Polytheism and Hinduism

[satay]

Originally Posted by samabudhi

HA! Just the way that is worded...

The idea of monotheism started coming together around the time of the Upanishads. I have not seen anything to suggest monotheism in the vedas, although Indra does feature more prominently than the other Gods.
If monotheism is to be found in the vedas, it would probably be in the last one which originated around the time of the upanishads. The vedas don't really say much about philosophy and the nature of things though. It's the upanishads which talk of this.

Namaste sama,

Have you studied veda? I am just curious. I haven't studied them so why am I asking you. I don't like to quote from veda or gita but look at the translations of shlokas below and tell me if these are not part of veda...

He is the sole sovereign
Of the universe.
- Rig Veda 6/36/4

He is one, unparalleled
Through His wondrous, mighty
And formidable laws and deeds.
- Rig Veda 8/1/27

There is only One
Who ought to be adored
By the people.
- Atharva Veda 2/2/1

O friends,
Adore none else but Providence
Who is supreme bestower of bliss
And thus thou wilt not suffer;
Eulogise Him in congregation
And sing songs of His glory repeatedly
- Sam Veda 242

He, the all-pervasive
Pervades all beings
Within and without.
- Yajur Veda 32/8

Thou art Lord of lords.
- Rig Veda 1/94/13

He is One Brahma
The Creator of the cosmos
Who pervades and protects
And enlightens aft beings
He is One Supreme Entity
Whom sages call by various names
Such as Indra, the glorious
Mitra, the benign friend
Varuna, the greatest, the noblest
Agni, the resplendent, the bright
Yama, the dispenser of justice
Matarishwa, the almighty.
- Rig Veda 1/164/46

Verily He is one
Single, indivisible, supreme reality.
- Atharva Veda 13/4/20

satay

[Andre']

Intersting thread and very complex. Hinduism has millions of Gods, as many already know, but at the end of the day they are all manifestations of the Ultimate Brahman or "All Soul." At the end of the day hinduism is monotheistic, which many aren't aware of. Henotheism is widley practiced amongst Hindu, which is a focus on one God at a time, without denying the existence of others. The whole goal of Yoga/Dharam/Bhakti-marga is to achieve moksha and reach the level of reality where all is one or one has achieved atman-Brahman and are part of the Ultimate Brahmn or All Soul. So hinduism is polytheistic in the sphere of regional gods, household gods, death gods..., it is henotheistic on the level of certain spheres that require devotion for a period of time or a regional god, and is monotheistic in the grand scale, which is to become one with the Ultimate Brahman.

I love discussing HInduism because you could talk for years and still not cover it all, what an amazing faith.