Hindu gods and goddesses
Do Hindus believe in one God or in many gods? Many Hindus would answer: one, seen in many forms. Most traditions hold one supreme reality and worship it as Vishnu, Shiva, the Goddess, Ganesha or another form. The traditions differ on which form is supreme, and on how the other gods relate to it.
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Ganesha
Ganesha, also called Ganapati and Vinayaka, is the elephant-headed god of beginnings, wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Prayers: Vakratunda Mahakaya, Jai Ganesh Deva Aarti, Sankashtanashana Ganesha Stotram
Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi
Stories for children: Ganesha Goes Round the World (ages 3-6), Ganesha Writes the Mahabharata (ages 3-6)
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Hanuman
Hanuman is the great devotee and messenger of Rama in the Ramayana.
Prayers: Hanuman Chalisa, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak, Bajrang Baan
Festival: Hanuman Jayanti
Stories for children: Hanuman Leaps for the Sun (ages 7-10), Hanuman Finds Sita (ages 7-10)
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Krishna
Krishna is one of the most loved forms of God in Hindu worship.
Prayers: Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Hare Krishna Mahamantra
Festival: Janmashtami
Stories for children: Krishna and the Butter (ages 3-6), Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill (ages 3-6)
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Rama
Rama is the hero of the Ramayana: a prince of Ayodhya, eldest son of King Dasharatha, who gives up his throne to keep his father's word, spends fourteen years in the forest with Sita and Lakshmana, rescues Sita from Ravana with the help of Hanuman, and returns to rule.
Prayer: Shri Ram Jai Ram
Festivals: Ram Navami, Dussehra, Diwali
Stories for children: The Day Rama Was Born (ages 3-6), Rama Comes Home (ages 7-10)
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Shiva
Shiva, “the auspicious one”, is one of the great forms of God in Hindu worship.
Prayers: Om Namah Shivaya, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Shiva Panchakshara Stotram
Festival: Maha Shivaratri
Stories for children: Shiva and Parvati's Wedding (ages 7-10), How Ganga Came Down to Earth (ages 3-6)
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Vishnu
Vishnu is the form of God who preserves and protects the world.
Prayers: Om Namo Narayanaya, Vishnu Sahasranama, Om Jai Jagdish Hare
Festival: Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Stories for children: Vamana and King Mahabali (ages 7-10), Varaha Lifts the Earth (ages 7-10)
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Durga
Durga is the Goddess as protector: the Mother who fights for the world.
Prayers: Durga Chalisa, Jai Ambe Gauri Aarti, Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
Festivals: Navratri, Durga Puja
A story for children: Durga and the Buffalo King (ages 7-10)
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Lakshmi
Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the goddess of fortune, prosperity and beauty, and the consort of Vishnu.
Prayer: Om Jai Lakshmi Mata Aarti
Festivals: Diwali, Sharad Purnima
A story for children: The Churning of the Ocean (ages 7-10)
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Saraswati
Saraswati is the goddess of learning, speech, music and the arts.
Prayer: Ya Kundendu
Festival: Vasant Panchami