We worship different Gods, what unites all the Hindus?
In the heartland of Hinduism, faith is not a singular path but a vibrant mosaic of diverse devotions. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of devotion to various deities — each strand unique, each worshiper fervent in their beliefs. While some find solace in the resounding chants of Shiva, others seek comfort in the maternal embrace of the Goddess. This diversity is not a deviation from Hinduism; it is the very essence of it.
The question of what defines a ‘true’ Hindu based on their chosen deity is a nuanced one. For, in Hinduism, there is no litmus test of faith. It is a religion that reveres both the male and female aspects of the divine — where Shiva and Shakti are not adversaries, but two halves of the same cosmic whole. To worship one, and not the other, does not diminish one’s claim to Hinduism; it simply reflects the unique spiritual journey they tread.
In this vast spiritual landscape, one encounters devotees who nurture Tulsi, the sacred plant beloved of Vishnu, alongside the Bel tree, revered by Shiva. They also tend to the Aboli, the cherished flower of Kali Maa. Are these devotees, who encompass multiple deities in their faith, more Hindu? The answer lies not in degrees of devotion, but in the depth of their spiritual connection.
Hindu greetings, like Radhe-Radhe, Jai Shri Krishna, Ram-Ram, Jai Siya Ram, and Jai Mata Di, echo across the length and breadth of India. These salutations are not mere words; they are expressions of reverence and blessings, conveying a shared cultural and spiritual heritage that transcends regional and linguistic boundaries.
To seek to quantify one’s ‘Hinduness’ based on the deity they worship is to miss the profound universality of Hinduism. It is a faith that accommodates all, regardless of which facet of the divine they hold closest to their hearts. The quintessential strength of Hinduism lies in its inclusivity. It is a religion that finds unity in diversity, celebrating the myriad ways in which individuals connect with the divine.
What unites all Hindus, irrespective of the deity they hold dear, is a profound respect for the spiritual journey. It is the understanding that every soul navigates its path to the divine in its own unique way. Sadhana (journey) and Sadhya (destination) are equally important. Different Sadhanas can lead you to the same Sadhya. Hinduism is a religion of personal discovery, a journey where the destination is not a fixed point, but a boundless expanse of spiritual awakening.
In this diverse landscape of worship, there is a unifying thread that weaves through all of Hinduism — the pursuit of truth, righteousness, and Dharm (not just religion as loosely translated, but duties in greater meaning). It is the shared understanding that goodness transcends the boundaries of faith and that the ultimate goal is to seek union with the divine, irrespective of the chosen form.
In conclusion, the essence of being a Hindu is not defined by the deity one worships, but by the depth of one’s devotion, the sincerity of one’s heart, and the steadfastness of one’s pursuit of dharm. It is a religion that embraces diversity, finding strength in its many forms. Hinduism is not a faith of exclusion, but of inclusion, where every devotee, regardless of their chosen deity, is an integral part of the grand tapestry of devotion that spans the ages.
