Hindus accept that God is the One without a second ” the ultimate, formless, and only Reality known as Brahman, the Supreme, Universal Soul ” at the most fundamental level. Brahman encompasses the entire universe and all that exists within it. Brahman is Reality and Truth; it has no form or limitations.
As a result, Hinduism is a pantheistic religion, in which God is equated with the universe. Hinduism is polytheistic, with a plethora of gods and goddesses that personify elements of the one real God, allowing individuals to worship in an endless variety of ways based on family tradition, community and regional traditions, and other factors.
We Indians are devout believers in God. We pray to God for the success of each essential task before beginning it. Similarly, I began my design career by creating Sumi-E style God drawings.
Ink wash painting, also known as literati painting, is a style of brush painting popular in East Asia. Sumi-E is the Japanese term for it.
In India, no God image may be scrawled in the way we wish. Lord Vishnu created the Chitrasutra, which explains the anatomy of Gods. I just did the same thing in Sumi-E style. These are the first of their kind drawings.
There are 330 million devas, according to Hindu texts (Hindu Gods). These gods come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most well-known ones appear in Hindu mythology. Only a few villages or even a few villagers worship some of the local ones. Some are linked to animals, plants, natural objects, and forces (all living things are considered divine). Others are historical figures or deified ancestors. Many deities are linked with certain locations, abilities, or seasons.
Different Types of Hindu Gods Names With Pictures
Here is the latest list of all types of Hindu Gods names with pictures and images that you should know about.
1. Indra ” The King Of Devas
Indra was the most prominent god in Vedic mythology’s pantheon (together with the Buddhist and Jain pantheons), and he is still considered a notable deity among Hindu gods and goddesses today. Indra (also known as Devendra) is frequently seen as the Indian equivalent to European deities such as Zeus, Perun, and even Odin and Thor, owing to the Indo-European roots of early Vedic religion.
He was revered as the monarch of the Devas (benevolent supernatural creatures) who personified the characteristics of thunder, storms, showers, and river movement in relation to the latter. Indra, mounted on his imposing white elephant Airavata and armed with his thunderbolt Vajra, also commanded the heavenly Devas host (who dwelt on the Swarga or Svarga Loka or heaven) against their adversaries ” the malevolent demonic entities known as the Asuras ” due to his stature among the early Hindu gods.
According to Hindu mythology, Indra, the Devas’ commander, was created from Purusha, a male primal being. Indra is also known as the Vrtrahan (‘the slayer of the snake demon Vritra’) and is the father of Arjuna, one of the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, due to his countless heroic deeds in the mythological tale.
However, over time, the storey tends to highlight the warrior king of the gods’ “negative” traits, such as his appetite for the intoxicating soma drink and sexual escapades involving other people’s wives. In post-Vedic literature, he is even mocked on occasion for his erratic conduct, pointing to the rise in popularity of other Hindu gods, such as the Trimurti ” triple deity (discussed later in the article).
2. Agni ” The Fire God
The Sanskrit word for fire, Agni is the most important fire deity among the ancient Hindu gods and goddesses. To that end, the quantity of hymns dedicated to Agni in the Rig Veda has led to speculation that he was the second most significant of the early Indian gods (after Indra).
Surprisingly, fire remains a major feature in Hindu religion, playing a significant part in the different yajnas (rites). Agni represented different kinds of energy in the ‘atmosphere,’ including both lightning and the sun, in addition to his aspect of fire in the terrestrial world.
In addition, Agni was/is considered as the divine mediator who accepts the offerings (given during yajnas) to the Hindu gods, implying his early function as a “connection” or “messenger” between celestial entities. Agni’s role has evolved through time from a physical manifestation of a fire deity to an inner presentation of transforming force. Fire, however, continues to play a significant part in Hinduism, as seen by many festivals and rituals such as Diwali and marriage ceremonies.
3. Surya ” The Sun God
Surya, the Sanskrit word for sun, is the most important solar deity among the Hindu gods and goddesses. The Sun God, also known by other names such as Aditya, Ravi, and Bhaskara, is regarded as the sustainer of life (prakriti) in Vedic literature, which dates from from 1500 to 1000 BC.
Interestingly, despite being one of the elder deities in Indian Hindu mythology, his origin storey is frequently convoluted, with one version claiming he was the son of Dyaus (sky) and another claiming he was conceived by Kasyapa (a Vedic sage) and Aditi (the gods”limitless’ mother). Surya is frequently shown as a powerful figure seated on an extravagant chariot ” pulled by seven horses and guided by Aruna, the goddess of dawn ” suiting his role as the effulgent sun.
Surya was subsequently associated with and created a composite of other major deities like Vishnu, as was the destiny of most early Vedic Hindu gods and goddesses (their composite form is known as Surya Narayana in the Yajur Veda). Surya’s tremendous strength, whose flaming shards were utilised to make devastating “godly” weapons used by other Devas, was partially matched by his “relegation” in the mythological tale (such as the trident of Shiva and the lance of Karthikeyan).
Surya Namaskar, an ancient practise of sun salutation utilised in many Yoga regimens, shows that, unlike some of his early Vedic contemporaries, Surya is still highly esteemed in modern-day Hinduism.
4. Kartikeya ” The Herald Of Heaven
Kartikeya is a Hindu god and goddess who is forever young. He is also known as Kumara, Skanda, and Murugan (‘the youth’), the latter of which is a significant deity among the Tamil people who live in India and Sri Lanka, Singapore Mauritius, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Kartikeya is frequently depicted as the son of Shiva and Parvati in mythological accounts, with one tale claiming that Kartikeya was incubated in Ganga (kept by Agni’s heat) when Shiva unintentionally spilled his sperm while making love to Parvati. The Krittikas, feminine beings who wished to shower their motherly affection on the infant, were attracted by the newborn’s radiant character, and therefore these Krittikas, symbolised by the Pleiades cluster’s seven brightest stars, gave the child the name Kartikeya (‘of the Krittikas’).
Kartikeya (or his Murugan aspect), perched on his peacock, is typically shown wearing regal garb and wielding a variety of weapons, notably his formidable spear Vel (on rare instances, he is also depicted with six heads – Shanmukha). According to the visual motifs and accompanying tales, Kartikeya is generally depicted as a Hindu (philosophical) god of battle who defeated the great demonic Asura Taraka while leading the celestial armies.
While certain forms of Kartikeya (such as Kumara) may be found in early Vedic literature (before 1000 BC), it is probable that the god rose to popularity only after the 3rd century BC, as evidenced by Indian epics and Sangam literature.
5. Sai Baba
Shirdi Sai Baba is regarded by Hindu, Parsi, and Muslim worshippers as an incarnation. The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust manages the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi, which is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, with an average of 25,000 people each day.
6. Brahman
Contrary to common belief, Hindus believe in just one God, Brahman, the everlasting origin who is the cause and foundation of all creation. The gods of Hinduism symbolise various manifestations of Brahman. Different Hindu groups may worship diverse divinities, but they are merely different approaches to the Ultimate. Hindus believe in three main gods.
- The creator of the universe, Brahma
- Vishnu is the God who protects the universe
- Shiva is the god who is responsible for the destruction of the universe
7. Brahma
The Creator is Brahma. On the other hand, Brahma is not worshipped in the same way as other gods since it is thought that his task of creation has been completed. Hindus worship other manifestations of Brahman (not Brahma), and they come in a variety of shapes. Hindus are frequently divided into three categories according on the Brahman form they worship:
8. Vishnu
Vishnu, the Preserver, is thought to be descended from an early sun deity and is revered as the greatest of the gods by his devotees. Narayana is another name for him. Vishnu is the God who protects and sustains the universe, and he has manifested on Earth in the form of avatars (incarnations) to save humanity from natural calamities and tyranny.
Rama, Krishna (who killed the wicked and established a new order), Buddha (the founder of Buddhism), and Kalki are the most well-known avatars. Vishnu is commonly shown in human form in art and painting, and is frequently coloured blue. Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi, has appeared as the wife of each of Vishnu’s incarnations, including Sita, Prince Rama’s wife, and Rukmini, Krishna’s wife. She is the goddess of riches and good fortune, and during the Divali festival, she is given special devotion.
9. Shiva
Along with Vishnu and Brahma, Shiva is a member of the Hindu Trinity. Those who adore him think him to be everything: creator, preserver, and destroyer. Shiva is a place where opposites collide. Shiva, the destroyer, is an essential member of the triad since there can be no restoration without destruction.
Varanasi is his hometown, and it is said that any Hindu who dies there goes straight to heaven. Shiva, who combines many contradictory elements, is the source of both good and evil. Shiva is depicted as the Lord of the Dance, who directs the movement of the universe in paintings and sculptures. He is also linked to the concept of fertility. Shiva had numerous consorts, including Kali, who is typically depicted as wild and violent, Parvati, famed for her kindness, and Durga, born from the combined powers of multiple gods’ fury.
10. The Great Goddess (Mahadevi)
The great Goddess appears as the wife of the major male gods and incorporates tens of thousands of local goddesses, or matas. Lakshmi, for example, may be both lovely and benevolent, or all-powerful destructive powers like Kali. The feminine force, or shakti, is essential in ancient writings known collectively as the Tantras, and great Goddess temples are connected with agriculture and fertility. Shiva, whose masculine awareness is weak without the creative female force, is contrasted with Shakti.
11. Rama
Rama is one of the most popular Hindu gods and the protagonist of the Ramayana, a Hindu epic. He is shown as a perfect son, brother, spouse, and monarch, as well as a devout follower of dharma. Reading and remembering Rama’s struggles and sufferings as a young prince who was banished from his kingdom for 14 years brings joy to millions of Hindus.
12. Krishna
Krishna is the name of the Hindu god who is known and acknowledged all over the globe. Hindus revere Krishna as the instructor of the Bhagavad Gita, as well as the companion and mentor of royal Arjuna in the Mahabharata epic. Krishna is a joy to his worshippers, full of mischievous pranks. Most importantly, Lord Krishna’s promise to mankind that if dharma decreases, he would show himself and descend to earth has nourished Hindu trust in the Supreme Being for thousands of years.
13. Saraswati, The Goddess Of Learning
Saraswati is the goddess of learning, knowledge, speech, and music, and she is the partner of Brahma the Creator. Hindus worship to Saraswati before commencing any intellectual endeavour, and Hindu students are urged to do so throughout the school/college year, particularly before and during exams.
14. Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the goddess of luck, riches, and happiness. She has a part in every incarnation as Vishnu’s consort. (She is Sita, Rama’s wife; Rukmini, Krishna’s wife; and Dharani, wife of Parashu Rama, another Vishnu avatar.)
15. Durga Devi
Durga Devi is a strong, if not terrifying, goddess who battles valiantly to restore dharma (moral order). Durga, although being frightening to her foes, is full of compassion and love for her worshippers.
16. Ganesha
Ganesha, the pot-bellied elephant god, is the lord of success, knowledge, and riches and Shiva and Parvati’s son. Ganesha is revered by all Hindu sects, making him one of the most prominent Hindu gods. He is usually shown riding a mouse, who aids the deity in removing obstacles to accomplishment in whatever project he is involved in.
17. Hanuman
Monkey-faced Hanuman is a Hindu god who is revered for his physical strength, tenacity, service, and academic dedication. In the epic ancient Indian tale “Ramayana,” this holy primate assisted Lord Rama in his struggle against evil powers. Hindus commonly recite the name of Hanuman or sing his hymn, “Hanuman Chalisa,” when they are in distress. Hanuman temples are among India’s most popular public shrines.
18. Kali
Kali, often known as the dark goddess, is a four-armed ferocious lady with blue or black skin. She is standing on top of her husband Shiva, who is resting peacefully beneath her feet. Kali, the goddess of death, is bloodstained and has her tongue hanging out. She signifies the unending march of time toward apocalypse.
19. Harihara
Harihara is the personification of two ultimate Hindu gods. Vishnu is represented by Hari, and Hara represents Shiva. Harihara is revered as the ultimate god by both Vishnu and Shiva worshippers as a result of this union. As a result, Harihara emphasises the significance of all gods as the ultimate force in the universe. Harihara’s iconography is divided into two parts. Shiva is shown on one half, holding the trishul, a drum, and a deer. The conch shell and chakra are on the other side, which represents Vishnu.
20. Nandi
Nandi is a bull who acts as Lord Shiva’s mount (Vahana) and gana and a gate-guardian deity of Kailashagiri. According to Shaiva tradition, he is the primary guru of Nandinatha Sampradaya’s eight students. The bull’s white hue represents purity and justice.
21. Narasimha
Narasimha is a Hindu god Vishnu’s avatar who incarnates as a half-lion, half-man to conquer evil, stop religious persecution, and catastrophe on Earth, and so restore Dharma. Narasimha is best known as the ‘Great Protector,’ who protects and defends his followers from evil.
22. Vithoba
Vithoba, also known as Vitthal and Panduranga, is a Hindu deity who is mostly worshipped in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh in India. He is commonly thought to be a manifestation of Vishnu or his avatar, Krishna. Vithoba is sometimes portrayed as a dark young boy standing on a block with his arms akimbo, occasionally accompanied by his major consort Rakhumai. His major shrine is Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur.
23. Goddess Parvati
Goddess Parvati is also known as Gauri or Uma, and she is one of the Hindu goddesses that make up the trinity. The Gauri Celebration, also known as Teej, is a Hindu women’s festival devoted to Mata Parvati, depicted as Ardhanarishvara, a half-male goddess (Shiva) and half-female (Parvati).