The Divine Pantheon of Sanātana Dharma
Hindu mythology encompasses countless devas (gods) and devis (goddesses), all manifestations of the supreme reality (Brahman). At the center stands the Trimurti - the three primary aspects of the divine that govern creation, preservation, and destruction.
🔱 The Trimurti - Divine Trinity
The Trimurti represents the three fundamental cosmic functions: Brahma creates the universe, Vishnu preserves and sustains it, and Shiva destroys it to make way for new creation. These three work in eternal harmony, representing different aspects of the one supreme reality.
Brahma
The Creator
The divine architect who creates the universe, born from the cosmic golden egg. Four-faced deity who recites the four Vedas and brings forth all existence.
🌺 Major Deities & Divine Beings
🐘 Ganesha
Remover of Obstacles
Elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, lord of beginnings, wisdom, and success. Invoked at the start of any venture. Known for his love of sweets and his clever wisdom.
🌸 Lakshmi
Goddess of Prosperity
Consort of Vishnu, goddess of wealth, fortune, beauty, and abundance. Born from the churning of the cosmic ocean, seated on a lotus with gold coins flowing from her hands.
🎨 Saraswati
Goddess of Knowledge
Consort of Brahma, goddess of wisdom, learning, arts, and music. Dressed in white, holding a veena (lute), books, and prayer beads, riding a white swan.
⚔️ Durga
Warrior Goddess
Fierce form of Parvati who battles demons and protects dharma. Ten-armed goddess riding a lion/tiger, wielding weapons gifted by all the gods.
🗡️ Kali
Goddess of Time & Destruction
Fierce aspect of Shakti, destroyer of evil, liberator of souls. Dark-skinned goddess wearing a garland of skulls, tongue out, dancing on Shiva's chest.
🐒 Hanuman
Monkey God of Devotion
Divine vanara (monkey) warrior, devoted servant of Rama. Symbol of strength, courage, devotion, and selfless service. Can fly and change size at will.
☀️ Surya
Sun God
Solar deity who rides a chariot pulled by seven horses. Source of light, life, and spiritual illumination. Father of the architect god Vishvakarma.
🌙 Chandra
Moon God
Lunar deity who drives a chariot across the night sky. Associated with the mind, emotions, fertility, and the passage of time.
⚡ Indra
King of Gods
Ruler of the heavens (Swarga) and god of rain, thunder, and war. Wields the vajra (thunderbolt) and rides the white elephant Airavata.
🔥 Agni
Fire God
Divine messenger who carries offerings from humans to gods through fire. Two-faced deity riding a ram, with seven tongues of flame.
🌟 Understanding the Hindu Pantheon
One Reality, Many Forms
Hindu philosophy teaches that all deities are manifestations of one supreme reality - Brahman, the infinite, formless absolute. The various gods and goddesses represent different qualities, functions, and aspects of this one divine essence, making the abstract accessible through form.
The Concept of Avatars
Avatars are divine incarnations who descend to earth to restore dharma when evil threatens cosmic balance. Vishnu is especially known for his ten primary avatars (Dashavatara), including Rama, Krishna, and the future Kalki. Each avatar appears at a critical moment in cosmic history.
Devas vs. Asuras
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) are both powerful beings, but devas follow dharma while asuras pursue power and ego. Interestingly, they share the same parentage - both are children of sage Kashyapa - making their cosmic battle a family conflict representing the eternal struggle between order and chaos.
Related Content
Cross-Cultural Parallels
- Zoroastrian Yazatas - Persian divine beings
- Buddhist Devas - Celestial beings in Buddhism
- Greek Olympians - The twelve Olympian gods
- Jain Tirthankaras - Spiritual teachers
Related Archetypes
- Creator - Divine creators across traditions
- Destroyer - Gods of transformation
- Divine Feminine - Goddess archetypes
See Also
- Creation Myths - How the universe and gods came to be
- Sacred Texts - Scriptures describing the deities
- Worship Practices - How to honor the deities
- Divine Creatures - Vahanas and mythical beings
- Sacred Symbols - Divine attributes and symbols