Hindus worship many gods while believing in one supreme being because they see these deities as different manifestations of the ultimate divine power.
This belief is rooted in the Hindu concept of "Brahman," which is the ultimate reality and the supreme cosmic power. Brahman is considered formless, infinite, and beyond human comprehension. However, Hindus believe that this ultimate reality can be understood and approached through different deities, each representing a certain aspect or quality of the divine.
Hinduism acknowledges that human beings have diverse needs, aspirations, and ways of connecting with the divine. Therefore, various gods and goddesses are worshipped to address these different aspects of human life and nature. For instance, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, while Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth and prosperity.
Hindus also believe that the deities are not separate entities but rather different facets or manifestations of the same supreme being. It is believed that these deities, often referred to as "devas" or "devatas," represent different energies and powers emanating from the one ultimate reality, Brahman.
Moreover, the concept of "murti" or idol worship is prevalent in Hinduism. An idol of a deity is considered a physical representation or a focal point for meditation that helps devotees establish a personal connection with the divine. It is believed that through devotion, rituals, and prayers to these deities, one can reach closer to the ultimate reality.
In summary, Hindus worship many gods while believing in one supreme being because they view these deities as diverse manifestations or representations of the ultimate divine power, Brahman. These deities provide different avenues for devotees to connect with the divine and fulfill their various spiritual and material needs.