THIRTY-THREE MILLION GODS?

By Stephen Knapp,

Sometimes we hear it said that in Hinduism or Vedic culture there are millions of gods, even as many as 33 million. Yet, if we properly analyze the situation, we will understand that there is but one Supreme Being who expands into many aspects or many avatars, and who also has many agents or demigods who may represent Him and assist in managing the creation and the natural forces within it. And, like anyone else, if they are properly approached with prayer or worship, they may help facilitate the person by granting certain wishes that may be within the jurisdiction of that particular demigod.

According to the Vedas, the demigods are not imaginary or mythological beings, but are agents of the Supreme Will to help administer different features of the universal affairs. They also represent and control various powers of nature. Thus, they manifest in the physical, subtle or psychic levels of existence both from within us and without. A transcendentalist sees that behind every aspect of nature is a personality. For example, when you walk into a big factory, you see so many workers and all that they are doing. You may initially think that these workers are the reason for whatever goes on in the factory. However, more important than the workers are the foremen, then the managers, and then the executives. Finally, a chief executive officer or president of the company is the most important of all. Without him there may not even be a company. You may not see the president right away, but his influence is everywhere since all the workers are engaging in projects according to his decisions. The managers and foremen act as his authorized agents to keep things moving accordingly. The numerous demigods act in the same way concerning the functions of nature. That’s why it is sometimes said there are 33 million different gods in Hinduism. Actually, there may be many aspects of God, but there is only one God, or one Absolute Truth.