"Who Is God in Hinduism — And By What Name Is the Divine Known?"

The One in the Many

At the heart of Hinduism lies a powerful spiritual idea: God is both one and many.

The ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy is called Brahman—an infinite, formless, and eternal presence that is beyond name, gender, or form. Brahman is not a “god” in the conventional sense, but the underlying source and essence of all existence. As described in the Upanishads:

"That which cannot be seen, but because of which all things are seen—know that alone to be Brahman."

Brahman is pure consciousness. It cannot be limited to a single image or concept. Yet, since human minds need form to grasp the formless, Brahman is worshipped through many names, deities, and qualities.

Names of the Divine in Hinduism

Hinduism acknowledges that the Divine can be understood in many ways, depending on personal temperament, tradition, and experience. Some of the most revered names and forms include:

·         Brahman – The impersonal, all-pervading reality.

·         Ishvara – The personal form of God, as the ruler of the universe.

·         Vishnu – The preserver of the cosmos; worshipped in forms like Krishna and Rama.

·         Shiva – The transformer; associated with asceticism, destruction of ignorance, and meditation.

·         Devi – The Divine Mother; worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and others.

·         Ganesha, Hanuman, Surya, and many more – each representing divine qualities and energies.

Though these names and forms differ, Hindus believe they all reflect the same ultimate source—Brahman. Worshippers are free to choose the form they relate to most deeply, a concept known as Ishta Devata (chosen deity).

So, Who Is God in Hinduism?

God in Hinduism is not limited to one form or name—it is limitless, like water that can take the shape of any container. Whether you see God as a father, mother, friend, energy, or silence, the Divine responds in that form. The truth, according to Hindu sages, is that God is within you as well—your deepest self, known as the Atman.

In Hinduism, God is not limited to one form, name, or gender.

1. God is seen as both formless (Nirguna) and with form (Saguna).
2. The ultimate reality is called Brahman — infinite, eternal, and beyond description.
3. Brahman is the source of everything: all gods, all beings, and the entire universe.
4. When God takes form, He or She is known by many different names.
5. These forms help humans connect to the divine in personal and meaningful ways.
6. Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the universe.
7. Shiva is the destroyer and transformer who leads the soul to liberation.
8. Brahma is the creator of the world and all living beings.
9. These three form the Trimurti — the three main aspects of God in Hindu belief.
10. Devi or Shakti is the divine mother, worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and more.
11. Every god or goddess is a different face of the same Supreme Power.
12. Hindus may choose a personal god, called Ishta Devata, for worship.
13. Krishna, Rama, Ganesha, Hanuman, and many others are beloved forms of the divine.
14. The divine is also called Ishwara, Paramatma, or Bhagavan in scriptures.
15. God is both within us as our true Self (Atman) and beyond us as the cosmic Lord.
16. Hinduism teaches that all paths and all names lead to the one eternal God.
17. Whether we say Om, Ram, Allah, or Jesus, the divine is One.
18. In this way, Hinduism respects many forms but sees unity in all.

Recommended Books

Book	Name	Description
	The Bhagavad Gita	A spiritual dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna about the nature of God, self, and duty
	Swami Vivekananda Hinduism and India's Road to Modernity	Mystical texts that discuss Brahman and the inner Self.
	Hindus in Hindu Rashtra	A simple, scholarly introduction to core beliefs and practices.
	20+ Must know facts about Hinduism	A concise explanation of God, karma, and moksha.