Author: Dr. Fazl Ahmad Ahmadi
An Overview of Hinduism (Part 12)
3. Gods of Hinduism
The multiplicity of gods in India is remarkable, with numerous places of worship existing in a single city or village, each dedicated to various deities. One of the gods of Hinduism, particularly in the Vedic tradition, is known as “Andra.” Andra is regarded as the god of nature, thunder, storms, and rain, as well as a national god, a warrior and protector of his people. In contrast to Andra, who embodies violence, “Varuna” is depicted as the benevolent god.
In his book titled *Uranus Varuna*, published in Paris in 1934, Dumzil writes: “The word Varuna is related to the Greek word Uranus, which signifies the sky, and it is also used to refer to the worship of the great god of Iran (Ahura).” Varuna, initially recognized as the god of the night sky and the starry heavens, gradually evolved into the god of the world, serving as the creator, overseer of nature, and guide for humanity. Varuna is closely associated with “Mitra,” the god of light, truth, and good deeds, who governs according to justice (Al-Samuk al-Shamri, Bita: 33 and 34).
Among the other gods of the Vedas is “Diaus Pitar,” which corresponds to “Zeus Pater” in ancient Greece and is considered the father of many other gods. In Hindu literature, this god is paired with “Pari Ti Vi Matar” or “Later Mer,” and among his offspring is “Sorya,” the sun god. Another important Hindu deity is “Vata,” the god of wind, who is sometimes referred to as “Vatan.”
Sacrifice and devotion form the cornerstone of the Vedic religion and the worship of the gods in Hinduism. According to Hindu belief, the deceased require offerings of food through charity, almsgiving, sacrifice, and gifts to ensure survival after death. Hindus believe that sacrifices made in honor of the gods are performed with the aid of fire, and water is associated with the divine. The life-giving sacrifice of the gods is believed to preserve and sustain existence, leading to creation. This action and behavior underpin existence and are viewed as the foundation of creation.
Understanding this belief within Indian thought can be quite challenging. Change and transformation do not equate to creation; rather, they represent human actions that produce external realities that surpass the individual. It can be said that sacrifice in Hinduism sustains the gods after creation and fulfills human desires. Through these acts, individuals envision the ability to maintain life after death, achieving longevity, wealth, and prosperity for their descendants.
In any case, happiness, salvation, and contentment in Hinduism—especially in Vedic times—are achieved through sacrifice and devotion. However, witchcraft is prohibited and considered against the religion, except for the Brahmins.
The Hindu priest-sorcerers, known as “Brahmins,” are the most knowledgeable about the rituals and methods of sacrifice. They possess the authority to perform these rituals personally or through appointed representatives, often receiving rewards in the form of expensive animals, such as one or multiple cows. In hymn number ten of the tenth book of the Rig Veda, it is stated that “for a cow given to a Brahmin, the entire universe is rewarded”.
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