Significance of Gods and goddesses
Synonyms: Divinities, Spirits
In Dutch: Goden en godinnen; In Finnish: Jumalat ja jumalattaret; In Spanish: Dioses y diosas; In German: Götter und Göttinnen; In Malay: Dewa dan dewi; In Swedish: Gudar och gudinnor; In French: Dieux et déesses; In Portugese: Deuses e deusas; In Italian: Dei e dee; In Polish: Bogowie i boginie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Gods and goddesses'
In Buddhism, gods and goddesses participate alongside humans in a shared celebration. They are not superior beings, but rather, members of a larger cosmic community.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) These beings joined with men and women in one great festivity.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Gods and goddesses'
In Hinduism, gods and goddesses are divine beings worshipped through praise, depicted by specific idols, and characterized by supernatural powers. They embody virtues, experience vulnerability, and find satisfaction in spiritual essence rather than physical sustenance.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The text directly references the gods and goddesses as recipients of immortality gained through singing, illustrating the belief in the power of music to influence and benefit divine beings.[2] (2) These are divine beings whose wishes and desires are discerned and decided by the god in the solar region.[3] (3) Refers to divine beings who are worshipped, specifically in the context of using speech in praise.[4] (4) Divine beings in Hinduism who attained immortality and fearlessness by reciting and taking refuge in Om.[5] (5) Divine beings such as Agni (fire), Vayu (air), with whom the worshipper shares rights and privileges.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Divine entities that are experiencing downfall or destruction, merging into the destructive flames.[7]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Divine beings worshipped in various religions, acknowledged for their powers and attributes.[8]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A collective term referring to the deities worshipped in various religious practices, highlighting that many forms and aspects exist within these divine figures.[9]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Deities worshipped in the Cham temples, including Shiva, Ganesha, Skanda, Brahma, Surya, Indra, etc.[10]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The divine figures represented by idols, which follow specific measurements in their artistic representation.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Divine beings in various forms who are worshipped and venerated in religious traditions.[12]
Jain concept of 'Gods and goddesses'
In Jainism, gods and goddesses represent divine beings revered for their roles in spiritual traditions, acknowledging virtuous actions, and honoring significant figures like Mahavira and Neminatha within the broader frameworks of creation, protection, and morality.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Divine beings who gather to acknowledge and honor Neminatha, showcasing the reverence and importance of his presence.[13] (2) Divine beings who are acknowledged and revered in the context of spiritual and religious traditions.[14] (3) Beings who observe the fight and later shower flowers on Aryaputra, signifying divine approval of his valiant actions.[15]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) General term referring to divine beings that populate the assemblies, denoting different numbers and life-spans across the various assemblies.[16]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Supernatural beings that are recognized in various traditions, often associated with creation, protection, and morality.[17]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Divine beings that play a significant role in the events surrounding Mahavira's birth and death, showcasing his extraordinary significance in the spiritual realm.[18]
The concept of Gods and goddesses in local and regional sources
Gods and goddesses are divine beings worshipped in Hindu traditions, symbolizing spiritual aspirations, reflecting various life aspects, and representing complex narratives. They are integral to both historical and contemporary worship practices, illustrating diverse cultural interpretations.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Poseidon and Athene represent opposing forces; Poseidon embodies darkness and ignorance, while Athene symbolizes wisdom and divine grace.[19]
The concept of Gods and goddesses in scientific sources
Gods and goddesses, in this context, are celestial beings born from Suriyabha. They engage in thirty-two dance-dramas, dedicating their lives to experiencing joy and rapture.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Celestial beings produced out of S uriyabha’s own body who perform thirty-two dance-dramas and who spend their life-spans relishing joy and rapture.[20]
Classical concept of 'Gods and goddesses'
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The gods and goddesses Seb and Nut, Osiris and Isis, Set and Nephthys, and Heru-khent-ȧn-maati were produced by Shu and Tefnut, creating a divine family.[21] (2) Gods and goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon had specific roles and attributes, representing natural forces, abstract concepts, and human qualities, with complex relationships and myths.[22]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) All the gods and goddesses who dwell in the mountain of Amentet the beautiful of Hetkaptah (Memphis), give the offerings that come forth at the word.[23] (2) They once lived on Earth, ruling in a way similar to the Pharaohs; they took a personal interest in people's affairs and promoted their well-being.[24]
From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell
(1) Gods and goddesses of the South and North stablish crowns on Ra, give names to Ra, lament when Ra leaves Ament, drive away Set, and sing praises.[25] (2) They are on the right. They hold and cultivate the territory in this Division, and minister to the wants of the followers.[26]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) It describes deities who dwelt at Elephantine, in the place called "Couch of the heart in life and power," to whom the king offered sacrifices.[27]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) The gods and goddesses are the entities who are in this pylon and guard the gateway to the Sixth Division, described as bearded mummy forms.[28]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Refers to entities that preceded Ptah, who is now considered the source of all.[29]
From: The Book of Am-Tuat
(1) There are nine gods and goddesses that are all represented as seated, but their seats of state or thrones are invisible within the text.[30]
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) The temples of the gods and goddesses were desolated from Elephantine to the marshes of the Delta when Tutenkhamon was crowned as king.[31]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The gods and goddesses were considered by some to be similar to beasts and reptiles, as they could die and perish, showing mortality.[32]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) The gods and goddesses represent the divine council, whose actions and interventions influence mortal affairs and shape the course of events, according to the provided text.[33] (2) These are beings who are summoned by Jove to a council on Mount Olympus, and expected to obey his commands regarding the conflict.[34]