Gods & Goddesses.
A world of devotion.

Shiva is revered as supreme in Shaiva traditions. His forms include Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. Describing him only as a “destroyer” leaves much of his significance unexplored.

Read Shiva and Parvati

Read Bhagiratha and the Ganga

Vishnu is central to Vaishnava traditions. Many narratives describe his appearance through avatars, including Rama and Krishna. Different lineages explain the relationship between these divine forms in different ways.

Devi means “goddess.” In Shakta traditions the Divine Mother is supreme. Durga, Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati are among widely worshipped goddesses; their relationships are explained differently by different texts and traditions.

Meet Lalita Tripurasundari
Read Lalita and Bhandasura

Ganesha is widely invoked at the start of undertakings. In the devotional teachings of Himalayan Academy, he both removes obstacles and places them to guide the devotee. His worship extends across several Hindu traditions.

In the Trimurti account, Brahma is associated with creation, Vishnu with preservation and Shiva with dissolution. Brahma is distinct from Brahman, the philosophical term for ultimate reality. This threefold account does not encompass every Hindu theology.

Saraswati is widely associated with learning, speech and the arts. Her presence in worship offers an entrance into the tradition’s relationship with education, music and sacred language.

Lakshmi is widely worshipped in connection with prosperity and well-being. Her significance includes the feminine Divine; treating her merely as a symbol of money gives an incomplete picture.

Durga is celebrated in goddess traditions. Sacred art and the Devi Mahatmya depict her battles with destructive forces, including Mahishasura. These narratives offer rich ground for exploring divine protection.

Kali’s formidable imagery belongs to a devotional world in which she is also revered as Mother and protector. In the Devi Mahatmya, she appears in the Goddess’s battles. Her meaning deserves more context than her appearance alone.

Rama is the central figure of the Ramayana and is revered as an avatar of Vishnu. His story connects with Sita, Hanuman and the challenges of dharma. The epic has many retellings.

Krishna draws devotees through many narratives and forms of worship. In the Bhagavad Gita, he teaches Arjuna about action and spiritual life. His place within Vaishnava theology varies among lineages.

Read Hanuman’s journey to Lanka. Hanuman plays a central role in the Ramayana. He is revered for strength and for devotion to Rama, offering a way to explore the relationship between spiritual power, humility and service.