For Hindus: in what sense is Hinduism "polytheistic"?

Question

For instance: are Brahma, Shiva and Visnù three distinct entities or the appearances of the same God? Why do Hindus have and adoration for minor Gods? Are these to be considered as the pagan divinities? Or as the Christian angels? Or how do you, as Hindu, intend them? In what sense is Hinduism "polytheistic"?

Ok, fine, Hinduism is not a religion, its a tradition, a culture , etc. But lets concentrate on the question if it can be considered "polytheistic" or not. If yes, why? If not, why not?

Raj P: I understand Hinduism in a way but always get told from non Hindus that it is the opposite. Therefore I'm now trying to get an account directly from Hindus to clarify myself this point.

Answer 1

the simple way is for you to read directly from the source. read the vedas and upanishads. otherwise, you will continue to get opinions wise or other vice.

even this answer, is an opinion.

there is only one supreme being. as human beings it is difficult to fathom the unfathomable, deity worship could have originated. the many gods are but different manifestations of the ONE BEING.

imagine air inside the house. it smells different in kitchen, in a bathroom, in a bed room. is the air different? if the air is a single entity, why does it have different smells? is the smell false? if different smells are possible, are the AIRS now different? the only answer is AIR is the same but with different manisfestations.

Answer 2

The questioner has not read the Original Texts.Translations can not convey the purport of Original Texts.Vedham clearly says "Eka Eva Brahmam Satyam(Except ONE Brahmam(=Ultimate Reality),there is no second one-Param naasthi=Except the ONE Brahmam nothing exists.Brahma, Siva,Vishnu all different names of the Same One Brahmam--Sivam means in Vedic language (Sanskrit) benevolent--Bhavam means the "inducer of action in the universe"--Vishnu means (from Vaasyaam ) all pervasive , immanent, Nara(Human)+ Ayana(Path for salvation)=Naarayana,Brahma is nick name like William(Bil)-Donald(Don)--original name is Virinji=Creation--so depending on the the ATTRIBUTEs AND functions, THE ONE and the ONLY ONE BRAHMAM ,is called by different Names(1000 names=Sahasra Naamam) --So Hindu Religion is NOT "Polytheistic"--but "MonoTheistic"-the questioner can erase this wrong impression, out of wrong translations, once and for ever.The "demi gods' as they are called are all Hindu Angels NOT Christian Angels--might be Christians after 4000 years (6000-2000=4000) taken the clue!!.

Answer 3

You do not seem to be able to differentiate between Religion and Dharma. They are not the same thing. Spitituality is yet another thing. I am yet to see a man who is purely atheist or monotheist or poly theist. The debate on these subjects shall be a matter of academic interest. What count most is the public manifestation of their belief systems. And going by the history, Hindus are best mannered human being. Implying that their belief system is far superior to others.

Answer 4

Ur question is not fair,just to throw some query based on Ur limited knowledge or Ur preconceived notion about what is right or wrong. first u should study Hinduism which might take u a long time and then u will may be understand a little bit of this beautiful philosophy

Answer 5

Ignore Zafralluah. He is a muslim thus wouldn't know anything anyway.

We don't claim that Hinduism is polytheitsic, we claim that it is monotheistic. It is the abrahamic followers that claim Hinduism to be a polytheistic religion because they only skim the surface and do not explore deeper. When we enlighten them, they point blank refuse our explanations as mere excuses. The hindu scriptures clearly attest to "One God".

Answer 6

Hindru concept is everything is god. Everyone should be respected. Then why is some god with power and some not?
After the certain practise, some of the magic came out but need to give up then you will go into higher level of practise until whole body and heart are purified.
So you and I are gods, what the big deal.

Answer 7

Hinduism is not a religion. It is a culture, custom, tradition, way of Hindus' lives in Hindustan (India). It is claimed and insisted as such by all the well known Hindu priests, scholars, intellectuals, philosophers, books, scripts, the Ruling Party BJP & Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, the Indian and International strongest Hindu organizations RSS & VHP, each and every Hindu, etc.

Hinduism is a very old culture, tradition, custom and way of lives of Hindus in Hindustan (India) for centuries. The Idols and idol worshipping cannot be separated from Hinduism. There are over 330 or 360 millions of Gods and Goddesses in India & millions of temples / shrines with their idols therein. Hundreds of millions of Hindus pray and worship these idols in those temples and shrines.

All, each and every Hindu fights for the IDOL of Lord Rama to be placed in the temple in Ayodhya, to be worshipped & prayed by Hindus. Some modern educated, westernized and over innocent Hindus claim that idol worship is not Hinduism. They are ashamed to face others unnecessarily . They should be proud of their tradition, custom, belief / faith.

Answer 8

Hindu is a persian notice for river Sindhu. human beings residing interior the indian subcontinent have been referred to as hindus by potential of persians. there is not any single founding father of hinduism. the religion is predicated on the vedas, puranas that have been compiled by potential of sages whose dates are actually not sparkling. generally commonly used around 3000 BC

Answer 9

If you are a true seeker, we can try to clarify your quest.
Why people of little understanding trying to answer this question. If you do not know the answer please refrain from showing your ignorance.
There can be one one infinity. There can only be one God. He can be called by various names and can have various attributes assigned to Him.
There is only one supreme Energy called by various names, but manifests as light, heat, wind, and etc.
In physics, the law of conservation of energy states that energy can not be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.

Answer 10

These deities are all aspects of God. (Just like the Christian trinity)

Hinduism is pantheistic in my judgment.