In the vast and intricate world of Hinduism, filled with countless deities, avatars, and manifestations, seekers often ask:
Who is the Supreme God?
Is it Shiva? Vishnu? Durga? Or someone beyond them all?
The beauty of Hinduism lies in its deeply inclusive and layered view of divinity. While it honours many gods, it also teaches that all these forms are but reflections of one supreme, formless, eternal reality—called Brahman.
Brahman – The Formless, Infinite Supreme Reality
At the heart of Vedanta philosophy, Brahman is described as the ultimate, unchanging reality behind all creation.
Brahman is:
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Formless, nameless, and beyond gender
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All-pervading, eternal, and infinite
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The source of all gods, all worlds, all beings
In the Upanishads, Brahman is described as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss)—not as a person, but as the supreme cosmic consciousness from which everything arises and into which everything dissolves.
Is Shiva the Supreme? Or Vishnu? Or Devi?
1. Shaivism – Shiva as the Supreme
Followers of Shaivism see Lord Shiva as the Parabrahma, the ultimate reality. Shiva is seen not just as a destroyer but as Mahadeva, the eternal consciousness that transcends all forms.
2. Vaishnavism – Vishnu as the Supreme
In Vaishnavism, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the Supreme God, the preserver and protector of the universe. Vishnu is seen as the form of Brahman with attributes (Saguna Brahman), who manifests as Krishna, Rama, Narayana, and more.
3. Shaktism – Devi as the Supreme
For followers of Shaktism, the ultimate reality is Adi Shakti—the divine feminine. Goddess Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are seen as the supreme creative and destructive power, beyond even Shiva and Vishnu.
4. Smarta Tradition – All Are One
In the Smarta tradition, all deities are equally valid paths to the same Supreme Brahman. Worshippers may choose Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Ganesha, or Surya as their Ishta Devata (chosen deity), understanding that all forms are expressions of the One Truth.
The Spiritual Insight: Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti
The Rig Veda beautifully says:
“Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti”
“Truth is One, the wise call it by many names.”
Thus, Hinduism allows each soul to choose the form, the path, the mantra that resonates most deeply with their inner longing for the Supreme.
How Devotees Honour the Supreme in Their Chosen Form
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Through Bhakti (devotion), meditation, and japa (chanting names of the deity)
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By wearing sacred pendants and yantras of their Ishta Devata, carrying the divine close to the heart
🕉️ Explore our Deity Silver Pendant Collection Here and choose your own path to the One.
Trusted References
Because in Hinduism, the question is not only “Who is the Supreme?”
It is also “How do you wish to meet the Supreme?”
And whether you call it Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, or Brahman…
The One is always within you, waiting to be known.
