyer of worlds (in that order). Sometimes, the three may
appear in the form of an avatar, embodied by a Hindu god or
goddess. But the most popular of these gods and goddesses are
important deities in their own right.
 Ganesha
• The son of Shiva and Parvati, the pot-bellied
elephant god Ganesha is the lord of success,
knowledge, and wealth. Ganesha is worshiped
by all sects of Hinduism, making him perhaps
the most important of Hindu gods. He is
typically depicted riding a mouse, who assists
the deity in removing barriers to success,
whatever the endeavor.
 Shiva
• represents death and dissolution, destroying
worlds so they may be recreated by Brahma. But
he is also considered the master of dance and of
regeneration. One of the godheads in the Hindu
Trinity, Shiva is known by many names, including
Mahadeva, Pashupati, Nataraja, Vishwanath, and
Bhole Nath. When he is not represented in his
blue-skinned human form, Shiva is often depicted
as a phallic symbol called the Shiva Lingam.
 Krishna
• One of the most beloved of Hindu gods, blue-
skinned Krishna is the deity of love and
compassion. He is frequently depicted with a
flute, which he uses for its seductive powers.
Krishna is the central character in the Hindu
scripture "Bhagavad Gita" as well as an avatar
of Vishnu, the sustainer of the Hindu Trinity.
Krishna is widely revered among Hindus, and
his followers are known as Vaishnavas.
 Rama
• Rama is the god of truth and virtue and
another ​avatar of Vishnu. He is considered the
perfect embodiment of humankind: mentally,
spiritually, and physically. Unlike other Hindu
gods and goddesses, Rama is widely believed
to be an actual historical figure whose exploits
form the great Hindu epic "Ramayana." Hindu
faithful celebrate him during Diwali, the
festival of light.
 Hanuman
• Monkey-faced Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol
of physical strength, perseverance, service, and
scholarly devotion. This divine primate aided Lord
Rama in his battle against evil forces, described in
the epic ancient Indian poem "Ramayana." In
times of trouble, it is common among Hindus to
chant the name of Hanuman or sing his hymn,
"Hanuman Chalisa." Hanuman temples are among
the most common public shrines found in India.
 Vishnu
• The peace-loving deity of the Hindu Trinity,
Vishnu is the preserver or sustainer of life. He
represents the principles of order,
righteousness, and truth. His consort is Lakshmi,
the goddess of domesticity and prosperity.
Hindu faithful who pray to Vishnu, called
Vaishnavas, believe that in times of disorder,
Vishnu will emerge from his transcendence to
restore peace and order on earth.
 Lakshmi
• Lakshmi's name comes from the Sanskrit word
​laksya, meaning an aim or goal. She is the
goddess of wealth and prosperity, both
material and spiritual. Lakshmi is depicted as a
four-armed woman of golden complexion,
holding a lotus bud as she sits or stands upon
a massive lotus blossom. The deity of beauty,
purity, and domesticity, the image of Lakshmi
is often found in the homes of the faithful.
 Durga

• Durga is the mother goddess and she

represents the fiery powers of the gods. She is
the protector of the righteous and destroyer
of the evil, usually portrayed as riding a lion
and carrying weapons in her many arms.
 Kali

• Kali, also known as the dark goddess, appears

as a fierce four-armed woman, her skin blue
or black. She stands atop her husband Shiva,
who lies calmly beneath her feet. Blood
soaked, her tongue hanging out, Kali is the
goddess of death and represents the ceaseless
march of time toward doomsday.
 Saraswati

• Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, art, and

music. She represents the free flow of
consciousness. The daughter of Shiva and Durga,
Saraswati is the mother of the Vedas. Chants to
her, called Saraswati Vandana, often begin and
end with lessons in how Saraswati endows human
beings with the powers of speech and wisdom.