In Hinduism a vast range of deities are worshipped by
the followers of the faith. According to the Puranas, there are around
330 million gods in Hindu belief. The gods are worshipped in many forms
symbolizing a unique diversity and dynamism within the religion. The
large number of gods are, but a means of attaining spiritual solace with
a different path. The pantheon of gods are nothing but a manifestation
of one supreme reality or truth, 'Brahman', to which all Hindus abide.
The belief in a supernatural being is what binds the worship of all the
Hindu gods in one thread.
The trinity of Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are the three
principal deities in Hinduism. It is from the trinity that the Shaivite
and Vaishnavite sects emerged in Hinduism. The sons, consort and forms
of Shiva constitute the pantheon of gods worshipped by the Shaivites.
And similarly the sons, consort and forms of Vishnu are worshipped by
the followers of Vaishnavism. Despite this segregation, Hindu gods are
worshipped together at one shrine regularly.
The Hindu gods have over ages taken birth in human form, whenever the
need arose and when evil superseded good. The term Bhagwan is used for
the Hindu deities, irrespective of their gender. Bhagwan is used to
symbolize the personal aspect of the Hindu god; in common parlance
Hindus address gods as bhagwan. In the Hindu shrines one will find the
deities being depicted in a different physical form from the other. The
worship and rituals associated with the Hindu gods are as old as the
religion itself. For the Hindus worshipping the Hindu gods is a means to
attain spiritual comfort and satisfy their philosophical and religious
hunger.