Various deities and their symbolic visualizations

Indian Culture believes in only one Brahman (God, the Absolute). In fact, God is one and only one. God may be known by many names and may have been visualized in different forms or manifestations by people of different persuasions. However, none of these changes the fundamental truth that the God is only one. Various deities we know are not many gods/goddesses or several independent divine authorities but they are actually various power streams of the Absolute.

The purpose of symbolic visualizations or imaginations of deities in various forms is to help us learn and ingrain good virtues and tendencies in our life. The various aspects of deities like their appearances, vehicles, weapons, etc. have profound meaning and symbolic clues. Each of these serves as a focus of contemplation so that we, the devotees or the followers of a deity can reflect upon them over and over again, learn and incorporate the wisdom they convey in our thinking, actions and conduct and thus, transform our character so that it becomes consistent with the deity we worship. Each deity holds plenty of such inspirations, teachings and clues within their mystical manifestation.

Rituals as well as a variety of articles used in ritual worship (pooja) also have plenty of essential teaching useful for the seekers of religion and spirituality.  

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

Translated from - Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya’s work