The fact that there are different gods with different forms and names indicates they have different powers and functions. Of course they are same in essence but that can be said of anything since all has emerged from God and carries something of the Divine within it. But the truth of difference is equally important. If all were same then there would be no need for differences.
So too all religions are not same though each claims to be the intermediary between God and man. But the beliefs, practices, teachings, even the conceptions of God are very different.
If possible, can you please enlighten – which aspect of the divine each of our main gods Shiva, Shakti/Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya & Kartikeya represents? and how are they different in their approach, response and influence?
Shiva: the power of destruction and creation, the power to grant liberation.
Shakti: the supreme Power that gives power to all the gods and goddesses and everything.
Vishnu: the power to keep the cosmic balance, wideness.
Ganesh: the power to remove obstacles through knowledge.
Kartikeya: the power to battle and conquer.
Surya: the power to create, to know all and illumine all. The power of Light and its functions.
Also, we Hindus generally pray to various gods. You can see it in our pooja ghar where we keep vigraha or images of almost all main gods. Is it the right practice?
It is okay as long as we have not taken to a certain spiritual path. As part of Religious practice it is fine.
In the answer to above question, you mentioned that – “Hence it is important to be conscious of the core aspiration, the seeking within oneself, otherwise sometimes different influences may not always mix well”. Does it mean praying to various gods is not the right practice and one should stick to one of the gods which will be more effective?
If you want to go beyond Religion and enter the spiritual life then it is best to have one ishta Devata and others as accompanying deities.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
