Jagannatha Prakasa's Questions and Answers

Questioner: Malu

Subject: forms of gods

Question:

i would like to know why we have different forms of gods and godess? dont we believe in a single form of god?

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Jagannath Prakasa's reply

Namaskar Malu,

If one accepts the premise of the Ek Devata, i.e., that there is ultimately one Supreme Being or God, as I do, it might seem odd that there are so many different forms and representations. However it is quite logical I think.

As Hindus, we have countless tales that inspire and instruct us. For instance, when feeling fearful what better image of God's protection than the heroic image and stories of Lord Nrsimhadev, the half man half lion protector of the devout Pralada Maharaja? Likewise, the elephant-headed

Ganapati with his rat companion is a great symbol when we consider his stories. The mighty Lord Jagannatha, the Immovable Lord of the Universe, the seductive Laxmi, the loyal Hanuman who served Lord Rama and Sita, the rasa lila of Sri Krsna and Radharani and the other gopis, and so on and on. We learn from the lives and pastimes of the gods and goddesses, knowing that they reveal the heart of nature of the One God Who is beyond all comprehension.

In every form of deity there are wonderful stories and traditions that inspire and move us and yet we know that the Truth is greater, deeper and beyond the images we bow before. If God is truly everywhere, then He is also within the murtis. So as we behold these images we are reminded of God's greatness. In the bodies of these images are symbols are lessons to be realized. This one holds a globe, this one an arrow, this one a sweat meat, another a book or a flower and so on. We study these images and from them learn deep secrets that lead on our way. In the presence of the murtis we behold an open ancient book made of stone, wood or so on.

The One God is utterly transcendent. This is why many people use no images. In my opinion, both views are legitimate. Those who use no images do so to honor God's transcendence. Those who use images do so to honor both God's imminence and transcendence. Just as Christians use the cross, crucifix, icons and stained glass windows to bring religious truths to mind, and Muslims use their beautiful calligraphy, so too the murtis teach and inspire us. It is the history and deeply rich traditions of the Vedic and post Vedic gods, goddesses, demigods etc. that contains the true glory and spiritual supremacy of the Sanatana Dharma (Hindu system).

If you have any other thoughts and questions feel free to write back,

Om Shanti (Peace),

~ Jagannatha Prakasa

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