There is an abundance of Gods and goddesses in Nepal, especially in Hinduism. People have different faiths and beliefs, but they are very respectful to each other. Here is a list that traces out major worshipped Hindu deities in Nepal.
Brahma
He is the creator God of the universe and is seen in three-headed and four-handed positions. He is one of the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, Shankar).
Iconography
Four Heads and Arms: Represent the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) pointed in cardinal directions, and his omniscience. Originally, he had five, but one was cut off by Shiva.
Beard: It signifies wisdom and his existence throughout all time.
Four Arms Holding Symbols
- Akshamala (Rosary): Symbolizes the cycle of time and meditation.
- Kundika (Water Pot): Represents the water of creation.
- Book/Manuscript: Symbolizes Vedas/Knowledge.
- Sruk-Sruva (Ladles): Sacrificial tools, used in rituals.
- Vehicle (Vahana): A swan or goose (hamsa) symbolizing discrimination (the ability to separate good from evil).
- Seat: A lotus flower, representing the unfolding of the universe and purity.
- Apparel: Often dressed in white or red, wearing a jata-mukuta.
Brahma is typically accompanied by his consort, Saraswati (goddess of learning)
Visnu
He is the preserver. He is seen as the god with the human face.
Key Iconographic Features and Symbolism:
- Four Arms: Representing dominion over the four directions and presence in both the spiritual and material realms.
- Blue Skin: Reflects his calm demeanor and association with the infinite sky and sea.
Four Attributes:
- Shankha (Conch): Symbolizes the sound of creation and the origin of existence.
- Sudarshana Chakra (Discus): Represents the mind, the destruction of ego, and the cyclical nature of time.
- Gada (Mace): Represents divine power, knowledge, and the punishment of adharma (unrighteousness).
- Padma (Lotus): Symbolizes purity, beauty, and the unfolding of spiritual liberation (moksha).
Common Postures:
- Standing (Narayana): As a four-armed deity holding his attributes.
- Reclining (Ananta-Shesha): Asleep on the serpent Shesha, floating on the cosmic ocean, representing the preservation of the universe during the interval between cosmic dissolution and creation.
Key Attributes & Adornments:
- Kaustubha Gem: Worn on his chest, representing the joy of the cosmos.
- Garuda: Often depicted with his mount, the eagle-man deity Garuda.
- Lakshmi: Frequently accompanied by his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, who represents prosperity.
Common Forms:
- Vishnu-Lakshmi: Seated or standing together, representing cosmic balance.
- Vishnu as Avatar: Depicted in one of his ten forms (Dashavatara), such as Rama or Krishna, which he assumes to restore dharma.
Common Mudras (Hand Gestures):
- Varada Mudra: A gesture of granting boons or blessings.
- Abhaya Mudra: A gesture of fearlessness and protection.
Shiva
Shiva, also known as Shanker. He is known as a destroyer and regenerator. He is seen in Nartaj, Lingam, and Ascentic form.
Iconography
Third Eye (Trinetra): Symbolizes higher consciousness, spiritual insight, and the ability to destroy evil.
Matted Hair (Jata): Represents his nature as a master yogi. The Ganges flows from his hair, signifying purification, while the crescent moon symbolizes the control of time.
Serpent (vasuki): Coiled around his neck, representing mastery over fear, death, and ego.
Trident: Represents the three powers - creation, preservation, and destruction- or the mastery over the three world.
Damaru (Drum): An hourglass-shaped drum representing the rhythm of the universe and the cosmic sound of creation.
Ash (Bibhuti): Smeared on his body to symbolize the transient nature of life.
Tiger/Elephant/Sin: Worn to represent control over lust and ego.
Indra
He is the ruler of heaven and King of Gods. Aka God of rain.
Durga
Durga is a Goddess of the destroyer, who is the consort of Shiva.
Laxmi
Goddess of wealth, daughter of Shiva, and Durga- Wife of Visnu.
Key Elements of Lakshmi’s Iconography
- Lotus (Padma): Symbolizes fertility, purity, and self-knowledge, often held in her hands or used as her seat.
- Four Arms: Represent the four main goals of human life in Hindu culture: Dharma (righteousness)Artha (wealth)Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
- Gold Coins: Often shown cascading from one of her hands, representing material wealth and abundance.
- Attire: Dressed in red garments with gold embroidery, symbolizing activity, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
- Gaja-Lakshmi (Elephants): Frequently depicted with two white elephants showering her with water from vessels, representing royal authority and, fertility, and divine grace.
- Owl (Ulooka): Symbolizes wisdom, the ability to work in the dark, and the responsible management of wealth.
Common Forms and Associations
- Gaja-Lakshmi: The most common form, featuring elephants.
- Ashta-Lakshmi: Eight manifestations representing different forms of wealth.
- Vaishnavi: As the consort of Vishnu, she is often seen with attributes like the conch and chakra.
She is also associated with the Diwali festival, representing the victory of light and prosperity over darkness.
Saraswoti
Goddess of Knowledge and Education, usually seen with Bina (musical instrument.
Kali
Tantric Shakti goddess, terrifying form of Durga.
Ram
Avatar of Lord Visnu, often seen with a bow and arrow, is one of the widely known gods.
Key Elements of Rama's Iconography:
- Physical Appearance: He is often depicted with a dark blue or green complexion, symbolizing his avatar status as Vishnu.
- Weapons: The bow (Sharanga) and arrows are constant, signifying his warrior nature and readiness to defend righteousness.
- Posture: He is usually shown standing, sometimes in a relaxed, kingly pose, or in the Abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness).
- Attendants: Known as the Ram Parivar, he is frequently depicted with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman.
- Symbolism: He represents the ideal man (Maryada Purushottama), with a calm, smiling expression that reflects self-mastery.
- Clothing: He is adorned in royal, traditional, or saffron attire.
In modern, popular, and traditional artistic representations, such as the Raja Ravi Varma paintings or the Ram Lalla idol, he is shown as a divine figure, with the Ram Lalla idol representing him as a child.
Krishna
A strategic master of the Mahabharat battle, the 8th incarnation of Visnu, who has 16000 wives.
Ganesh
Son of Shiva and Parvati, a God whose name is pronounced before beginning any important religious work.
Hanuman
A friend of Ram, who is highly dedicated to his duty.
Bhairav
Tantric form of Shiva.
Garud
half bird, half man, vehicle of Visnu.
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