Indian Gods: Who They Are, Why They Look Like That, and What They Really Mean
When people talk about Indian gods, the divine figures worshipped in Hinduism and related traditions across South Asia. Also known as Hindu deities, they are not just religious icons—they’re living symbols of nature, emotion, and cosmic order. You’ve seen them: blue-skinned Krishna dancing on a serpent, Shiva with a third eye, Durga riding a lion with ten arms. But why blue? Why so many arms? And why do some people mix them up with Greek or other mythologies? These aren’t random artistic choices. Every detail—from color to weapon to animal companion—carries meaning rooted in ancient texts, regional rituals, and centuries of storytelling.
The color blue in Indian gods, the divine figures worshipped in Hinduism and related traditions across South Asia. Also known as Hindu deities, they are not just religious icons—they’re living symbols of nature, emotion, and cosmic order. isn’t about skin tone—it’s about infinity. Blue represents the vastness of the sky and the ocean, the unending cycle of creation and destruction. Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, wears blue because he embodies the cosmic force that holds the universe together. Shiva, the destroyer and regenerator, is blue because he absorbed the poison from the churning of the ocean to save the world. This isn’t fantasy—it’s philosophy made visible. Meanwhile, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is golden, not blue, because her energy is about abundance, not boundlessness. These aren’t interchangeable figures. Each god has a specific role, a unique story, and a set of symbols that have stayed consistent for over 2,000 years. And yet, many people still think Aphrodite and Lakshmi are the same, or that yoga is just stretching. That’s where confusion starts.
Indian gods aren’t stuck in temples. They’re in folk songs, in village dances like Karakattam, in Diwali sweets, and even in the way people talk about luck or love. The goddess Durga isn’t just a statue—she’s the reason millions celebrate Navratri for nine nights, singing and dancing to honor her victory over evil. The blue skin of Krishna isn’t just art—it’s why people paint their walls blue during festivals. And the fact that some gods appear in both North and South India, but with different names and rituals, shows how deeply local culture shapes the divine. This collection of articles doesn’t just list gods. It explains why they look the way they do, how they connect to everyday life, and why misunderstandings—like mixing up Greek and Hindu myths—keep happening. You’ll find the truth behind the blue skin, the real reason sweets are given on Diwali, and why a Catholic priest might warn against yoga. No myths. No fluff. Just clear, grounded answers about the gods people actually worship—and why they still matter today.
