How many Hindu gods are there?

How many Hindu gods are there?

Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion with a rich pantheon of gods and goddesses. The number of gods in Hinduism is not fixed and varies according to different traditions and interpretations. Hindu scriptures mention a multitude of deities, and the exact number can be debated.

Some Hindus believe in a single ultimate reality, Brahman, which is formless and transcendent, and all the gods and goddesses are different manifestations or aspects of this divine essence. In this view, the number of gods can be considered infinite.

However, Hinduism also recognizes major deities, often referred to as the Trimurti, which consists of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). These three deities are considered the supreme manifestations of divinity, and they are often depicted with their consorts, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, respectively.

Apart from the Trimurti, there are numerous other gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Some of the popular ones include Ganesha (the elephant-headed god of wisdom and obstacles), Hanuman (the monkey god known for his devotion to Lord Rama), Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a central figure in the Mahabharata), Durga (the goddess of power and protection), and many more.

It's important to note that while some gods and goddesses are widely worshiped throughout Hindu communities, others are specific to certain regions, local customs, or individual preferences. The sheer number of deities in Hinduism reflects the religion's inclusiveness and the diversity of its followers' beliefs and practices.