Introduction :
The Vedas, the earliest Hindu writings, are replete with knowledge concerning the character of God. The Vedas frequently refer to God as Brahman, a transcendent existence without form. Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are only two of the numerous gods and goddesses mentioned in the Vedas.
In the Vedas, who is the highest god? Vishnu, Shiva, or another deity? We’ll look into this issue and see what the Vedas have to say in this blog article.
Vishnu in the Vedas
Over 3,000 times in the Vedas, the name Vishnu occurs. He is frequently referred to as the universe’s protector and is connected to the element water. Additionally, eleven avatars, or incarnations, of Vishnu are claimed to have visited Earth to save mankind.
The Vishnu Sahasranama, which contains 1,000 different names of Vishnu, is one of the most well-known hymns to Vishnu in the Vedas. This hymn extols the numerous attributes of Vishnu, such as his strength, intelligence, and compassion.
Shiva in the Vedas
Over 2,000 times in the Vedas, the name Shiva occurs. He is frequently referred to as the universe’s destroyer and is connected to the element fire. Shiva is frequently shown as an ascetic figure who is sitting in meditation on a mountainside. He is also known as the lord of yogis.
The Rudra Sukta, a hymn to Shiva’s angry aspect, is one of the most well-known Shiva hymns found in the Vedas. Shiva’s might and devastation are praised in this song, which also requests his protection.
Other Gods in the Vedas
In addition to Vishnu and Shiva, there are many other gods and goddesses mentioned in the Vedas. Some of the most important of these include:
- Indra: The king of the gods and the god of thunder and rain.
- Agni: The god of fire and sacrifice.
- Soma: The god of the moon and the intoxicating drink soma.
- Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, learning, and music.
- Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Conclusion
So, who is the supreme god in the Vedas? Vishnu, Shiva, or someone else? There is no easy answer to this question, as the Vedas do not explicitly state who is the supreme god. However, the Vedas do emphasize the unity of God, and they suggest that all of the gods and goddesses are different manifestations of the same divine reality.
In the end, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe is the supreme god in the Vedas. However, by studying the Vedas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God and the different ways in which God can be manifest in the world.
References
- The Rig Veda
- The Sama Veda
- The Yajur Veda
- The Atharva Veda
- The Vishnu Sahasranāma
- The Rudra Sukta
