Hindu deities

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hindu-deities

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the philosophical diversity?Hinduism accommodates polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, and monistic views of deities
2. What is the major traditions?Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), and Shaktism (Devi) are prominent
3. What are Hindu deities and why are there so many of them?Hindu deities are gods and goddesses with special powers and stories. Their number grew over time as the faith expanded and absorbed local traditions.
4. Who are the most famous Hindu gods and goddesses?Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi are major deities that many people worship. They are central to traditions called Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.

Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging, all-pervading reality or supreme spirit in Hinduism.
Atman: The eternal self or soul, believed to be identical with Brahman.
Murtis/Pratimas: Sacred icons, sculptures, or images used for worship of deities.
Henotheism: The worship of a single god while not denying the existence of other gods.