Category:Devas

From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers

The pantheon of Hindu Deities includes Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Ganesh, and Durga

Deva is the Sanskrit word for a male deity or god in the Hindu tradition; the female form is devi or goddess. Devas are also known as Suras, a term that counterpoises them to the Asuras (non-Suras) or nature-spirits, their half-siblings, with whom they sometimes do battle. There are a large number of individual devas and devis within the Hindu Tradition. Each deva or devi has a story and purpose in his or her own right, but they are also seen collectively as murtis (from the Sanskirt "murtha," meaning a divine image or divine spirit) -- that is, as divine aspects of the Supreme Creator.

Although the devas and devis originate within a Hindu pantheon and are worshipped by Hindus around the world, they are also honored by adherents to other faiths, including some Buddhists, Taoists, Jainists, Spiritualists, and Ba'haians. Hoodoo psychics and conjure doctors who feel drawn to one or more of these deities may incorporate their statuary or images on a personal altar, or offer prayers and petitions to Hindu deities on behalf of clients.

Generally speaking, the devas and devis are benevolent beings who support the physical world. Each Hindu god or goddess is usually affiliated with one or more causes, issues, and professions, in a way similar to that in which Catholic saints are said to be a patrons for specific situations and professions.

Devotees of the Hindu devas and devis may petition and perform rituals for a number of life situations including money drawing, restoring wealth and prestige, reconciling lovers, finding a suitable marriage partner, blessing a home, family, or new child, bringing luck, providing strong protection, facilitating success in one's chosen professional field, and providing wisdom and insight.

Petitioning Hindu Deities

Shrine images of Durga commemorate her victory over the evil bull-monster Mahisha

An altar to Ganesh, which also serves as a place where a root doctor is working conjure for prosperity

An altar to the dark goddess Kali, decorated with flowers in her favourite colour, red

In traditional Hindu worship, large temples, wayside shrines and home altars are constructed at which the devas and devis, either singly or in groups, are venerated and worshipped. Statuary representing the deities is often a feature of these elaborate altars, at which puja rituals are conducted and altar offerings of flowers and foods are given to the deities. In addition, each of the devas and devis has a special festival or feast day, during which parades and processions may be held, and special foods may be eaten by the celebrants.

Worship of the devas and devis outside of the Hindu religion is quite common, and devotees from any culture may venerate or petition the Hindu deities. For example, a devotee of Ganesha may leave altar offerings of sweets before a small statue of the elephant-headed god and pray for his assistance in road opening and the removal of obstacles and a devotee of Durga may wear a talisman or amulet consecrated to her for protection against enemies.

In recent times, some rootworkers have added petitioning the devas and devis to their hoodoo altar work and spell casting, dressing conjure candles with condition oils and placing them before images of the devas and devis. It is also typical for devotees who syncretize religious imagery across several cultures to keep statuary on their home altars of Catholic saints or orishas who are said to correspond with various Hindu devas and devis. For instance, these syncretic practitioners may jointly petition Saint Rita for an end to spousal abuse and the devi Kali for domination over a husband. Such non-traditional aspects of Hindu deity worship generally involve the conjure doctor burning consecrated candles or vigil lights and leaving token offerings of flowers and fruits at the feet of the statues, later taking them outside and leaving them on the earth before they spoil.

The following Hindu deities are some of the most popularly petitioned for aid by conjure doctors and hoodoo practitioners who are Hindu, who work within a tradition that incorporates Hinduism, or who serve a primarily Hindu client base. Each one has a story -- and a magical or spiritual specialty when it comes to helping people.

Click on a Hindu deity's name to read about the deva and devi, see a picture, and find out what kinds of prayers, petitions, and spell-craft are associated with the god or goddess among spiritual workers in the folk magic tradition.

Popular Hindu Devas and Devis

Brahma

Brahma is the creator god, maker of the universe, husband of Sarasvati, and , with Vishnu and Shiva, is one of the trimurti or triplicity of major male deities in the Hindu pantheon. (Read More ...)

Durga

Durga is a goddess of grain and of battle, sometimes called the Protecting Mother; she is a consort of the god Shiva. (Read More ...)

Ganesha (Ganesh, Gonesh)

Ganesha (Ganesh, Gonesh) also known as the Elephant-Headed God, opens the way, brings success, and is a patron of literature. (Read More ...)

Hanuman

Hanuman, also known as the Monkey God, is a god of loyalty, courage, and spiritual wisdom who assisted the god Rama in battle. (Read More ...)

Kali

Kali is a wrathful battlefield goddess, warrior, and supreme mother; she is also the fierce consort of the god Shiva. (Read More ...)

Krishna (Krsna, Krisna)

Krishna (Krsna, Krisna) is an avatar of the god Vishnu, and is a cow-herd, gentle lover, and adored youth. (Read More ...)

Lakshmi (Laksmi, Laxmi)

Lakshmi (Laksmi, Laxmi) is a goddess of wealth, good fortune, and success, and also a goddess of beauty. (Read More ...)

Parvati

Parvati is a goddess of the high Himalayas, the gentle, faithful, and devoted consort of Shiva, and mother to Ganesha. (Read More ...)

Rama (Ram)

Rama (Ram) is a warrior god, and an incarnation of avatar of the supreme god Vishnu. (Read More ...)

Sarasvati

Sarasvati is the goddess of music and of the language arts; she is the wife of the god Brahma. (Read More ...)

Shiva (Siva)

Shiva (Siva) is both the creator of life and its destroyer; the god of yoga and meditation, and consort to Durga, Kali, and other goddesses. (Read More ...)

Vishnu (Visnu)

Vishnu (Visnu) is a creator and preserver, Krishna and Rama are two of his many incarnations or avatars. (Read More ...)

In This Category

This category currently contains no pages or media.