I a-Devat

Within Hinduism, an Ishta-deva or Ishta devata literally "cherished divinity" from i a "desired, liked, cherished" and devat "godhead, divinity, tutelary deity" or deva "deity") is a term denoting a worshipper's favourite deity. It is especially significant to both the Smarta and Bhakti schools wherein practitioners choose to worship the form of God which inspires them the most. Within Smartism, one of five chief deities are selected. Even in denominations that focus on a singular concept of God, such as Vaishnavism, the istha deva concept exists. For example, in Vaishnavism special focus is given to a particular form of Vishnu or one of his avatars (i.e Krishna or Rama), and similarly within Shaktism, focus is given to a particular form of the Goddess such as Parvati or Lakshmi. The Swaminarayan sect of Vaishnavism has a similar concept, but in consideration of Vishnu and Shiva being worshipped as different aspects of the same God.

Klappentext

Within Hinduism, an Ishta-deva or Ishta devata literally "cherished divinity" from i a "desired, liked, cherished" and devata "godhead, divinity, tutelary deity" or deva "deity") is a term denoting a worshipper's favourite deity. It is especially significant to both the Smarta and Bhakti schools wherein practitioners choose to worship the form of God which inspires them the most. Within Smartism, one of five chief deities are selected. Even in denominations that focus on a singular concept of God, such as Vaishnavism, the istha deva concept exists. For example, in Vaishnavism special focus is given to a particular form of Vishnu or one of his avatars (i.e Krishna or Rama), and similarly within Shaktism, focus is given to a particular form of the Goddess such as Parvati or Lakshmi. The Swaminarayan sect of Vaishnavism has a similar concept, but in consideration of Vishnu and Shiva being worshipped as different aspects of the same God.