Is Shiva the Supreme God in Hinduism?

[ronki23]

I always thought Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were the three Gods of Hinduism who were created by Brahman/Parabrahman.

But I read that Shiva created Vishnu and Vishnu created Brahma? So does this mean Shiva is the supreme?

And if Shiva and Shakti were born together, then why was Shiva so sad when her mortal body was killed during immolation?

Also, the likes of Rama, Krishna, Buddha are avatars of Vishnu; but are Ganesh and Hanuman avatars of Shiva?

 

[SomeRandom]

It depends on the sect.

 

[Vinayaka]

Very diverse faith, isn't it? Some would say very diverse group of faiths. Never believe one source, whether that source be a person, or a book.

 

[Kapalika]

Sure, why not?

It's not like Hinduism is a diverse set of religions and beliefs that share the same cosmology/deities.

If you think Shiva best represents the supreme, then join us Shaivites. If you think it's Vishnu, join the Vaishnavas. If you think they all do, be Smarta or something. In my opinion it really comes down to how you relate to the divine, I wouldn't suppose to say one is "right" or "wrong" since it's all aiming at the same idea.

 

[atanu]

I always thought Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were the three Gods of Hinduism who were created by Brahman/Parabrahman.

But I read that Shiva created Vishnu and Vishnu created Brahma? So does this mean Shiva is the supreme?

And if Shiva and Shakti were born together, then why was Shiva so sad when her mortal body was killed during immolation?

Also, the likes of Rama, Krishna, Buddha are avatars of Vishnu; but are Ganesh and Hanuman avatars of Shiva?

To me, shiva is AUM and its essence and is non dual. The concept of Supreme takes birth with mind, which is an effect of Shiva.

 

[Terese]

I always thought Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were the three Gods of Hinduism who were created by Brahman/Parabrahman.

But I read that Shiva created Vishnu and Vishnu created Brahma? So does this mean Shiva is the supreme?

And if Shiva and Shakti were born together, then why was Shiva so sad when her mortal body was killed during immolation?

Also, the likes of Rama, Krishna, Buddha are avatars of Vishnu; but are Ganesh and Hanuman avatars of Shiva?

Depends on the person. I worship Lord Vishnu as the Supreme God who created Lord Brahma and then Lord Siva.

 

[Jainarayan]

I don’t think of one as supreme or superior over the other. It’s the form of God we’re drawn to. They are, to sound clichéd, all facets or “personalities” of one... they are equals. Though I worship and pray to Vishnu (primarily as Krishna) as primus inter pares, “first among equals”.

I worship Shiva in his various forms also, as well as Devi in all her forms. I’m as likely to go to the Sri Shiva abhishekam on a Monday as I am to go to the Sri Satyanarayana abhishekam on a Thursday.

 

[von bek]

Many different views are found within Hinduism. For me, Kali, Mahadevi, is Supreme. She has infinite forms and names. I see Her as Brahman and Atman. She is the shakti of all other gods, in my view. All consciousness, matter, space, and time is Her. However, others see Shiva or Vishnu as Supreme, that doesn't offend me. Mahakali dwells in all, She is the source of all gods, when you worship any of them I think you worship Her.

 

[Aupmanyav]

But I read that Shiva created Vishnu and Vishnu created Brahma? So does this mean Shiva is the supreme?
.. but are Ganesh and Hanuman avatars of Shiva?

It is difficult for you to understand because you were not raised in India or are not really a Hindu (internet camouflages it, any one can be anybody). To us it is not a matter of debate but a matter of individual choice. Ganesha and Hanuman are not avataras of Shiva (for majority of Hindus).

 

[Viraja]

As much as I know, there is no 'supreme'. The only supreme is the cosmic principle one with the vedic skies (parabrahmam). All gods of form are little 'lesser' than that because they have chosen to retain a tiny, tiny portion of the feeling of individual self (that is egoless) so that they can engage in divine leela/sport to last an eternity.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I do not have any objection to any of the Hindu Gods or Goddesses as being Supreme.

 

[ronki23]

So who is the Supreme God in Hinduism? Is Brahman/Parabrahman (the unseen, intangible God) the supreme God and if so, do we really call our Gods (Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva/Ganesh/Hanuman/Durga) Gods or are they merely non-human beings or demi Gods?

I believe this is what Sikhism preaches, that our deities are still subject to ego, lust, being fooled,etc. and they too will die and be reincarnated?

I also heard that Saraswati was the sister of Shiva and Parvati the sister of Vishnu. Does this also mean Lakshmi is Brahma's sister?

 

[Viraja]

I have some ideas about gods (in Hinduism). Kindly treat them as *personal opinions*.

I would rather guess that parabrahman is a state and as much, the parabrahman would play no role in redeeming others. Whoever chose to be one with parabrahman, chose to do so out of desire or want for the most supreme bliss.

The gods are the ones, in that perspective, who show any interest, if at all, in sustaining and redeeming others. In that aspect, they carry power. Since endowed with this responsibility, they all retain a small amount of individual identity that is devoid of selfishness or egotism. They are the ones who play the role of 'granting wishes'.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I believe this is what Sikhism preaches, that our deities are still subject to ego, lust, being fooled,etc. and they too will die and be reincarnated?

Has Sikhism or any other religion established the existence of Gods? If not why go on saying that it will happen like this or like that?

 

[spyrichuwel]

Has Sikhism or any other religion established the existence of Gods? If not why go on saying that it will happen like this or like that?

You sound anti-Hindu

 

[Vinayaka]

You sound anti-Hindu

Aup is the last thing from being anti-Hindu. He may be the most pro-Hindu person on these forums who identifies as Hindu. What he is is atheist, but only in a personal sense. He respects all traditional sampradayas and sect within Hinduism, in the true spirit of Hindu Solidarity.

Even the atheist bit is debatable, depending on how one defines God. Atheist to the dualistic God, for sure. Hindu Solidarity is the idea that we Hindus stick together despite our differences in philosophy, language etc.

I personally consider radical universalism as being anti-Hindu, as it dilutes the strong traditions, and is an overly simplistic lovey dovey 'all religions are the same' POV. More accurately, I think its a religion unto itself, called universalism. It often denies the actual existence of Gods, calling them mere symbols, goes against many of the practices, and shoots for uniformity rather than unity in diversity.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Thanks, Vinayaka, for your support.

You sound anti-Hindu

That is because your knowledge of Hinduism is very limited.

 

[ajay0]

Shiva is the supreme God amongst the monotheist Lingayats also known as the Veerashaivas, and they do not accept any other gods or goddeses. They preach a casteless society, focusing on devotion to Shiva, vegetarianism and focus on a virtuous code of conduct.

Worship of the Lingayats is based on Shiva in the form of the Shivalinga, which is also worn around the neck of the Lingayats.

The Shiva linga is a oval shaped stone worshiped as a symbol of God in Shaivite temples. In the yogic philosophy, the Linga is considered the first form to arise when creation occurs, and also the last form before the dissolution of creation.


Lingayatism - Wikipedia

Similarly Shiva is also a name for the monotheistic God worshipped in Sikhism, known as Waheguru or Ik Onkaar.

Guru Gobind Singh is said to have composed hymns or Shabads addressing God as Shiva which is quite famous.

Deh Siva Var Mohe - Wikipedia


The Prajapita Brahmakumaris, a spiritual organisation led, administered and taught solely by women , also preaches worship of a monotheist God stated as Shiva, who is seen as an incorporeal point of light.

Shiva is considered by the Prajapita Brahmakumaris as being synonymous with Jehovah, Allah, Ahura Mazda, Waheguru of the other monotheistic religions, and is considered as the Sadhguru or supreme Teacher.

One of the main teachings of the Brahmakumaris focus on cultivation of soul-consciousness and rejection of body-consciousness, which is considered as the source of all vices. The centres of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris exist in every country and teaches meditation courses free of cost.

Brahma Kumaris - Home

 

[Vinayaka]

The Brahma Kumaris don't consider themselves Hindu, and believe in a doomsday scenario, I met one chap peddling the wares at a psychic trade show. Nice enough chap, but we sure didn't see eye to eye phiosophically. Certainly 'Siva' meant something entirely different to each of us. I respect their choice not to call themselves Hindu. That's only fair.

 

[LuisDantas]

Would any of you happen to know if Hindu children sometimes ask similar questions? Are there any well-known frequent answers?