In early Hinduism, Agni is one of the most important of the Vedic gods. Agni is the god of fire, and much of his importance comes from the role of fire in sacrifices and Hindu rituals. Agni is the embodiment of the fire which consumes… [More]

So tempting, so alluring, the Apsaras were both idolized and scorned for their charming ways. So why are these trouble makers still important to Hinduism?

The Asuras are generally considered divine beings, who are primarily known for doing evil, but not always. It might be better to say that the Asuras are powerful beings who often are opposed to the gods. By the end of the Vedic period, however, the… [More]

Who is Lord Brahma? In Hinduism, the God Brahma is the senior member of the triad of great gods, which also includes Vishnu and Shiva. He is one of the more complex Hindu deities, alternatively hurting, and then helping, mankind as well as other Hindu… [More]

Chandra might be one of the most romantic of the Hindu deities. When poets and lovers gaze to the moon for inspiration, they actually are gazing at the Hindu God chandra.

While Devi is a nurturing, Mother Goddess, she has many wrathful forms as well. How can such a caring goddess be so cruel?

Duga combines the energies of all the male Hindu Gods into one wrathful Goddess.

The Gandharvas were the mates of the Apsaras, and are considered spirits of the air, forests, and mountains. Sometimes they were seen as dirty creatures who were part man and part animal; other times they were men with birds’ legs and wings.

Ganesh is the elephant Headed God of success, and is one of the most beloved Hindu deities in the world.

While Ganga may have fallen from heaven and been relegated to earth, her role in the life of Hindus should not be underestimated.

Hanuman is so heroic and brave that this Monkey God has won the hearts of many Hindu devotees.

Indra was the supreme ruler of the gods in the early Hindu religious books, particularly the Rig Veda. Indra was the leader of the gods, the god of war, the god of thunder and storms, and the greatest warrior.

Kali is one of the most ferocious goddesses in Hinduism, but she is also crucial to the birth cycle of man.

Kama is the god of love in Hinduism. He is a son of Lakshmi. Kama is represented as a winged youth bearing bow and arrows (similar to Cupid). Kama uses the cane of sugarcane as the shaft of his bow and a line of buzzing… [More]

Despite HIS complexity, Krishna is one of the most loved and well known deities in all of India.

Lakshmi is loved and admired, for her grace, and the gifts she bestows upon here devotees.

While serpents are normally reviled, the Nagas hold a special place in Hinduism as protectors of spiritual devotion, and also are venerated in Buddhism as well.

Parvati might have been a disappointment to her parents, but she is often considered a role model for the ideal woman.

All cultures have ghosts in their legends, and Hinduism is no different. The Pisachas are the most well know of the Hindu ghostly spirits and they are closely links to some of the other Hindu deities.

In Hindu legend, Rahu is a demon that causes eclipses. He rides a chariot pulled by eight black horses, with his mouth wide open, ready to devour the sun or moon.

The Rakshas were under the power of the evil King Ravana, and they were intent on defeating Lord Rama, the divine bowman avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Rama is often cited as an ideal role model for male Children in India. His triumphs against evil forces are some of the most widely loved stories for families to share.

Rudra was an early malevolent god, mentioned in the Rig Veda, and associated with storms and other natural disasters. Often heard but never seen, and thus referred to as The Howler.

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and the mistress of the arts, and is the consort of Brahma. She rules the intellectual and creative realm, and is the patron saint of libraries and schools. Saraswati is not normally adorned in jewels, but instead opts for… [More]

Shiva is a contradiction in terms; at once a fearsome destroyer and yet also a calm, meditating spiritual seeker. And when he stops dancing, the universe collapses.

Surya is one of the celestial body deities, being considered the God of The Sun. He held a special place in early Hinduism, and is the son of the God Indra.

Not one of the better known deities, Varuna was associated not only as ruler of the seas, but also as the guardian of justice and enforcing promises and contracts.

Vishnu and His Avatars are the most widely worshiped deities in the Hindu world, as Vishnu’s many forms are credited with tremendous achievements.

Yakshas were thought to have control over who could obtain wealth and resources from the earth. Their position made them an important player in The Mahabharata.