The Hindu Deities

Hinduism is an Indian religion and dharma, or way of life. It is the world's third-largest religion, with over 1.2 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global population, known as Hindus. The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma, which refers to the idea that its origins lie beyond human history, as revealed in the Hindu texts. Another, though less fitting, self-designation is Vaidika dharma, the 'dharma related to the Vedas.'

Hinduism is a diverse system of thought marked by a range of philosophies and shared concepts, rituals, cosmological systems, pilgrimage sites, and shared textual sources that discuss theology, metaphysics, mythology, Vedic yajna, yoga, agamic rituals, and temple building, among other topics. Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include the four Puruṣārthas, the proper goals or aims of human life; namely, dharma (ethics/duties), artha (prosperity/work), kama (desires/passions) and moksha (liberation/freedom from the passions and the cycle of death and rebirth), as well as karma (action, intent and consequences) and saṃsāra (cycle of death and rebirth). Hinduism prescribes the eternal duties, such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings (Ahiṃsā), patience, forbearance, self-restraint, virtue, and compassion, among others. Hindu practices include rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations, japa, meditation (dhyāna), family-oriented rites of passage, annual festivals, and occasional pilgrimages. Along with the practice of various yogas, some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions and engage in lifelong Sannyasa (monasticism) in order to achieve moksha.

Hindu texts are classified into Śruti ("heard") and Smṛti ("remembered"), the major scriptures of which are the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Purānas, the Mahābhārata, the Rāmāyana, and the Āgamas. There are six āstika schools of Hindu philosophy, who recognise the authority of the Vedas, namely Sānkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaisheshika, Mimāmsā and Vedānta. While the Puranic chronology presents a genealogy of thousands of years, starting with the Vedic rishis, scholars regard Hinduism as a fusion or synthesis of Brahmanical orthoprax with various Indian cultures, having diverse roots and no specific founder. This Hindu synthesis emerged after the Vedic period, between c. 500–200 BCE and c. 300 CE, in the period of the Second Urbanization and the early classical period of Hinduism, when the Epics and the first Purānas were composed. It flourished in the medieval period, with the decline of Buddhism in India.

Currently, the four major denominations of Hinduism are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and the Smarta tradition. Sources of authority and eternal truths in the Hindu texts play an important role, but there is also a strong Hindu tradition of questioning authority in order to deepen the understanding of these truths and to further develop the tradition. Hinduism is the most widely professed faith in India, Nepal and Mauritius. Significant numbers of Hindu communities are found in Southeast Asia including in Bali, Indonesia, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and other regions.

Now that we have a little background on where they come from, let's get started.

Goddess of Food and Nourishment

Annapurna

Animals:
Colors: Brown and Purple
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays: Akshaya Tritiya
Food: Porridge
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Nourishment, Renunciation, and Wisdom.
Metal: Gold
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Food, Rice, and Grains (If you're getting married and are the bride).
Planets: Moon
Plants:
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Golden Ladle with Jewels.
Trees:

The Agamas (religious texts) describe the iconography of Annapurna as a youthful goddess having red complexion with a face round like the full moon, three eyes, high breasts, and four hands. The lower left hand is depicted as holding a vessel full of delicious porridge. The right hand with a golden ladle adorned with various jewels. The other two hands depict the Abhaya and Varada poses. She is depicted with wristlets and golden jewelry on her chest. She is seated on a throne with the crescent moon adorning her head. In some depictions, Shiva is shown standing to her right with a begging bowl, begging her for alms. Shiva in Annapurna Stotra described the deity always holding a scripture, akshamala and opener of doors of Moksha in her hands in place of vessel and ladle, indicating his prayer to Annapurna being spiritual perfection rather than food.

Food is considered sacred in Hinduism, and prayers are offered before consuming it. The person who identifies the importance of Annam (food) within the five layers of the body helps carry life in the worldly process and subsequently seeks to identify Brahman, the enlightenment. Annadana, the donation of food, is highly praised in Hinduism. The importance of Annadana is prescribed in the Vishnu Dharamottara, Agni Purana, Padma Purana, Kurma Purana, Nandi Purana, and Vayu Purana. Annapurna is worshipped through the recitation of her thousand names and her one hundred and eight names. The Sri Annapurna Ashtakam composed by Shankaracharya is chanted by several devout Hindus around the world as a prayer for nourishment, wisdom, and renunciation. Before partaking of any food, Hindus chant the following prayer:

Oṃ Annapūrṇe sadāpūrṇe Śaṇkara prāṇa vallabhe jñāna vairāgya siddhyartham bhikṣām dehī ca pārvatī. Māta me Pārvatī devī pitā devo Maheśvara bāndhavāḥ Śiva bhaktāsca svadeśo bhūvanatrayam.

Oh Annapurna, who is forever complete, more beloved to Lord Shiva than life. Oh Parvati give me the alms of Your grace to, awaken within me spiritual knowledge, inner freedom, prosperity, and spiritual attainment.

My mother is Goddess Parvati, my father is the Supreme Lord Maheshwara (Shiva).

My relatives are the devotees of Lord Shiva, wherever they are in the three worlds.

The Annapurna Vrat Katha containing stories of her devotees are also recited by her devotees. In Marathi weddings, the bride is given metal idols of goddess Annapurna and Bala Krishna by her mother. She worships them before the wedding, by offering rice and grains to the idols. This Viddhi (custom) is known as Gauri Harap. She also takes images of her husband`s house and places the idols on them.

The Lord who is Half Woman

Ardhanarishvara

Animals: Lions and Serpents
Colors:
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays:
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Burn Past Sins, Creation, Feminine and Masculine Energy, Fulfilment of Wishes, Harmonious Marriage, Knowledge, Nature, and Spiritual Uplifting.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Depends on which aspect your worshiping.
Planets:
Plants: Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols:
Trees:

The Ardhanarishvara is a form of the Hindu deity Shiva combined with his consort Parvati. Ardhanarishvara is depicted as half-male and half-female, equally split down the middle. The right half is usually the male Shiva, illustrating his traditional attributes. The earliest Ardhanarishvara images are dated to the Kushan period, starting from the first century CE. Its iconography evolved and was perfected in the Gupta era. The Puranas and various iconographic treatises write about the mythology and iconography of Ardhanarishvara. Ardhanarishvara remains a popular iconographic form found in most Shiva temples throughout India, though very few temples are dedicated to this deity. Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purush and Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God, and vice versa. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation. Another view is that Ardhanarishvara is a symbol of Shiva's all-pervasive nature.

Ardhanarishvara symbolizes that the male and female principles are inseparable. The composite form conveys the unity of opposites (coniunctio oppositorum) in the universe. The male half of Ardhanarishvara stands for Purusha and female half is Prakriti. Purusha is the male principle and passive force of the universe, while Prakriti is the female active force; both are "constantly drawn to embrace and fuse with each other, though... separated by the intervening axis". The union of Purusha (Shiva) and Prikriti (Shiva's energy, Shakti) generates the universe, an idea also manifested in the union of the Linga of Shiva and Yoni of Devi creating the cosmos. The Mahabharata lauds this form as the source of creation. Ardhanarishvara also suggests the element of Kama or Lust, which leads to creation. Ardhanarishvara signifies "totality that lies beyond duality", "bi-unity of male and female in God" and "the bisexuality and therefore the non-duality" of the Supreme Being. It conveys that God is both Shiva and Parvati, "both male and female, both father and mother, both aloof and active, both fearsome and gentle, both destructive and constructive" and unifies all other dichotomies of the universe.

Ardhanarishvara is one of the most popular iconographic forms of Shiva. It is found in more or less all temples and shrines dedicated to Shiva all over India and South-east Asia. There is ample evidence from texts and the multiple depictions of the Ardhanarishvara in stone to suggest that a cult centred around the deity may have existed. The cult may have had occasional followers, but was never aligned to any sect. This cult focusing on the joint worship of Shiva and the Goddess may even have had a high position in Hinduism, but when and how it faded away remains a mystery. Though a popular iconographic form, temples dedicated to the deity are few. A popular one is located in Thiruchengode, while five others are located in Kallakkurichi taluk, all of them in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Goddess Mother Earth

Bhumi Devi

Animals: Cows and Elephants
Colors:
Elements: Earth
Festivals/Holidays: Earth Day
Food: All Vegetables and Pomegranates.
Herbs: All Healing Herbs
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Good Health, Knowledge, and Stability & Success in your Personal & Professional Life.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Food, Performing Yagna or Havan, and Water.
Planets: Earth
Plants: Blue Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones: Precious Jewels
Symbols: Blue Lotus and Pomegranate
Trees:

Bhumi, also known as Bhudevi and Vasundhara, is the Hindu goddess representing the Earth. She is an incarnation of Lakshmi and the consort of Varaha, an avatar of the god Vishnu, and thus she is sometimes referred as Varahi. She is mentioned as the mother of Narakasura, Mangala and Sita. She is one of the 3 aspects of Lakshmi, the other 2 being Sridevi and Niladevi.

Devi Bhoomi is depicted as a beautiful shapely Goddess adorned with a lot of jewellery. She sits on a lotus, wearing a heavy crown and many jewellery around her neck, hands and feet. She sits there calmly with a smile on her face. Bhoomi Devi along with God Varaha gave birth to a demon Narakasura who secured a boon from Lord Vishnu that none other than his mother could ever kill him. Taking advantage of the situation, he began tormenting people and his tyrant rule continued for years until Lord Krishna took birth being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna married Satyabhama, who is considered an avatar of Bhoomidevi. When Satyabhama heard of Narakasura bad acts, she was aggravated and she killed Narakasura along with her husband Lord Krishna.

Bhumi devi is worshipped when a new plot or a place is bought in order to inaugurate the place on an auspicious note. By performing Bhoomi Pooja, one attains the blessings of the Goddess and is freed by the evil powers that may be surrounding the existing or newly acquired building or home.

The God of Creation

Brahman

Animals: Boar, Peacock, and Swan.
Colors: Gold and Red
Elements: Fire
Festivals/Holidays:
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Consciousness, Creation, Intuition, Mindfulness, and Yogi's.
Metal: Gold
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Performing Yoga and Withdraw your mind & senses & absorb the mind in his thoughts with Faith.
Planets: The Universe
Plants: Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Golden Egg
Trees: Olive

Hinduism perceives the whole creation and its cosmic activity as the work of three fundamental forces symbolized by three gods, which constitutes the Hindu Trinity or ‘Trimurti’: Brahma — the creator, Vishnu — the sustainer, and Shiva — the destroyer.

Brahma is the creator of the universe and of all beings, as depicted in the Hindu cosmology. The Vedas, the oldest and the holiest of Hindu scriptures, are attributed to Brahma, and thus Brahma is regarded as the father of dharma. He is not to be confused with Brahman which is a general term for the Supreme Being or Almighty God. Although Brahma is one of the Trinity, his popularity is no match to that of Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is to be found to exist more in scriptures than in homes and temples. In fact, it is hard to find a temple dedicated to Brahma. One such temple is located in Pushkar in Rajasthan.

According to the Puranas, Brahma is the son of God, and often referred to as Prajapati. The Shatapatha Brahman says that Brahma was born of the Supreme Being Brahman and the female energy known as Maya. Wishing to create the universe, Brahman first created the water, in which he placed his seed. This seed transformed into a golden egg, from which Brahma appeared. For this reason, Brahma is also known as ‘Hiranyagarbha’. According to another legend, Brahma is self-born out of a lotus flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu. In order to help him create the universe, Brahma gave birth to the 11 forefathers of the human race called ‘Prajapatis’ and the seven great sages or the ‘Saptarishi’. These children or mind-sons of Brahma, who were born out of his mind rather than body, are called the ‘Manasputras’.

There are several stories as to why Brahma is not worshiped in Hinduism. These are two of them:

The first story is that Brahma created a woman in order to aid him in his creation. Her name was Shatarupa. She was so beautiful that Brahma became infatuated with her, and gazed at her wherever she went. This caused her extreme embarrassment and Shatarupa tried to turn from his gaze.

But in every direction she moved, Brahma sprouted a head until he had developed four. Finally, Shatarupa grew so frustrated that she jumped to try to avoid his gaze. Brahma, in his obsession, sprouted a fifth head on top of all. It is also said in some sources that Shatarupa kept changing her form. She became every creature on earth to avoid Brahma. He however, changed his form to the male version of whatever she was and thus every animal community in the world was created. Lord Shiva admonished Brahma for demonstrating behavior of an incestuous nature and chopped off his fifth head for 'unholy' behavior. Since Brahma had distracted his mind from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh, Shiva's curse was that people should not worship Brahma. As a form of repentance, it is said that Brahma has been continually reciting the four Vedas since this time, one from each of his four heads.

A more sympathetic story is that Brahma's role as the creator is over. It is left to Vishnu to preserve the world and Shiva to continue its path of cosmic reincarnation.

The One who Eliminates Suffering

Durga

Animals: Lions and Tigers
Colors:
Elements: Earth
Festivals/Holidays: Durga Puja and Navratri
Food: Charnamrit and Mangoes
Herbs: Turmeric
Incense: Sandalwood Paste
Magical Attributes: Attains Desires, Fertility, Protection, Removes Physical Mental & Spiritual Pain & Misery, and Wealth.
Metal: Gold
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Charnamrit, Flowers, Fruit, Holy Water, Incense, and Sweets.
Planets: Mars
Plants: Marigolds and Pink Lotus
Sabbats: Samhain
Stones:
Symbols: Sword, Trident, and Thunderbolt Spear.
Trees:

Durga, originally a ferocious tribal goddess, was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon as the fierce warrior path of Parvati. Durga removes physical, mental, and spiritual pain and misery. She laughs in the face of evil spirits and they flee. (Those that defy her are quickly dispatched. And if Durga can't eliminate them, her alter ego and sister spirit, Kali, can.)

According to legend, Durga was created for the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lesser gods, who were otherwise powerless to overcome him. Embodying their collective energy (shakti), she is both derivative from the male divinities and the true source of their inner power. She is also greater than any of them. Born fully grown and beautiful, Durga presents a fierce menacing form to her enemies. She is usually depicted riding a lion and with 8 or 10 arms, each holding the special weapon of one of the gods, who gave them to her for her battle against the buffalo demon. Durga Puja, held annually in her honor, is one of the great festivals of northeastern India.

Lord of New Beginnings

Ganesha

Animals: Elephants, Mice, and Snakes.
Colors: Pink, Red, and White.
Elements: Water
Festivals/Holidays:
Food: Bananas, Ladoos, Modak, Peanuts, Sesame Oil, Sweet Rice, Sweets, and Wheat Cakes.
Herbs:
Incense: Hibiscus and Sweet Smelling Incents
Magical Attributes: Better Sex, Crossroads, Fortune, Heals Emotional Physical & Spiritual Pain, Literature, Love, Material Comfort, Prosperity, Romance, Success, Victory, and Wisdom.
Metal:
Musical Instruments: Shankha
Offerings: Erukku Garland, Light Diya, and Will accept the most modest gifts, but must be given with a sincere intent & devotion.
Planets:
Plants: Erukku Flowers
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Axe, Elephant Head & Trunk, and Snake.
Trees:

Elephant-headed Ganesha may be the most beloved deity of the modern Hindu pantheon; venerated by millions. He is invoked by Buddhists, Jains, and Neo-Pagans as well. He is benevolent and generous to all.

Various myths explain why Ganesha has an elephant head. In one such myth, Parvati creates her son from the scrapings of her own skin. Ganesha was born while Shiva was away long-term practicing austerities. Ganesha is extremely close to his mother. When she asked him to guard her privacy in the bath, he took up his position at the door. This was the moment Shiva returned. Father and son didn't know each other. Shiva wished to see Parvati; Ganesha refused to let him pass, which lead to Shiva beheading him. Parvati came to see the source of the commotion and was distraught. Now comprehending the situation, Shiva revives Ganesha but was forced to find a new head. The first to be had was an elephant's.

Ganesha is lord of entrances, thresholds, and crossroads. Let him guide your door. It is traditional to place his image above main entrances so that he is always encountered when entering. Ganesha is happy to be venerated along side other deities; however, never forget that he is the Lord of Beginnings. If you feed him, feed him first before any other spirits. There may be conflict if you venerate him alongside other spirits who are also expect to be first served.

Goddess of the Ganga River

Ganga

Animals: Cows, Crocodiles, Doves, Goats, and Pigs.
Colors:
Elements: Water
Festivals/Holidays: Ganga Aarti
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Abundance, Cleansing of Sin, Forgiveness, Health, Material Comforts, and Purification.
Metal:
Musical Instruments: Flute
Offerings: Small boats made of leaves bearing marigold petals dipped into clarified butter and set alight.
Planets: Earth, The Ganga River
Plants: Lotus and Water Lily
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Pitcher with a Lotus
Trees:

Ganga is the personification of the river Ganges who is worshipped by Hindus as the goddess of purification and forgiveness. Known by many names, Ganga is often depicted as a beautiful fair woman, riding a divine creature called Makara. Some of the earliest mentions of Ganga are found in the Rigveda, where she is mentioned as the holiest of the rivers. Her stories mainly appear in post-Vedic texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. The Ramayana describes her to be the firstborn of Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas, and the sister of the mother goddess Parvati. However, other texts mention her origin from the preserver god Vishnu. Legends focus on her descent to Earth, which happened because of a royal-sage Bhagiratha, aided by the god Shiva. In the epic Mahabharata, Ganga is the mother of the warrior Bhishma from the Kuru king Shantanu. In Hinduism, Ganga is seen as a mother to humanity. Pilgrims immerse the ashes of their kin in the river Ganga, which is considered by them to bring the Souls (purified spirits) closer to moksha, the liberation from the cycle of life and death. Festivals like Ganga Dussehra and Ganga Jayanti are celebrated in her honour at several sacred places, which lie along the banks of the Ganges, including Gangotri, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Kali Ghat in Kolkata. Alongside Gautama Buddha, Ganga is worshipped during the Loy Krathong festival in Thailand.

The Ramayana recounts Ganga's birth. Her father is Himavat, Lord of the Himalayas. In one legend, Ganga agrees to marry the mortal king Santenu on the condition that he never address even the tiniest reproach to her. He observes this stipulation strictly until, witnessing her drown each of their children in the Gangas, he comments upon her strange notion of maternity. Ganga abandons her husband on the spot, although not before informing him that the children she had borne and drowned were actually divinities, forced into mortal birth as punishment. Her act of throwing them into the river actually purified their sins and released them to continue their divine existence.

Spirit of Determination, Heroism, and Victory

Hanuman

Animals: Monkeys
Colors:
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays: Chaitra Purnima
Food: Coconuts
Herbs: Vermilion
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Knowledge and Learning.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Butter, Butter Carvings, Fruit, Flowers, Lamps fueled by Clarified Butter, Sesame Oil, and Sindur.
Planets: Earth
Plants: Flowers
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Mace and Monkey
Trees: Papal

Hanuman is a Hindu god and divine vanara (monkey) companion of the god Rama. Hanuman is one of the central characters of the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is an ardent devotee of Rama and one of the chiranjivis. Hanuman is also son of the wind-god Vayu, who in several stories played a direct role in Hanuman's birth. Hanuman is mentioned in several other texts, such as the epic Mahabharata and the various Puranas.

Evidence of devotional worship to Hanuman is largely absent in these texts, as well as in most archeological sites. According to Philip Lutgendorf, an American Indologist, the theological significance of Hanuman and devotional dedication to him emerged about 1,000 years after the composition of the Ramayana, in the 2nd millennium CE, after the arrival of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent.

In the modern era, Hanuman's iconography and temples have been increasingly common. He is viewed as the ideal combination of "strength, heroic initiative and assertive excellence" and "loving, emotional devotion to his personal god Rama", as Shakti and Bhakti. In later literature, he is sometimes portrayed as the patron god of martial arts such as wrestling and acrobatics, as well as activities such as meditation and diligent scholarship.

He symbolizes the human excellences of inner self-control, faith, and service to a cause, hidden behind the first impressions of a being who looks like an Ape-Man Vanara. Hanuman is considered a bachelor and exemplary celibate. Some scholars have identified Hanuman as one potential inspiration for Sun Wukong, the Monkey King character in the Chinese epic adventure Journey to the West.

Hanuman is the divine child in the form of a monkey. Since earliest childhood, he demonstrated extraordinary powers: he is brilliant, powerful, and a trickster. Once when he was hungry, Hanuman jumped to catch the sun because it looked like a mango. Hanuman cannot be harmed by weapons, fire, or water. He is the hero of the Ramayana, the one who engineers the rescue of Sita.

Goddess of Creation, Contradictions, Destruction, and Time

Kali

Animals: Crows, Jackals, and Serpents.
Colors: Black, Midnight Blue, Purple, and Red.
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays:
Food: Coconut, Rice, and Vegetables.
Herbs: Vermilion
Incense: Sandalwood
Magical Attributes: Change, Death, Destruction, Life, Life Cycle, Power, Protection, Tantra Yoga, and Time.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Animal Sacrifices, Blood, Food, Incense, Jaggery, Red Hibiscus, and Skulls.
Planets: Moon
Plants: Darba Grass, Poinsettia, Red Hibiscus, and Red Rhododendron.
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Bowl, Head, Scimitar, and Trident.
Trees:

Kali also known as Dakshina Kālikā, is a Hindu goddess, who is considered to be the master of death, time and change. She is also said to be the Parvati, that is the supreme of all powers, or the ultimate reality. Kali's earliest appearance is when she emerged from Lord Shiva. She is the ultimate manifestation of Shakti and the mother of all living beings. She destroys the evil in order to protect the innocent. Over time, Kali has been worshipped by devotional movements and tantric sects variously as the Divine Mother, Mother of the Universe, Adi Shakti, or Parvati. Shakta Hindu and Tantric sects additionally worship her as the ultimate reality or Brahman. She is also seen as the divine protector and the one who bestows moksha or liberation.

Kali is India's Great Mother: goddess of time, creation, destruction, and contradictions. Her veneration was so persistent, enduring and significant that she was eventually incorporated into the Hindu pantheon as one of it's most powerful deities. According to myth, when all the other deities were stymied by a demon, Kali emerged as an independent emanation of the goddess Durga. Kali is an unstoppable force: she single handedly defeated the demon but was then unable to stop her whirling dance of destruction. The entire world would have been destroyed had not Shiva, her beloved, thrown himself at her feet, risking his own death but snapping her out of her rampage.

Kali births and destroys her children. She is the Corn Mother who simultaneously grinds out life and death. Her name may be interpreted as having to so with time but it literally means black as in Earth's fertile black soil or as in black holes, those regions of space whose gravitational pull is so intense that nothing can escape. Reputedly the most difficult of all spirits to understand, Kali's devotees claim that attempts to comprehend her will free you of all fear.

Her stereotype depicts her as a scary, bloodthirsty, out-of-control demon. She was notorious as the spirit venerated by the now infamous Thuggees, secret fraternities of thieves who may have strangled victims in her honor. However, Thuggees were always but a tiny minority of her following. Sensationalized descriptions of Kali tend to overlook the tremendous blessings she brings: bestowing protection, good health, abundance, and fertility on her devotees. Kali is among the most widely venerated goddesses on Earth; worshipped by millions of Hindus as well as by many others including (unofficially) many Indian Muslims. She is also venerated by independent practitioners and goddess-devotees worldwide. The Indian Diaspora brought Kali to the Caribbean, where she is now also incorporated into various Obeah traditions.

Kali is not a remote deity but has intense personal relationships with individual devotees. Kali appears frequently in dreams and visualizations and is also channeled by spiritual meditation. She may offer instruction in yoga or various mystic, esoteric arts.

Lord of War and Victory

Kartikeya

Animals: Peacock and Rooster
Colors: Red
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays: Durga Puja, Skanda Sashti, and Veriyattu.
Food: Fruit and White Rice
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Eternal Yourth, Fertility, Harvest, Victory, and War.
Metal:
Musical Instruments: Drums
Offerings: Fruit, Goat Sacrifices, and Incense.
Planets:
Plants: Exotic Flowers
Sabbats: Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain.
Stones:
Symbols:
Trees: Katampu

Kartikeya is a complex, mysterious, powerful deity. Under the name Skanda or Murugan, he is the most beloved deity in the modern Southern India. Kartikeya is lord of war and patron of thieves but also a great yogi, brilliant philosopher, and masterful spiritual adept. He is usually described as the son of Shiva and Parvati, but variations of his myth exist.

Kartikeya means "related to the Krittikas" and refers to the six Krittikas, the goddesses who raised him. In one version, they find and raise the baby. In another version, Kartikeya is the result when six wives of the Cosmic Seers unknowingly conceive when they bathe in a river in which Shiva's sperm has fallen.

Subramanian, one of Kartikeya's names, means "dear to the Brahmins" and yet in Southern India and Sri Lanka, Kartikeya is associated with intensely shamanic rituals. Fire-walking is practiced in his major Sri Lankan shrine.

Request his blessings and assistance:

Before traveling, especially abroad
Before academic or entrance exams
For protection
For enhanced business
To avert or eliminate personal or family troubles and disasters

God of Compassion, Love, Protection and Tenderness

Krishna

Animals: Cows
Colors:Blue and White
Elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.
Festivals/Holidays: Krishna Janmashtami
Food: Fruit, Rice, Sattvic Foods, and Water.
Herbs: Basil
Incense: Sandalwood Paste
Magical Attributes: Compassion, Love, Positive Energy, Protection, Tenderness, and Universal Knowledge.
Metal:
Musical Instruments: Flute
Offerings: Aarti Lamps, Butter, Flowers, Food, Incense, Kumkum, Powder, Sweets, and White Cotton Cloth.
Planets: Sun
Plants: Grass and Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Conch, Discus, Flute, and Mase.
Trees:

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities. Krishna's birthday is celebrated every year by Hindus on Krishna Janmashtami according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, which falls in late August or early September of the Gregorian calendar.

In the Krishna Charitas, Krishna is born to Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva of the Yadava clan in Mathura. Devaki's brother is a tyrant named Kamsa. At Devaki's wedding, according to Puranic legends, Kamsa is told by fortune tellers that a child of Devaki would kill him. Sometimes, it is depicted as an akashwani announced Kamsa's death. Kamsa arranges to kill all of Devaki's children. When Krishna is born, Vasudeva secretly carries the infant Krishna away across the Yamuna and exchanges him. When Kamsa tries to kill the newborn, the exchanged baby appears as the Hindu goddess Yogmaya, warning him that his death has arrived in his kingdom, and then disappears, according to the legends in the Puranas. Krishna grows up with Nanda and his wife Yashoda near modern-day Mathura. Two of Krishna's siblings also survive, namely Balarama and Subhadra, according to these legends. The day of birth of Krishna is celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami.

Technically, Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu however, if so, he is the favorite form. Krishna himself is worshipped in several forms:

Krishna is the Divine Child, eternally delightful, mischievous, fun-loving, and charming.
Krishna is the intoxicatingly beautiful irresistible lover.
Krishna is the youth coward who lives in an idyllic forest.
Krishna is the spiritual teacher, guide and advisor.

Krishna is free, spontaneous, and fearless. He is a prankster although never evil intentions. Despite his sweet, loving nature, he is a powerful spirit who vanquishes the fiercest, deadliest, most toxic demons. Krishna is a pivotal figure in the epic, the Mahabharata. He remains a particularly energetic, active spirit; manifesting to people and appearing in dreams and visions. He is all-powerful and may be petitioned for anything.

Spirit of Happiness and Luxury

Lakshmi

Animals: Cows, Elephants, and Owls.
Colors:
Elements: Water
Festivals/Holidays: Diwali and Dhantares
Food: Bread and Milk
Herbs: Holy Basil
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Beauty, Business, Charm, Fertility, Good Fortune, Good Luck, Grace, Health, Joy, Prosperity, Protection, Purity, and Wealth.
Metal: Gold
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Bread, Candles, Candy, Coins, Flowers, Fruit, Incense, and Milk.
Planets: Earth
Plants: Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones: Seashells
Symbols: 6 Pointed Star
Trees: Bel Tree

Lakshmi, also known as Shri), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and associated with Maya ("Illusion"). Along with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses. Within the Goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as a principle aspect of the Mother goddess. Lakshmi is both the wife and divine energy (shakti) of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Supreme Being of Vaishnavism; she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect and transform the universe. Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatars Rama and Krishna, respectively. The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi symbolize the eight sources of wealth.

Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or siting in padmasana on a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolizing fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation. Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture:

Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya and vedic scriptures describes Lakshmi as having eight or eighteen hands and as sitting on Garuda, Lion or Tiger.

Lakshmi is venerated on home alters in attempts to keep her near. She expects devotees to expend some effort: simply posting her image and leaving it there in insufficient. Light candles, incense and or lamps (butter or oil are traditional) and place before her image; on a daily basis, if possible. Shop keepers place her image near the cash register to stimulate sales; also lighting lamps to her honor. Lakshmi bestows fertility, health, and wealth. Her lucky white elephants shower earth with rain and abundance. She is the very personification of good luck and fortune. The only negative thing one might possible say about Lakshmi is that, in the manner of fortune, she is fickle. She won't do anything bad but she gets bored easily. If not properly venerated or enticed to stay, she'll just leave, taking her gifts (joy, wealth, luck) with her.

Goddess of Rain

Mariamman

Animals: Lions and Snakes
Colors: Red and Yellow
Elements: Water
Festivals/Holidays:
Food: Eggs, Limes, Milk, and Rice.
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Cure Diseases, Fertility, Healing, Immunity from Extremely Contagious Diseases, Moisture, Rain, Safe Child Birth, and Wind.
Metal: Brass
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Food, Incense, Oil Lamps, Pumpkins, and Red Flowers.
Planets: Earth
Plants: Red Flowers
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Brass Pot, Rain, and Trident.
Trees: Neem

Mariamman is a Hindu goddess of rain, predominant in the rural areas of South India. Her festivals are held during the late summer/early autumn season of "Aadi" throughout the Tamil Nadu and Deccan region, the largest being Aadi Thiruvizha. Her worship mainly focuses on bringing rains and curing diseases like cholera, smallpox, and chicken pox. Maariamman is worshipped in accordance with the local traditions as Pidari or the Gramadevatai. She is considered as the protector (Kaval Deivam) by many people residing in South India.

According to Hindu myth, Mariamman's husband, ascetic sage Jamadagni, perceiving that his faithful wife had momentarily lusted in her heart for another and had thus become impure, ordered their to behead her. The son did as told but was overcome with grief and depression. The father, feeling sympathy for the son. eventually relented. Telling his son to gather Mariamman's head and body, he taught him a secret resurrection formula. The son, nervously hurrying, immediately recognized his mother's head on pile of recently executed female corpses but accidentally joined it to the body of a low-caste woman allegedly killed for committing all kinds of unspeakable (sexual, violent, transgressive) vices. The result was that Mariamman's Brahman mind was overwhelmed by her tribal body. (Is a metaphor intended? Absolutely!)

Her husband expelled her from the home. Mariamman then revealed herself as a wrathful, rampaging goddess. Ravaging the region, she was unstoppable until deities seeking to propitiate her offered her dominion over Smallpox. With the ability to cause and cure this dreaded disease, she was assured constant worship. She remains among the most popular goddesses of Southern India, the southern counterpart to Northern Sitala.

Goddess of Harvest and Protector of Women

Parvati

Animals: Loins, Snakes, Tigers, and White Lioness.
Colors: Red
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays: Gauri Tritiya, Gowri Habba, Navratri, Teej Festival, and Thiruvathira.
Food: Citron
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Domestic Happiness, Fertility, Maintain Sexual Interest, Materialistic Aspects of Life, Prevent Miscarriages, Prosperity, True Love, Victory, and Women Only.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Flowers
Planets:
Plants: Bela Mogra, Blue & Red Lotus, Champa, Henna, and Patea.
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Bow & Arrow, Conch Shell, Mace, Sword, Third Eye, and Trident.
Trees: Butea and Rudraksha

Parvati, Uma, or Gauri is the Hindu Goddess of power, nourishment, harmony, devotion, and motherhood. She is Devi in her complete form. She is the principle goddess of Hindus and complete incarnation of adi-parashakti. Along with Lakshmi and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi. Parvati is the daughter of the mountain king Himavan and queen Mena. Parvati is the mother of Hindu deities Ganesha and Kartikeya. The Puranas also referenced her to be the sister of the river goddess Ganga and the preserver god Vishnu. She is the divine energy between a man and a woman, like the energy of Shiva and Shakti.

Parvati is the wife of the Hindu god Shiva. She is the reincarnation of Sati, the first wife of Shiva who immolated herself during a yajna (fire-sacrifice). She undergoes tremendous austerities to attract Shiva's attention and win his love. They so not always live happily ever after. Shiva and Parvati have a passionate but sometimes contentious relationship. He is a difficult husband, often more committed to his spiritual path than to his relationships or domestic responsibilities. ("What domestic responsibilities?" he would ask.) Parvati is no wilting violet but a proud, powerful, defiant goddess of love and fertility. She is truly Shiva's match and not afraid to stand up to him. Parvati worked very hard to maintain Shiva's erotic interest. She ornaments herself with henna, which allegedly creates irresistible sexual allure.

In her earliest incarnation, Parvati is a mountain goddess who presides over a court of Fairy spirits. She reputedly invented rice cultivation. She is now rarely venerated without Shiva but may originally have presided over women's mysteries. Men are still not permitted into the inner sanctums of her shrines.

Parvati is a generous, benevolent goddess invoked for fertility, prosperity, and domestic happiness. She is petitioned to find and win true love and to maintain sexual interest. Parvati is kind but temperamental. She is known to hold a grudge. If angered, she can allegedly only be propitiated by women. Parvati may be invoked alongside Ganesha, who adores her.

The Embodiment of Chivalry and Virtue

Rama

Animals: Monkeys
Colors: Yellow
Elements: Earth
Festivals/Holidays: Diwali and Ram Navami
Food: Fruit, Milk, Water, and Yogurt.
Herbs:
Incense: Jasmin
Magical Attributes: Earthly Powers, Love, Nobility, Spiritual Wisdom, Strength, and Truth.
Metal: Gold
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Flowers, Fruit, Incense, Sweets, and Water.
Planets:
Plants: Jasmin
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Bow & Arrow
Trees:

Rama, Ram, Raman or Ramar, also known as Ramachandra, is a major deity in Hinduism. He is the seventh and one of the most popular avatars of Vishnu. In Rama-centric traditions of Hinduism, he is considered the Supreme Being. Rama is said to have been born to Kaushalya and Dasharatha in Ayodhya, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kosala. His siblings included Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. He married Sita. Though born in a royal family, their life is described in the Hindu texts as one challenged by unexpected changes such as an exile into impoverished and difficult circumstances, ethical questions and moral dilemmas. Of all their travails, the most notable is the kidnapping of Sita by demon-king Ravana, followed by the determined and epic efforts of Rama and Lakshmana to gain her freedom and destroy the evil Ravana against great odds. The entire life story of Rama, Sita and their companions allegorically discusses duties, rights and social responsibilities of an individual. It illustrates dharma and dharmic living through model characters.

As the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Rama is said to have taken birth on earth to annihilate the evil forces of the age. He is widely believed to be an actual historical figure--a "tribal hero of ancient India"--whose exploits form the great Hindu epic of Ramayana (The Romance of Rama), written by the ancient Sanskrit poet Valmiki. Hindus believe that Rama lived in the Treta Yug--one of the four great epochs. But according to historians, Rama was not particularly deified until the 11th century CE. Tulsidas' outstanding retelling of the Sanskrit epic into the popular vernacular as the Ramcharitmanas greatly enhanced the popularity of Rama as a Hindu god and gave rise to various devotional groups.

Although Rama and Krishna, both incarnations of Vishnu, are almost equally popular among Hindu devotees, Rama is seen as an archetype of righteousness and the most sought-after virtues in life, in contrast to Krishna's dalliances and shenanigans.

Goddess of Knowledge

Saraswati

Animals: Lizards and Swan
Colors: White
Elements: Water
Festivals/Holidays: The Vasant Panchami
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Academics, Art, Fertility, Literature, Music, Procreation, Purification, Science, and Wisdom.
Metal:
Musical Instruments: Vina
Offerings: Flowers, Fruit, Incense, and Palash.
Planets: Moon
Plants: White Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Golden Egg, Hansa Bird, Peacock, and Swan.
Trees: Plaksha

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is one of the tridevi, along with goddeses Lakshmi and Parvati. The earliest known mention of Saraswati as a goddess is in the Rigveda. She has remained significant as a goddess from the Vedic period through modern times of Hindu traditions. She is generally shown to have four arms, holding a book, a rosary, a water pot and a musical instrument called Veena. Each of these items have symbolic meaning in Hinduism.

In her earliest incarnations, Sarawati was a river spirit with dominion over fertility, procreation, and purification. She retains those powers powers but has evolved into a matron of literature and wisdom, too. Saraswati sponsors learning and creative sciences. She is the goddess of music and credited with inventing Sanshrit. A generous, bountiful spirit, she places the fetus in the womb and is the giver of all beautiful things. Saraswati is invoked frequently in the Rig Veda, the oldest surviving Indian writings, sacred hymns composed approximately 1200 BCE. She was born from a golden egg from the sea.

The story of Devi Saraswati becoming a river is mentioned in the Srishti Khanda of Padma Purana as well as in Skanda Purana. There was a terrible battle between the Bhargavas (a group of Brahmana) and Hehayas (a group of Kshatriya), and from this an all-consuming fire called Vadavagni was born which could destroy the whole world. In some versions, a sage named Auva created it. The devas were worried and they went to Vishnu or Shiva. The supreme god suggested that they should go to Saraswati for help as she can become a river and immerse the Vadavagni in the ocean. All the devas and devis went to Saraswati and requested her to protect the universe. She said that she would only agree if her disciple, Bramha told her to do so. Then they all went to Bramha and Bramha told Saraswati to become a river. Saraswati agreed and left Brahmaloka and arrived at sage Uttanka's ashram. There she met Shiva. He gave the Vadavagni in a pot to Saraswati and told her to originate from Plaksha tree. Saraswati merged with the tree and transformed into a river. From there she flowed towards Pushkar. Saraswati continued her journey towards the ocean. At last, she reached the end of her journey and immersed the fire in the ocean.

Essence of the Ideal Wife and Mother

Sati

Animals: Elephants and Tigers
Colors: Red
Elements: Fire
Festivals/Holidays: Fire Walking Rituals
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Divine Female Power, Good Fortune, Good Health, Longevity, and Marriage.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings:
Planets:
Plants: Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols:
Trees:

Sati, also known as Dakshayani, is the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity, and is worshipped as an aspect of the mother goddess Shakti. She is generally considered the first wife of Shiva, the other being Parvati, who was Sati's reincarnation after her death.

The earliest mentions of Sati are found in the time of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, but details of her story appear in the Puranas. Legends describe Sati as the favorite child of Daksha but she married Shiva against her father's wishes. After Daksha humiliated her, Sati killed herself to protest against him, and uphold the honor of her husband. In Hinduism, both Sati and Parvati, successively play the role of bringing Shiva away from ascetic isolation into creative participation with the world.

Sati is associated with fire, the avenue of her death. The practice of ritual suicide by a widow either on her husbands funeral pyre or later on a pyre lit from embers taken from his pyre is names Sati, anglicized as Suttee, in honor of the goddess, although this was not why she chose to immolate herself. Shiva was very much alive. Rather than burning herself to join him, Sat's actions led to separation: she left him to his complete devastation. Sati was avenging an insult. The practice of suttee has always been controversial: some Tantric scholars condemned it as sinful. Whether "suicide" is voluntary or physically or psychologically forced is questionable. Suttee was outlawed in 1829 but still sometimes occur.

Sati is the epitome of Shakti, divine feminine power. She is associated with fire-walking rituals.

Lord of Creation

Shiva

Animals: Bulls, Deer, Snakes, and Tigers.
Colors: Blue, Crimson, Olive Green, Red Ochre, and Saffron.
Elements: Fire
Festivals/Holidays:
Food: Coconuts, Fruit, and Nuts.
Herbs: Cannabis
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Intoxicating Substances and Sex Magic.
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Beautiful Things, Flowers, Food, and Theatrical Plays & Productions.
Planets:
Plants:
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Phallic Images and Upward-Facing Triangle.
Trees:

Shiva 'The Auspicious One', also known as Mahadeva, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. God Shiva is said to be the controller of time itself and has responsibility of carrying out the process of destruction at the end of creation. In Sanskrit language, kāla means time. He is also called Mahākāla as all the three times, past, present and future lie within him and are from him. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism.

Shiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the triple deity of supreme divinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe. In the Shakta tradition, the Goddess, or Devi, is described as one of the supreme, yet Shiva is revered along with Vishnu and Brahma. A goddess is stated to be the energy and creative power (Shakti) of each, with Parvati (Sati) Mohini the equal complementary partner of Shiva. He is one of the five equivalent deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism.

Shiva has various paths or aspects. He is, for instance:

An extreme, dedicated Ascetic
A loving, devoted husband
The Cosmic Dancer
Lord of Destruction

Shiva may or may not be another name for Dionysus, whose myth also placed him in India. Like Dionysus, Shiva is identified with intoxicating substances and sex magic. He is often portrayed in the form of a phallus (the Shiva lingam), as is Dionysus. Both lead parades of dancing witches and spirits. Shiva, like Dionysus, is patron of theater as shamanic or magical performance, and like Dionysus, Shiva is happily wed: he and his consort, Parvati, symbolize the perfect union of complementary powers. Shiva is also wed to the various goddesses who may be paths or emanations of Parvati including Uma, Durga, and Kali.

Lord of Law and Order

Vishnu

Animals: Fish and Turtles
Colors: Blue
Elements:
Festivals/Holidays:
Food:
Herbs: Basil
Incense: Jasmin Oil
Magical Attributes:
Metal:
Musical Instruments:
Offerings: Sweet Foods cooked in Ghee (clarified butter).
Planets:
Plants: Lotus
Sabbats:
Stones: Conch Shell
Symbols:
Trees:

Vishnu is one of the principle deities of Hinduism, and, along with Brahma and Shiva, forms the Hindu trinity. Vishnu is the peace-loving deity of that trinity, the Preserver or Sustainer of Life. Vishnu is the Preserver or Sustainer of life, known for his steadfast principles of order, righteousness, and truth. When these values are under threat, Vishnu emerges out of his transcendence to restore peace and order on earth.

He preserves world order and protects it form being overwhelmed by evil. Vishnu has over one thousand names. In times of crisis, Vishnu descends to earth to save us. The various forms he takes when he descends are known as avatars.

Vishnu’s earthly incarnations include many avatars: the ten avatars:

Matsya (fish)
- Some Hindus believe that this is the similar to the biblical representation of Noah
Kurma (turtle)
- Churning of the Ocean
Varaha (pig/boar)
- In this avatar, Vishnu recovered the stolen Vedas
Narasimha (half lion, half man)
- Vishnu managed to vanquish a demon who had gained immunity from attacks from man, beast or god
Vamana (dwarf sage with the ability to grow)
- In this story, the evil demon Bali had taken over the earth and had pushed all of the gods from the heavens as well. Vishnu took the form of a dwarf, who tricked Bali into giving him as much of Bali's empire as he could cover in three steps. Vishnu as Vamana grew so large that with one step he had covered the earth, with the second the heavens, thus returning the ownership to the gods.
Parasurama (fierce man/hunter)
- Vishnu rids the earth of irreligious and sinful monarchs
Rama (greatest warrior/ideal man)
- As Rama, he kills the demon King Ravana, who abducted his wife Sita
Krishna (mentally advanced man)
- Krishna is the hero of the Mahabharata, an epic poem. He also delivered his famous message, known as the Baghavad Gita.
Buddha (the all knowing one)
- who appeared in the 5th century BCE. In some traditions, Balarama replaces Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu.
Kalki
- Expected towards the end of this present age of decline, as a person on earth, seated on a white horse.

His final avatar, Kalki, hasn't appeared yet, and well do so at the end of this present age (the Kali Yuga) to usher in the New Age.

God of Death and Justice

Yama

Animals: Buffalo and Crows
Colors: Black, Blue, Red, and Yellow.
Elements: Fire
Festivals/Holidays:
Food:
Herbs:
Incense:
Magical Attributes: Death, Dispensation of Law & Punishment, and Retribution.
Metal: Iron
Musical Instruments:
Offerings:
Planets:
Plants:
Sabbats:
Stones:
Symbols: Mace, Noose, and Sword.
Trees:

Yama, also known as Yamaraja, Kala, and Dharmaraja is the Hindu god of death and justice, responsible for the dispensation of law and punishment of sinners in his abode, Yamaloka. Yama lives with his minions in the sixteen sealed-up iron cities of Hell. He maintains the Book of Destiny in which life spans allotted to each individual are recorded. Yama himself sometimes comes to collect souls, carrying a rope with which to lasso and herd them to his realm.

According to Thai myth, Yama contracts with individuals at birth, establishing the exact moment of death. Should the individual die before this appointed time (whether because of suicide, violent death, or magical cause), his or her soul must linger on earth as a ghost until the scheduled appointment. Yama will not see anyone early nor does he adjust appointments. No temples are dedicated to him. There are no rituals (at least officially) to beckon or ward him off. Yama arrives at the appointed time, not one second before or after.

Yama maintains a record of all human deeds. He calculates each individual's karmic debts. He determines how long one must remain in Hell and the nature of one's next incarnation.

Yama and his sister Yami, are the children of Surya, the sun, and Saranya, daughter of Tvastr, Vedic celestial artisan. How did Yama achieve his position? According to the Rig Veda, Yama refused to unite with Yami, preferring to die childless rather than commit incest. With no descendants to facilitate his rebirth, Yama, trapped in the realm of death, became its overlord.