Three features of the Divine

The One Supreme Reality: Brahman

At the heart of Hindu thought is the concept of Brahman, which is considered the ultimate reality or the Supreme Divine. It is beyond human understanding and is infinite, eternal, and formless.
Brahman is the source of all that exists in the universe. It is not a god, but rather the ultimate truth and reality. It is the power that gives life and existence to everything.
The key Upanishadic phrase “Brahman is the Truth, the Knowledge and the Infinity” sums up the essential characteristics of Brahman.

Manifestations of A Personal God

Although Brahman is beyond personal comprehension, Hindus commonly worship Brahman in personal form, known as Ishvara.
Ishvara is perceived as a personal god with qualities and attributes that human beings can understand, relate to and worship. Ishvara animates the universe, but it is not separate from Brahman.
Commonly worshipped forms of Ishvara include Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Each god represents different aspects of Brahman and is revered with its own set of rituals and practices.

Deities and their Symbolism

Hinduism has an abundance of deities, or gods and goddesses, which are believed to be specific manifestations of Brahman. These deities are revered as divine and hold a special place in a Hindu’s devotion.
Each deity has unique symbolism attached to them. For instance, the goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth and prosperity, while Ganesha is the remover of obstacles.
The multiple deities are not believed to represent separate gods, but rather different aspects of the one Supreme Reality - Brahman. Each deity allows devotees to focus their worship and understanding on a specific aspect of Brahman.
This approach allows a personalised and dynamic relationship between the devotee and the divine, supporting the vast spiritual needs and expressions of the Hindu community.