Isvara

Epithet of the god SˇIVA. Hindu (Puranic). In Sanskrit designated the “supreme god who rules the universe.” The generic title of a Hindu’s personal high god. In Buddhism the name of a YAKSA attending the eleventh tirthankara.

Isa

Isa (1)

1. An aspect of SˇIVA. Hindu (Puranic). Also a dikpala or guardian of the northeastern quarter; and an EKADASARUDRA (one of the eleven rudras).

Heruka

God. Buddhist (Mahayana). One of the most popular deities in the pantheon, though probably owing much to the influence of the Hindu god SˇIVA. Originally an epithet for another Hindu god, GANESA, but in Buddhism seen as an emanation of AKSOBHYA. His SAKTI is NAIRAMATA and the product of their liaison is nirvana (eternal bliss). Typically he stands upon a corpse. In northeastern India, Heruka is worshiped as a compassionate god. Attributes: club, flayed human skin, image of Aksobhya, jewel, knife, fifty skulls, sword, staff and teeth.

Gauri (whitish brilliant)

1. Goddess. Hindu (Vedic and Puranic). Consort of the god VARUNA, said to have been created at the churning of the ocean of milk. An epithet of PARVATI as a goddess of the corn. Also a SAKTI of Mahesvara, a minor aspect of SˇIVA. Her attendant animal is a lion or a wolf. Attributes: fish, forest garland, image of GANESA, lotus, mirror, rosary, trident and water jar. Three-eyed. Also Varuni.

Deva (the god)

Generic name of a god. Hindu (Vedic and Puranic). Originally, in the Rg Veda, thirty or thirty-three devas are indicated, divided into three groups of eleven. In later Hinduism, the term deva is generally applied to deities not included in the chief triad of BRAHMA, VISˇNU and Sˇ IVA.

 

Ghantakarna (ears like bells)

God of healing. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). An attendant of SˇIVA, worshiped as a guardian against diseases of the skin. Attributes: bell with noose, and hammer.

Ganga

River goddess. Hindu (Puranic). Guardian deity of the Ganges. The elder daughter of HIMAVAN and MENA, she is the sister of PARVATI and the consort of VISˇNU and AGNI. She is also the second consort of SˇIVA. Ganga is regarded as a symbol of purity and is frequently depicted with Brahma washing the raised foot of VISˇNU TRIVIKRAMA.

Ekanetra (one-eyed)

Minor deity. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). One of a group of emancipated VIDYESVARAS (lords of knowledge) considered to be aspects of Sˇ IVA.

Ekarudra

Minor deity. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). One of a group of emancipated VIDYESVARAS (lords of knowledge) considered to be aspects of Sˇ IVA.

Candesvara (the lord of Canda)

Minor god. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). A benevolent aspect of SˇIVA. Also an attendant on Sˇiva, said to have been a youthful cowherd. He sits on a lotus throne. Attributes: arrow, ax, bow, club, crown, hatchet, noose, rosary, snake, trident and water jar.