Why does Hinduism have so many gods while other religions worship one God?

Get ready to unravel the mystery that has puzzled most Hindus for ages! Did you know that despite worshipping idols of different Gods, Advaita Vedanta preaches the concept of formless God? If you're curious to learn more, you must read the fascinating article on Divine Oneness. And that's not all! In this article, we'll delve into the concept of three types of Vishnu and His relationship with the Brahman. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the profound depths of Sanatan Dharma's concept of God!

  

Topics Covered

• What is the difference between Nirguna Brahman and Shaguna Brahman?
• Relation between Maha Vishnu and Shaguna Brahman
• Garbhodakashayi Vishnu
• Kshirodakashayi Vishnu
• Conclusion

What is the difference between Nirguna Brahman and Shaguna Brahman?

Nirguna Brahman

The Formless God, also known as Brahman or Parabrahm, is the supreme reality that goes beyond all forms, attributes, and limitations. Brahman is the source of everything that exists but remains untouched by anything. It is beyond the reach of the senses, mind, and intellect. It is all-pervading and is beyond human conception. It has no properties that humans can perceive. Therefore, it is called Nirguna Brahman, where Nirguna means one that has no property. Formless God, also known as Brahman or Parabrahm, is the supreme reality that transcends all forms, attributes, and limitations. Brahman is the source of everything that exists but is not affected by anything. Brahman is beyond the reach of the senses, mind, and intellect. It is all-pervading and is beyond human conception. It has no properties that humans can perceive. So it is termed as Nirguna Brahman (Nirguna means one which has no property).

Shaguna Brahman

Did you know that Shaguna Brahman is the divine manifestation of Brahman that we, humans, can comprehend? It's true! And even more thrilling is the belief that Maha Vishnu is a manifestation of Shaguna Brahman, complete with a form and qualities, who lovingly responds to the devotion of his followers

Relation between Maha Vishnu and Shaguna Brahman

    

Maha Vishnu is also known as Karanodakashayi Vishnu since he is the cause (or Karan) of all creations. As he exhales innumerable universes (brahmanda -brahma + anda meaning egg) are created like bubbles or eggs (brahma + anda) coming out of HIM. Sanatan Dharma embraces the concept of multi-verse. I will publish a different article on Multiverse in Sanatan Dharma later on.

In the picture above Maha Vishnu can be seen lying in a causal ocean (cosmic ocean) and innumerable universes floating around him. Nothing can take place without a cause or Karana. So the causal ocean can be termed as Karana Ocean.

Maha Vishnu, also known as Karanodakashayi Vishnu, is the cause of all creations. When he exhales, innumerable universes (brahmanda - brahma + anda meaning egg) are created, like bubbles or eggs (brahma + anda) coming out of Him. Sanatan Dharma embraces the concept of a multiverse. I will publish a different article on Multiverse in Sanatan Dharma at a later time.

In the picture above, Maha Vishnu can be seen lying in a causal ocean (cosmic ocean) with innumerable universes floating around him. Nothing can take place without a cause or Karana. So the causal ocean can be termed as the Karana Ocean.

  Garbhodakashayi Vishnu

Garbhodakashayi Vishnu is manifested in each universe. A lotus flower grows from his navel or Garbha and Lord Brahma is created. The term is composed of two Sanskrit words: "Garbha," which means womb, and "Udaka," which means water, and "Shayi" means lying or situated. Garbhodakashayi Vishnu refers to Lord Vishnu as the cosmic deity lying on the cosmic ocean within the universal egg or cosmic womb.

    
Did you know that Garbhodakashayi Vishnu expands into Kshirodakashayi Vishnu, the almighty Paramatma from which each Atman is created? And that's not all - Kshirodakashayi Vishnu is the source of all souls and preserves the entire material world.

But that's not all - when the demigods found themselves in trouble, they turned to Kshirodakashayi Vishnu for help. His heroic actions and interventions are described in various Hindu texts, which will leave you spellbound.

Kshirodakashayi Vishnu

Kshirodakashayi Vishnu descended to the material world in different avatars to defeat evil and establish righteousness or Dharma. These three avatars of Vishnu are known as Purusha avatars, and he is referred to as Purushottam - the supreme being who rules over all.

Conclusion

The universe is temporal, and as a result, the existence of Garbhodakashayi and Kshirodakashayi Vishnu is also temporary. People tend to worship Kshirodakashayi Vishnu more often as they find HIM more relatable and closer to HIS creation. Due to this reason, Maha Vishnu, who is the cause of all universes, is seldom worshipped. Maha Vishnu creates and preserves all the universes and is also the creator of some other Gods in Hinduism. Those who worship Lord Shiva or Dasamavidya may argue and deny that Maha Vishnu is the supreme Godhead.

Get ready for some thrilling stuff! I'm planning to craft an article that delves deep into a heated argument. And that's not all - I'll also be penning down another fascinating article about the vital role of feminine gods in Sanatan Dharma, which is closely related to the first one. Stay tuned for an exhilarating read that's sure to leave you informed and entertained!