Popular Deities
In most Hindu philosophies there is only one ultimate reality. Also known as Brahman (the infinite manifestation the universe - not to be confused with Atman, the manifestation of god within a body; somewhat comparable to a soul), all others are considered his aspects, or avatars, - Vishnu, the protector or preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer, are the main examples of this, due to them being more popular aspects of the Ultimate Reality. In their personal religious practices, Hindus may worship primarily one or another of these aspects, known as their "Ishta Devata" or "Ishvara" (chosen deity). The particular Gods worshipped are a matter of individual preference, although regional and family traditions can play a large part in influencing this choice. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and the Ganapatya sects of Hinduism states that Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and Ganesha respectively equate to Brahman, and that all other deities are aspects of their chosen deity. Some popular Hindu deities and avatars include Vishnu and his form as Jagannath,Venkateshwaraand his Avatars : Narasimha,Krishna, Rama and others, Shiva (Hanuman worshipped as his aspect), Shakti, the feminine principle (and her aspects Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi and others), Ganesha, Murugan.
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