Bageshwar Dham head Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, responding to a question from the youth, said that in Hindu Dharma, all deities are forms of the same Supreme Being. He explained with an example that just as gold retains its identity in any form, similarly, Lord Rama, Krishna, Shiva, or Hanuman are all symbols of the same power.
Bageshwar Baba: During a program, Bageshwar Dham head Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri addressed the curiosity of the youth. When the audience asked who is the greatest among the countless gods and goddesses worshipped, Baba said that God is one, only their forms are different. He clarified that all deities are a path to reaching the Supreme Being and it is wrong to consider any as smaller or bigger.
All deities are equal
In the program, when a female audience member questioned that countless gods and goddesses are worshipped, but the youth are often confused about who the greatest God is, Bageshwar Baba gave a clear answer. He said that God is one, their forms are different, and it is wrong to consider any as smaller or bigger.
He gave the example that just as gold remains gold in any form—whether it is made into a ring, bracelet, or mangalsutra. Similarly, whether clay is formed into a kulhad (earthen cup), a plate, or a pot—the identity of the clay does not change. Likewise, Lord Rama, Krishna, Shiva, or Hanuman—all are paths to reaching the Supreme Being.
Bageshwar Baba's Example
Further clarifying his answer, Baba said that just as starting to climb from any trunk of a banyan tree ultimately leads to the root. Similarly, if any devotee worships any god or goddess, their path ultimately goes to the Supreme Being.
He also explained that this is the specialty of Hindu Dharma, that God is worshipped in many forms, but all forms are symbols of the same power. This is why whichever path of devotion one chooses, the destination ultimately remains the same Supreme Being.
Trying to resolve the confusion of the youth
Baba acknowledged that today's youth are often confused by the question of who the greatest God is. He said that this mindset needs to be changed because the power of God is one, it just appears in different forms for the devotees.
Baba's statement is being considered as a guide for the youth and common devotees. He said that faith and belief are the greatest means, whether it is towards any deity.
