This common misconception stems from a misunderstanding of the Hindu concept of saguna brahman (divine with attributes) versus nirguna brahman (divine without attributes). According to the Upanishads, particularly the Chandogya Upanishad [3.14.1], there is only one supreme reality (Brahman) that manifests in different forms.
The various deities in Hinduism represent different aspects and functions of the one supreme consciousness. As explained in the Bhagavad Gita [7.21], all worship ultimately reaches the same divine source, regardless of the form chosen by the devotee. The multiple deities are better understood as diverse expressions of the single ultimate reality.
Modern scholars compare this concept to how one person can be simultaneously a parent, spouse, and professional - different roles but the same entity. This understanding helps bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary theological discourse.
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