The concept of a universal deity such as one supreme being is a very personal one, and it is also one of the most polarizing of all beliefs. Many people feel that there is only one God and others support the view that there are a number of different spiritual beings to worship. While there are many types of gods and spirits that are worshipped around the world most of these beings share some amazing similarities.
All major religions including Hinduism and Buddhism have fundamental principles that include such ideals as honesty, compassion, love and understanding. This means that all of the world's major religions share a common bond, even if there are different rules and rituals being practiced. Does it really matter what name is given to God, if the ideas and beliefs are essentially united among all people? Does worshipping God in many different forms change the fact that it is still one god that is being honored?
The Hindu religion which dominates much of India is one that can cause misunderstanding due to the teachings that involve many different gods. Still, one could rightly say that the followers of this religion do worship a single supreme being. Each of the god forms are simply viewed now as being different incarnations of one omnipotent spirit.
An India god could be one of many, depending on which area and religious sect is involved. The majority of Indians are Hindu and for centuries the belief has been held that God appears in many forms. Each of these deities has specific powers, purposes and responsibilities.
The father of all Indian gods was named Deva. This was the deity in charge of all of the other Hindu gods. Then there is another India God named Indra. This is the warrior god who is thought to be the most important and the most popular god to ancient Hindu worshippers.
Deva was wise and all powerful, but Indra rode in a golden chariot and held thunderbolts in his hands. The people believed that Indra was responsible for thunderstorms and other fierce weather activity. There is a close similarity that can be seen between Indra and Zeus, who was worshipped by the ancient Greeks. However some people draw parallels between Indra and two other Greek gods; Thor and Mars.
Another of the Hindu gods was named Veruna. This was the holiest of the Indian gods. Veruna was pure in mind, body and heart. He was also called the Guardian of Nature.
Surya was the Indian god of the sun. He was similar to the Greek god, Apollo. The god of fire was named Agni who also served as a mediator between Deva and all of the humans. Hindus believed Soma was the Moon god, and Rudra was the name of the god who controlled whether someone was sick or healthy.
The ancient Indian god named Yama was very important. He ruled the world of the dead. This Hindu god was the one whom the people would worship and pray to if they believed that death was near.
Today the Hindu religion continues to believe in many gods but they do not believe that each of these gods is a separate entity. Instead they believe that there is one Universal god and he just appears in many different forms. This is not unlike the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Hindus in India see God as having three main faces. There is Shiva, the god of time and death. Brahma is the Hindu deity who was responsible for the creation of Earth and the universe. Vishnu is the god who offers protection and grace to all humanity.
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All three of these Hindu gods are viewed as manifestations of the one universal God who controls all energy and light.