Most Popular Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest major religions, boasts a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses. These deities represent different aspects of the divine and are worshipped in various forms, each with their own set of legends, attributes, and significance.
From Shiva to Rama, here are some of the most popular Hindu gods and goddesses:
Brahma
Revered as the Creator in Hindu cosmology, Brahma is usually depicted with four heads and four arms, symbolizing his all-seeing nature and omnipresence. Image: 17th century painting of four-headed Brahma as an aged man, holding manuscript (Vedas), a ladle and a kamandalu;
Brahma is one of the principal deities in Hindu mythology, forming the holy trinity or “Trimurti” along with Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer).
It’s believed that he was responsible for the creation of the universe and all beings. He is believed to have emerged from the cosmic golden egg and created the world from it.
He is typically depicted with four heads and four arms. The four heads represent the four Vedas (ancient sacred scriptures of India) and also symbolize his omnidirectional vision, signifying his knowledge and awareness of the entire universe. His hands often hold a water pot (used in the act of creation), a spoon (related to Vedic rituals), a string of beads (symbolizing time), and the Vedas.
Brahma’s mount is the swan or goose, which is a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. The swan is believed to have the sacred ability to separate milk from water, signifying discernment.
Also Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, is considered to be Brahma’s consort. According to some legends, Saraswati was created from Brahma’s thoughts, while other tales suggest she emerged from his mouth.
Compared to Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma is less frequently worshipped in modern Hindu practices. One popular legend explains this by recounting a story where Brahma lied to gain an advantage over Vishnu, and as a result, Shiva cursed him to be less revered among the deities.
Did you know…?
The concept of time in Hindu cosmology is vast and cyclical. One day of Brahma, called a Kalpa, is equivalent to 4.32 billion human years. At the end of each Kalpa, there is a cosmic dissolution where the world is destroyed, only to be recreated again for the next cycle.
Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Popular depictions of her see her seated on a lotus, holding lotus blossoms and with gold coins flowing from one of her hands, signifying wealth.
As the goddess of wealth and prosperity (both material and spiritual), Lakshmi holds an essential place in Hindu rituals and festivals.
She is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with four hands, sitting or standing on a lotus. She often holds a lotus bud in one hand, symbolizing beauty, purity, and fertility. Her other hands typically hold a pot of gold (representing material wealth) and a pair of dispelling mudras (gestures) that signify her power to grant both material and spiritual riches.
Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, the preserver god in the Hindu trinity. It’s also believed that whenever Vishnu incarnates on earth, Lakshmi accompanies him, taking a form suitable to his incarnation. For instance, when Vishnu incarnated as Rama, she came as Sita, and when he took the form of Krishna, she incarnated as Rukmini.
One of the most well-known legends associated with Goddess Lakshmi is the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). As gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita), Lakshmi emerged, resplendent and adorning the lotus.
This goddess is particularly worshipped during the festival of Diwali, the festival of lights. It is believed that she visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bestowing her blessings of prosperity and wealth.
The “Ashta Lakshmi” are eight forms of the goddess, representing eight sources of wealth. These forms include: Dhana (money), Dhanya (grains), Gaja (elephant, symbolizing power), Santana (offspring), Veera (courage), Vijaya (victory), Aishwarya (wealth), and Adi Lakshmi (the primary form).
Vishnu
Known as “The Preserver”, Vishnu is often depicted with blue skin, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus. He descends to Earth in various forms, known as “avatars”, including Rama and Krishna. Image: Hindu god Vishnu (centre) surrounded by his ten major avatars, including Matsya, Kurma, Narasimha, Buddha, and Vamana. Illustrated by India painter Raja Ravi Varma, 1910
Vishnu’s primary role is to preserve and protect the universe from chaos. He ensures the balance of good over evil, maintaining cosmic order.
One of the most distinguishing features of Vishnu is the concept of the “avatar” or “incarnation.” Over time, he descends to the mortal realm in various forms to restore dharma. The ten most famous incarnations or “Dashavatara” include Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki (a future warrior on horseback).
Revered as “The Preserver”, Vishnu is typically depicted with a blue complexion and four arms. In his hands, he holds a conch (shankha), a discus-like weapon (chakra), a mace (gada), and a lotus (padma). These symbols represent different aspects of his divinity: the conch stands for the sound that created the universe; the chakra represents the mind; the mace symbolizes strength; and the lotus signifies liberation.
Shiva (left), Vishnu (middle), and Brahma (right), c. 1940 illustration
His abode is known as Vaikuntha, and when he is in the milky ocean, it is called Ksheer Sagar.
Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is considered Vishnu’s consort. Whenever Vishnu incarnates on Earth, Lakshmi accompanies him as his consort. For instance, when Vishnu incarnated as Rama, Lakshmi incarnated as Sita.
Devotees of Vishnu are often referred to as Vaishnavites. They celebrate various festivals related to Vishnu’s avatars, such as Janmashtami (Krishna’s birth) and Rama Navami (Rama’s birth).
Also, the “Tilak” or mark worn by Vaishnavites, i.e. devotees of Vishnu, on their forehead is generally U-shaped, representing the foot of Vishnu.
Shiva
Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hindu mythology, often referred to as the Destroyer or the Transformer within the holy trinity or “Trimurti” alongside Brahma (the Creator) and Vishnu (the Preserver). Several texts are dedicated to Shiva’s lore, including the Shiva Purana and the Rudra hymns in the Yajur Veda. Image: Shiva – the Hindu god of destruction, protection, and time – depicted seated and holding an axe and deer in his hands.
Shiva represents the cosmic force of change and transformation. He destroys in order to create, signifying the cyclic nature of the universe: creation, preservation, and destruction. In Hindu religion, he holds a complex role that transcends the simple aspect of destruction; he also embodies creation, preservation, and the cycle of life and death.
He is often depicted with ash smeared over his body, wearing tiger and elephant skins. He has a third eye on his forehead, which, when opened, releases a potent force capable of destruction. He also has matted hair which holds the crescent moon and the river Ganges. Shiva is often shown with a blue throat, a consequence of consuming the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean.
Shiva’s vahana (vehicle) is Nandi, the sacred bull. Temples dedicated to Shiva usually have a statue of Nandi facing the main shrine.
Shiva’s consort is Parvati, the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion. Together, they have two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva and Parvati’s relationship symbolizes the union of cosmic male and female energies.
Shiva is often shown with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon, the Ganges river flowing from his matted hair, and a trident. His dance, the Tandava, symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
It is also believed that her dance, known as the Tandava, symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death.
Devotees of Shiva are often referred to as Shaivites. They celebrate various festivals associated with Shiva, including Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to the worship of Shiva.
The “Tilak” or mark worn by Shaivites on their forehead is typically three horizontal lines representing Shiva.
READ MORE: How Does Shiva Destroy and Recreate the Universe?
Durga
It’s believed that Durga rides a lion or tiger and carries weapons in her multiple hands. She represents the feminine power and fights against the forces of evil. Image: Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon
Durga is a prominent goddess in Hindu mythology, embodying feminine power, righteousness, and fierce determination. She is often referred to as the warrior goddess who battles and defeats evil forces to restore order and dharma (cosmic law and morality).
In the myths, this goddess was created by the combined powers of various gods to combat the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by any man or god due to a boon he received. Durga, a divine feminine force, was thus created to vanquish him.
When it comes to depictions, she is often perceived as a beautiful, radiant goddess with ten arms, each carrying a weapon bestowed upon her by different gods. She rides a lion or a tiger, representing power and determination. Her face reflects calmness and serenity, contrasting with her fierce warrior stance.
Her title “Slayer of Mahishasura” is in reference to her victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. The battle between Durga and Mahishasura symbolizes the eternal fight between good and evil.
Durga’s many arms and weapons symbolize the all-encompassing power and resources of the goddess. Her right hand is often in a pose that bestows blessings and reassures her devotees of protection and benevolence.
She is especially venerated during the festival of Navaratri (Nine Nights). This festival, celebrated with great zeal across various parts of India, marks the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. The last day, called Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, celebrates the day Durga defeated the demon.
Durga is also associated with other forms of the goddess, such as Parvati (the gentle and nurturing consort of Shiva), Kali (the fierce and destructive form), and Ambika (the mother).
Krishna
Regarded as the eighth incarnation or avatar of the god Vishnu, Krishna is believed to have be born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. Due to a prophecy that predicted the demise of the tyrannical ruler Kamsa at the hands of Devaki’s eighth son, Krishna was smuggled out at birth and raised by foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda, in the town of Gokul.
His childhood and youth, often referred to as his “Bala Leela,” are filled with enchanting tales of his mischiefs, including stealing butter, playing the flute, and dancing with the ‘gopis’ (milkmaids) in the Raas Leela. These tales symbolize divine joy and the soul’s yearning for a union with the divine.
Hindu deity Krishna is often depicted as a young boy playing a flute, or as a charioteer giving philosophical discourse (Bhagavad Gita) to Prince Arjuna. Basically, he is seen as a deity who embodies love, divine joy, wisdom, and righteousness. Image: Krishna Statue at the Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore).
As he grew older, Krishna returned to Mathura, where he overthrew and killed the oppressive ruler Kamsa, fulfilling the prophecy.
Within the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, is the Bhagavad Gita—a 700-verse dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Taking place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom, ethics, and the path to salvation. The Gita is one of Hinduism’s most important philosophical classics.
The love story of Radha and Krishna is one of the most celebrated in Hinduism. It represents the soul’s quest for union with the divine. Their love is seen as the highest form of devotion and has inspired countless works of art, poetry, and music.
Krishna’s life on earth concluded after he was accidentally shot by an arrow from a hunter, mistaking him for a deer. After his passing, he is believed to have ascended to his divine abode.
He is worshiped across many traditions, sects, and regions. For example, Janmashtami, which marks Krishna’s birthday, is celebrated with great fervor. Another festival, Radha Ashtami, celebrates the birth of Radha.
Krishna is one of the most important avatars (the Dashavatara) of Vishnu, a supreme deity in Hinduism. Image: Krishna with the warrior prince Arjuna
Saraswati
In Hinduism, Saraswati is considered the divine embodiment of intellectual and creative pursuits, making her a central figure for students, artists, and scholars.
Saraswati is usually depicted as a graceful woman dressed in white (symbolizing purity) seated on a white lotus (indicating truth and knowledge). She is often shown playing a veena, a stringed musical instrument, emphasizing her association with the arts.
In some accounts, she is associated with the creation of the universe. She represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness, making her an essential aspect of creation and spiritual knowledge.
Also, she is best known as the consort of Brahma, the creator god. Her association with Brahma underscores the idea that knowledge and creativity go hand in hand.
Similar to Brahma, Saraswati is often depicted with a swan or sometimes a peacock by her side. The swan symbolizes the power of discrimination (to separate truth from untruth), while the peacock represents the worldly beauty and sometimes the unpredictability of life.
Saraswati is a revered goddess in Hinduism, representing knowledge, wisdom, learning, art, and music. She is generally depicted with a veena (a musical instrument), book, and rosary, symbolizing her dominion over the arts and sciences. Painting of the Goddess Saraswati by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma
She is especially worshipped on Vasant Panchami, a festival that marks the arrival of spring. On this day, students and artists pray to her for wisdom, artistic and scholarly skills. It’s a common practice to introduce young children to the world of letters on this day, symbolizing the start of their learning journey.
Apart from wisdom and arts, Saraswati is also associated with speech and sound, often being referred to as “Vak Devi” or the goddess of speech and sound. This makes her integral to verbal communication and chanting.
Kali
Kali is a complex and multifaceted goddess in Hinduism, often associated with destruction, time, and liberation. Her portrayal and symbolism are rich and multilayered, intertwining aspects of death, power, transformation, and divine femininity.
The name “Kali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “kāla,” which means “time.” As Kali, she is the embodiment of time, which consumes all things, symbolizing the inevitable destruction that makes room for new creation. Many stories in Hindu scriptures describe her arising from the anger of other deities to vanquish powerful demons.
A protective goddess, Kali is often depicted as a dark-skinned, fierce-looking goddess with wild hair, multiple arms, a protruding tongue, and wearing a garland of severed heads and a skirt of severed arms. Her appearance symbolizes her all-encompassing power over time and ignorance.
As stated above, Kali is often associated with the god Shiva, one of the primary deities in Hinduism. In many depictions, Kali is seen standing on a passive Shiva, representing the balance between power and calm, destruction and creation. Their relationship underscores the interdependence of the different aspects of the divine.
Her protruding tongue is a symbol laden with meaning. In one interpretation, after defeating the demon Raktabija, Kali becomes intoxicated with the bloodlust. To stop her destructive rampage, Shiva lies in her path, and upon realizing she has stepped on her consort, she sticks her tongue out in shock and embarrassment.
Rama
Best known as the hero of the epic “Ramayana”, Hindu god Rama is revered as another incarnation of Vishnu. He is often depicted with a bow and arrow, alongside his wife Sita and devotee Hanuman. Image: Hindu god Rama holding arrows, early 19th century depiction
Rama, also known as Ramachandra, is the seventh avatar (incarnation) of the god Vishnu and is particularly important to the Vaishnavism tradition.
The ancient epic The Ramayana narrates the life of Rama from his birth to his ascension to heaven. It depicts his righteous character, his banishment from the kingdom of Ayodhya, his adventures, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and the subsequent battle to rescue her.
According to story, Rama was born in Ayodhya as the eldest son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. His birth is celebrated as the festival of Ram Navami. As a prince, he displayed exceptional skills, righteousness, and courage.
It’s said that he won Sita’s hand in marriage by stringing the mighty bow of Shiva at her swayamvara (a form of ancient marriage ceremony). They shared an exemplary and devoted relationship, which has since been celebrated as an ideal of marital devotion and love.
Due to palace intrigues, Rama was exiled from Ayodhya for 14 years. Accompanied by Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana, he lived in forests, facing many challenges and confronting various demons.
While in exile, Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. This led to a series of events culminating in a great war between Rama’s army (which included the devoted monkey deity Hanuman) and Ravana’s forces.
After defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita, Rama returned to Ayodhya, where he was coronated as king. This triumphant return is celebrated as Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights, in many parts of India.
As king, Rama established a just and righteous reign known as “Rama Rajya,” considered the golden age of justice, prosperity, and righteousness. However, later in his reign, he faced challenges, including the heartbreaking decision to banish Sita due to rumors regarding her purity after her captivity in Lanka.
Ganesha
Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is worshipped as the god of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, new beginnings, and the remover of obstacles. His iconography, stories, and significance make him a multifaceted deity with appeal across various aspects of life and culture.
He is typically depicted with an elephant’s head and a pot-bellied human body. He has four arms (though sometimes more in various representations), and in his hands, he often holds a noose, a goad (ankusha), a bowl of sweets (modak), and a broken tusk.
There are several versions of the story of Ganesha’s birth, but one of the most popular recounts how Parvati, the wife of Shiva, created Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard the entrance while she bathed. When Shiva returned and was denied entry by Ganesha, a confrontation ensued, resulting in Shiva beheading Ganesha. To appease a distraught Parvati, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life and replaced his head with that of the first creature they came across, which was an elephant.
Ganesha is depicted as an elephant-headed god. He is usually seen with a broken tusk and a modak (sweet) in his hand. His large head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a broad perspective. He’s considered the patron of arts and sciences and is often invoked by students before examinations. Image: Ganesha on his vahana mooshika the rat, c. 1820
In one tale, Ganesha broke his tusk to use it as a pen to transcribe the Mahabharata as the sage Vyasa narrated it. This act highlights Ganesha’s role as a patron of literature and learning.
Ganesha is revered as “Vighneshvara” or the lord of obstacles. He is invoked at the beginning of ventures, rituals, and ceremonies to ensure smooth progress and success.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival dedicated to Ganesha, especially popular in the state of Maharashtra in India. During this festival, elaborate clay models of Ganesha are made, worshipped, and eventually immersed in water, symbolizing a cycle of creation and dissolution.
Also, his vehicle or “vahana” is the mouse or rat, known as “Mushika.” This association represents the balance of size and power and underscores Ganesha’s role in controlling all aspects of life.
Hanuman
Hanuman is depicted as monkey-faced and is best known for his devotion, valor, and strength. He also embodies discipline and humility. Image: Hanuman fetches the herb-bearing mountain, in a print from the Ravi Varma Press, 1910s
Hanuman is a central figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the epic Ramayana. He is worshipped as a deity with immense physical strength, unmatched devotion, profound wisdom, and unfaltering ethics. Known for his unwavering loyalty to Rama and Sita, Hanuman embodies the perfect devotee and is a symbol of selfless service, bravery, and pure devotion.
In Hinduism, Hanuman is believed to be the son of the wind god, Vayu, and Anjana, a celestial nymph. He was born with divine powers, including immense strength, the ability to transform his shape at will, and the power to leap great distances.
He is typically depicted as a monkey-faced figure with a strong, human-like physique. He often carries a mace (gada) and a flag with the mountain, representing the episode where he brings the Sanjeevani Mountain to revive Lakshman.
Hanuman interacts with Rama in the forest.
One of Hanuman’s most famous feats was leaping across the ocean to the island of Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) in search of Sita. There, he delivered Rama’s message, assessed the enemy’s strength, and even set a portion of the city on fire with his burning tail.
Hanuman is a widely worshipped deity in India and the Hindu diaspora. Every Tuesday and Saturday, many devotees flock to Hanuman temples, as these days are especially dedicated to him. He is also a protective deity and is believed to defend his devotees from harm and negative influences.
