Book Reviewed: Hindu Gods and Goddesses, by Swami Harshananda

Book Reviewed: Hindu Gods and Goddesses, by Swami Harshananda

Understanding the Hindu faith: The significance of deity worship (five stars)

In this book, entitled “Hindu Gods and Goddesses,” author Swami Harshanada, a disciple of the Ramakrishna Order elaborates and interprets the significance of the Hindu Gods & Goddesses. The apparent polytheistic nature of Hinduism and the unique style of deity worship are inherent in Indian traditions since Vedic times. The idea of polytheism is especially confusing for some followers of Hindu faith, and it is even more confounding to others since the Hindu practices are different. The vast collection Hindu scriptures, the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita, the Epics and the Puranas, with six schools of Hindu philosophy that provides a solid foundation for a belief system that is significantly different from Abrahamic religions. A proper understanding is required to comprehend the whole system into a simple working faith. In this regard, Swami Harshananda’s approach of explaining the deity worship and apparent polytheistic nature is commendable. Hinduism is actually the worship of One God in many forms, and the monotheistic nature of the faith is found in the concept of “Brahman,” in the holy scriptures of Gita and Upanishads. This idea is enumerated extensively in the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. It is disconcerting and even demeaning to the entire Hindu population to know that the Supreme Court of India concluded that Hinduism is not a religion, but “it’s a way of life.” It is incomprehensible that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees with this verdict. How can one come with such an erroneous conclusion? The gods of Hinduism are eternal, even though some of them are from the Vedas and some from Ithihasas (Epics) and Puranas. The Vedic god represent forces of nature, Agni for fire; Varuna for water (ocean); Vayu for wind; Soma for plants; and Indra for thunder. The prayers (hymns) offer the highest attributes to these gods; something done for one Supreme Godhead. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita (4:11; 7:21) says that He, the Supreme Lord, will respond to the devotees in whichever form they worship Him and in whichever way they approach Him. In RgVeda 1.164.46, we find, “ekam sat viprah bhaudha vadanti,” translation; The Truth is One; Sages call it by different names. This sets the tone for very early metaphysical ideas that were later developed in Upanishads. The scribe of this hymn suggests that deities appear to be different and independent from each other but they are actually manifestations of the same Supreme God.

Bulk of this book discusses the attributes of Vedic gods; and the Holy Trinity of Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and their reincarnations. Yet these seemingly different gods led to the development of monotheism in Upanishads. When the Vedantic concepts are fully grasped, the apparent polytheism of Hinduism disappears. The worship of gods becomes adoration of One Supreme Being.