Hinduism. Evolution (Origins, development) Gods of Hinduism

Hinduism Evolution (Origins, development) Gods of Hinduism

Asato Maa Sadgamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya Amrityor Maa Amratam Gamaya Brhadaranyaka Upanishad 1:3:28 Lead me from the unreal to the real From darkness to light (i.e., ignorance to knowledge) From death to immortality

About Hindu God (s): Pick the right answer Only one god who is impersonal (Brahman) Three gods (triad of Brahma, Visnu & Siva) 10 gods 33 gods 330 million (33 crores) gods All of the above None of the above

Renaissance / Modern Hinduism : Brahmo Samaj, Aurobindo, Theosophy, Tagore, Vivekananda, ISKON, Gandhi, Yoga Medieval period / Bhakti : Krsna worship The Puranic period : Shiva becomes pre-eminent The Epic Period : Avatars of Vishnu 1000 300 BC? 400 AD Upanishads : Mystical and philosophical Hindu triad of Brahman, Visnu, Siva 1500 500 BC The Vedic period (Aryan) : Vedic gods: 2500 1000 BC Indus valley civilization

Early Vedic gods Indra (war & weather) slays demon Vrtra creates the world Varuna (ruler of cosmos: cosmic order= rta) Agni (fire) Others: Wind (Vayu), Surya, Vsnu, Rudra

Gaayatri (to sun God) Om Bhoor Bhuvassuvah Om Tat Savituravarenayam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayaat Rg Veda 3:62 May there be peace on mortal, immortal and divine planes I meditate upon the most brilliant splendor of the Sun God May he stimulate our intellect (so that we are inspired to take the right action at the right time)

Hymn to Mitra and Varuna Svasti mitravaruna Svasti pathye revati Swasti na indrascagnisca Svasti no adite krdhi Rg Veda V: 51, 14 Send us well-being, O Mitra and Varuna Send us well-being O divine path, laden with riches May Indra and Agni bring us welfare Send us well-being O Aditi

Visadevas and Saraswati Sam no deva visvadeva bhavantu Sam sarasvati saha shibhihrastu Samabhisacah samu satisacah Sam no divyah parthivah sam no apyah Rg Veda VII: 35,11 May the divine vasudevas (All Gods) be kind to us May Sarasvati with the divine thoughts be good to us May the Helpful and Bountiful Gods be good to us May those who live in Heaven, on earth and celestial waters Be gracious to us

Questions about origins Mythological Indra slays the the dragon Vrtra Hiranyagarbha golden embryo Viswakarman (male) vac (sound) kala (time) Prajapati (Father of gods) Beginning of philosophical doubt and speculation

Philosophical quest O Yagnavalka, that of which they say it is above the heaven, beneath the earth, embracing heaven and earth, past, present, and future, tell me what is woven, like warp and woof? (3.8.3).. He said: O Gargi, the Brahmanas call this the Akshara (the imperishable). It is neither coarse nor fine, neither short nor long, neither red (like fire) nor fluid (like water); it is without shadow, without darkness, without air, without ether, without attachment, without taste, without smell, without eyes, without ears, without speech, without mind, without light (vigour), without breath, without measure, having no within, no without, it devours nothing, and no one devours it. (3.8.8)

That Brahman, O Gargi, is unseen, but all seeing; unheard, but hearing; unperceived, but perceiving; unknown, but knowing. There is nothing that sees but it, nothing that hears but it, nothing that perceives but it, nothing that knows but it. In that Akshara then, O Gargi, the ether is woven, like warp and woof. (3.8.11) Brahadranyaka Upanishad

The sage, our father, who took his place as priest of the oblation and offered all these worlds as oblation. Seeking riches through prayer, he entered those who were to come later, concealing those who went before. With eyes on all sides and mouth on all sides, with arms on all sides and feet on all sides, the One God created the sky and the earth, fanning them with his arms. What was the wood and what was the tree from which they carved the sky and the earth? You deep thinkers, ask yourselves in your own hearts, what base did he stand on when he set up the worlds? The All-Maker, the Lord of sacred speech, swift as thought we call to him today to help us in the contest. Let him who is the maker of good things and is gentle with everyone rejoice in our invocations and help us. Rg Veda 10. 81. 1-7

The Father of the Eye, who is wise in his heart.. The All-Maker is vast in mind and vast in strength. He is the one who forms, who sets in order, and who is the highest image. Our father, who created and set in order and knows all forms, all worlds, who all alone gave names to the gods, he is the one to whom all creatures come to ask questions... the realm of light was still immersed in the realm without light. You cannot find him who created these creatures; another has come between you. Those who recite the hymns are glutted with the pleasures of life; and they wander about wrapped up in the mist and stammering nonsense. Rg Veda 10.82 : 1 7,

Rtam ra satyam cabhidohar Tapso dhyajayata Tato ratryajayata Tatoh samudro arnevah Rg Veda X: 190, 1 From the blazing ascetic fervor were born The Rta (the somic order) and Truth From this the stillness of night was born From this the ocean with its waves

Philosophical doubt

Hymn of Creation Then even nothingness was not, nor existence There was no air then, nor the heavens beyond it. What covered it? Where was it? In whose keeping? Was there then cosmic water, in the depths unfathomed? Then there was neither death nor immortality, nor was there then the touch of night and day. The one breathed windlessly and self-sustaining. There was that One then, and there was no other.

At first there was only darkness wrapped in darkness. All this was only un-illuminated water. That One which came to be, enclosed in nothing, Arose at last, borne of the power of heat. In the beginning desire descended on it- That was the primal seed, born of the mind. The sages who have searched their hearts with wisdom Know that which is, is kin to that which is not And they have stretched their cord across the void, And know what was above, and what below Seminal power made fertile mighty forces. Below was strength, and over it was impulse.

But, after all, who knows, and who can say Whence it all came, and how creation happened? The gods themselves are later than creation, So who knows truly whence it has arisen? Whence all creation had its origin, He, whether he fashioned it or whether he did not, He who surveys it all from highest heaven, He knows - or may be even he does not know. Rg veda 10.129

Man & His creator

Agni O Agni, shared by all men bring us good luck For sacrifice from earth and heaven. With us be thine intelligence. Wonder worker, Protect us, God, with thy far-reaching blessing These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, Laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, By hymns, O nobly born, hath he obtained it. Agni, I deem my Kinsman and my Father, Count him my brother and my friend forever. I honor, as the face of lofty Agni in heaven The bright and holy light of Surya. Effectual Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, Guardest its rich in food, drawn by red steeds, And holy: by day and night shall all be pleasant.

Agni Men with their arms have generated Agni, Helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendors, And established as Invoker mid the people The ancient Priest the sacrifice s lover. Worship thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: What, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee. As Thou, O God, hast worshipped Gods by seasons, So nobly-born, to thine own pay worship. Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector Bestow upon us life and vital vigor. Accept O mighty One the gifts we offer, And with unceasing care protect our bodies. Rg Veda VII : 1 7

Upanishads Tat tvam asi That thou art Aham Brahman I am Brahman

Hindu concept of god Nirguna Brahma (without attributes) Sat chit-ananda : being intelligence bliss Sat: pure (infinite) being Chit: pure (infinite) intelligence Ananda: pure (infinite) bliss Saguna Brahma : (with attributes Knowable) Male form: Ishvara, Parameshvara, Paramãtma, Maheshvara,Viswakarman and Purusha. Female form: Divine Mother, Durgã and Kãlî

Brahma (Brah( Brah-ma) Four heads Four hands: A lotus, string of beads, Water jug, Vedas First of Hindu triad Supreme deity of Upanishads: creator 1 day = 2,160,000,000 human years Consort: Saraswati Goddess of learning

Brahma The Man has a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. He pervaded the earth on all sides and extended beyond it as far as ten fingers. It is the man who is all this, whatever has been and whatever will is to be. He is the ruler of immortality, when he grows beyond everything through food. Such is his greatness, and the man is yet more than this. All creatures are a quarter of him; the three quarters are what is immortal in heaven. Rg Veda 10.90.1

Brah-man = the Supreme Self Brah-ma = the Creator god Brah-min = priest

Vishnu : preserver Four arms: four directions: all pervading LR : Conchshell (Panchajanya) : symbol of five elements UR: (Sudarshana-chakra) Discus: cohesive tendency: mind UL: Lotus (Padma): causal power of illusion (the origin of universe) LL: Mace/club (Kaumodaki)): primeval knowledge

Avatars / Incarnations of Visnu First Age Second Age Third Age Fourth Age Satya Yuga Treta Yuga Dvapara Yuga Kali Yuga Age of truth Age of conflict Strife Matsya Fish Vamana (Dwarf) Krsna : Bala-rama Buddha Kurma Tortoise Parasu-Rama (Rama with the Ax) Kalki Varaha (Boar) Nr-simha (Man-lion) Rama-chandra (Righteousness)

Matsya (fish) Small fish seeks protection of Manu Vishnu in the form of the giant fish, saves Manu and the risis from the deluge

Kurma (tortoise) Recovers that which was lost in the deluge: Amrita (nectar of immortality), Dhanwantari (the healer and bearer of amrita) Lakshmi (goddess of fortune and beauty) Sura (goddess of wine) Rambha (ideal woman) Ucha (horse) Kaustubha (jewel) Airavata (elephant) Shankah (eternal conch) Dhanush (bow) Visha (poison)

Varaha (Boar) Recovers the earth from the bottom of the sea after battling a thousand years demon named Hiranyaksha

Nara-simha (man-lion) Demon king Hiranyakaspa Devotee child Prahlada

Vamana (dwarf) Demon named Bali reigns the triple world Vamana begs Bali to possess the land of 3 strides Spares Patala for the demons

Parasu-ram ram (Ram with the Axe) Overthrows the tyranny of ksatriyas King named Karata-virya steals the sacrificial calf of Jamadagni

Rama-chandra Ends the menace of the tenheaded demon king Ravana of Lanka Faithful wife Sita Loyal brother Laxmana Warrior monkeys - Hanuman

Avatars / Incarnations of Visnu First Age Second Age Third Age Fourth Age Satya Yuga Treta Yuga Dvapara Yuga Kali Yuga Age of truth Second Age Age of conflict Strife Matsya Fish Vamana (Dwarf) Krsna : Bala-rama Buddha Kurma Tortoise Parasu-Rama (Rama with the Ax) Kalki Varaha (Boar) Nr-simha (Man-lion) Rama-chandra (Righteousness)

Images of Krsna : his life Divine infant on all fours Divine child Divine youth playing the flute Chastiser of the serpent Kaliya Champion cowherd

Krsna :the amorous lover Delights in playing with the cowherd girls gopis Plays the flute to attract the gopis Most popular Favorite consort : Radha

Krsna : the warrior discourse to Arjuna Bhagavad-gita (song of the lord) discourse on dharma and devotion to Krsna

Krishna claim in Bhagavad-gita gita My true being is unborn and changeless. I am the Lord who dwells in every creature. Through the power of my own maya, I manifest myself in finite form. Whenever dharma declines and the purpose of life is forgotten, I manifest myself on earth. I am born in every age to protect the good, to destroy evil, and to re-establish dharma.. All paths, Arjuna, lead to me. Bhagavad Gita 4:6-9,11

Buddha : the great deluder of the godless / wicked Rejected the ritual aspects of religious texts Vedas Empahsis on ethical life Deluder: leads astray the wicked (demons and evil-doers) by their denial of the existence of god Logical

Kalkin : the righteous invader Appeared in early Christian era? With flaming sword will destroy all evil (foreign kings) I.e., destroys the invaders Renders the remnant of mankind pure and awakens them

Incarnations of Visnu MKVNV-PRKBK

Siva : the destroyer Rudra : lord of wrath ; god of destruction Lord of sleep: the remover (sin= sleep) One in deep meditation : Yogi

Hymn to Rudra We wish to gain your kindness, Rudra, Through sacrifice to the gods, for you are generous. O Ruler over heroes, come to our families with kindness. Let us offer the oblation to you with our heroes free from injury. We call down for help the dreaded Rudra Who completes the sacrifice, the sage who flies. Let him repel far from us the anger of the gods; It is his kindness that we choose to have.

Hymn to Rudra Tawny boar of the sky, dreaded form with braided hair, We call you down and we bow low. Holding in his hand the healing medicines that we long for, Let him grant us protection, shelter, refuge. These words are spoken for Rudra, the father of the Maruts, Words sweeter than sweet, to strengthen him. And grant us O immortal, the food for mortals. Have mercy on use, and on our children and grandchildren Rg Veda 1.114.3-6

Shiva : the ascetic Non-aryan god Pasupati : lord of the beasts Ultimate Yogi Third eye

Om Triyambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandanaat Mrtyormuksheeya maamrtaat Rg Veda, Taitreeya Upanishad, Rudra mantra We worship Lord Shiva, the three eyed one The one who is master of all senses and qualitites And the one who is the sustainer of all growth May he release from the bondage of death As a ripened cucumber is released from its stalk and may be grant us immortality

His contradictory nature : Manifest and unmanifest Yogi and Nataraja

Shiva (Nataraja( Nataraja) Lord of the dance Nata = dance Raja = lord His attributes: Creation, Preservation, Destruction, Yogic powers, Salvation

Shiva: Linga worship image of linga-yoni Initially : fertility cults Linga= phallic symbol Yoni = female Later view: Wholeness incorporates two opposing forces: pravritti (energy: matter) and nivritti (quiescence: spirit) Basis of later Tantric movement

Names of Shiva Tri-loka: Three-eyed Neela-kanta (Blue-throated) Panca-anana (Five faced) Candra-sekara (Moon crested) Ganga-dhara (Bearer of the ganges) Girisa (Mountain Lord) Wearing-matted-hair (Jata-dhara) Visva-natha (Lord of the Universe) Kapala-malin (Wearing Garland of skulls) Siva Ardha-narisvara Siva Daksina-murthi

Trimurti : Hindu triad Brahma Visnu Shiva Creator Preserver Destroyer Saraswati Lakshmi Parvati Durga / Kali Goddess of learning and wisdom Benevolent deity Rosary, book, vena, open hand of blessing Vehicle: swan or lotus Sprung up when the oceans were churned Goddess of wealth and beauty Other forms: Sita, Rukmini

Consort of Shiva : Durga / Kali Durga: Kills Mahisasura,, Buffalo demon Kali: fearsome and delights inkilling her foes

Hindu godesses Consort of various gods Symbolize Nature: matter, Energy Devi = Shakti in 2 forms : gentle (Parvati) Fierce ( Kali / Durga)

Other gods Hanuman Ganesh

Hindu pantheon : characteristics Gods operate in a closed system of universe Gods maintain the cosmic order rta Mythological, not historical Hindu worldview denies the existence of absolute evil ; gods are in an eternal struggle with the antigods / demons Dharma (sacred law, duty and tradition): order of values that links the individual to the social / ethical and cosmic order A person may choose his own god : ist-ha devatha

Idol worship in Hinduism Spiritual / abstract : meditation Ritualistic = idol worship Darsan: see god puja by devotee : offering to god Prasad: blessing of god Tirtha (pilgrimages): Kumbh mela, Kasi Festivals: Dassera, Diwali, Siva ratri

Temple: shrines for gods Initiation of statues: pratista Care of idols by priests Garbha-griha : main deity Pradhk-shina (circumambulation) Smaller temple : minor deities, consorts Mandapa: temple dances, recitations

Sectarianism & Cults Vishnu = vaishnav~ism Dvaita (Dualism) Ramanuja (vs. Advaita of Shankaracharya) Radha-krishna cult (ISKCON) Shiva = Shaiv~ism Tantr~ism : dynamic principle goddess worship God-men : Sai baba, Mahesh Yogi etc.

Then Vidagdha Sakalya asked him: How many gods are there, O Yagnavalka? He replied with this very nivid: As many as there are mentioned in this Nivid of the hymn of praise addressed to the Visvadevas, viz., three and three hundred, three and three thousand (3306). Yes, he said, and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? Thirty three he said Yes, he said and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? Six, he said. Yes, he said, and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? Three he said.

Yes, he said and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? Two, he said. Yes, he said, and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? One and a half, he said Yes, he said and asked again: How many gods are there really, O Yagnavalka? One he said Braadranyaka Upanishad 3.9.1 3 Adhyaya, 9 Brahmana, 1 verse