Newcomer to Practitioner
Meet the Deities
The Deity Journey
Every deity on the site, from the great three to their families, forms, and symbols.
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2
Forms of the Divine
3
Shaiva Deities
5
Sacred Symbols
Reading the Tilaka: Forehead Marks ExplainedShiva's Emblems: The Trishula and the DamaruThe Lotus in Hindu SymbolismThe Swastika: An Ancient Symbol and Its MeaningVishnu's Emblems: Conch, Discus, Mace and LotusWhat Does Om Mean?
Going further · optional reading
The swastika was sacred for 5,000 years before the NazisMyth-busting One man rotated an ancient sign forty-five degrees and gave it to a regime that murdered millions. The real meaning of NamasteMyth-busting You have heard it at the end of a yoga class, palms together, eyes closed: 'the divine in me bows to the… Why is Om chanted at the start and end of prayers and yoga?Myth-busting The reason a prayer and a yoga class both open and close with Om: an old rule that says sacred knowledge… + 1 more in this area → 6
Vaishnava Deities
Going further · optional reading
Is Ram Setu man-made? What the geology actually saysResearch A chain of shoals runs across the sea between India and Sri Lanka, exactly where the Ramayana says… Where was Dvārakā? The search for Krishna's drowned cityResearch The Mahabharata says the sea swallowed Krishna's city after his death. Why is Krishna blue?Myth-busting Every poster shows him sky-blue. + 1 more in this area → When you want the deep water
Three treatises extend this path
Book-length and chaptered, read in order. Start any of them once the readings above feel familiar.