Why Do Hindus Have ‘3 Crore Gods’?

 

What Did Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Say That Sparked Controversy?

Using the example of “3 crore Hindu gods,” senior Congress leader and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has found himself at the center of controversy. Reddy said:

“Hindus believe in 3 crore deities. Why are there so many gods? Lord Hanuman is the deity of bachelors. There are different gods for those who marry twice, different ones for drinkers, and others for those who offer chicken sacrifices. There are local gods, who are even offered toddy and non-vegetarian food. And there are gods for people who eat rice and lentils.”

BJP leaders accused him of hurting Hindu sentiments.
Since Reddy’s remarks have triggered debate, it becomes important to understand:
How do Hindus have so many deities? Do Hindus actually worship multiple gods?

---

God vs. Deities: The Key Difference

(Which the CM Possibly Missed)

In English, the word “God” is often used for Bhagwan, Ishwar, and Devata—even though all three are different in Hindu philosophy.

Radharaman Swami of ISKCON once explained this in simple terms:

• God does not personally manage every function of the universe.

• He appoints various servants to run different departments of creation.

• These elevated beings are called Devas (deities).

• They have certain powers given by God but they are not God.

• For example, when God appointed Indra, he became in charge of rain and clouds.

Radharaman Swami concludes:

“God is one. Deities are many.”

---

Aniruddhacharya’s Explanation:

“God Is One, Forms Are Many”

A similar question was asked to Aniruddhacharya Maharaj during a satsang:
“Muslims believe in one God, Allah. Why do Hindus have so many gods — Ram, Krishna, Devi, etc.?”

He replied that the very question is incorrect:

In Sanatan Dharma, God is also one — ‘Eko Brahma, Dwitiyo Naasti’ (There is only one Supreme Being, no second).

To explain this, he used a simple analogy:

• A father sees a woman as his daughter,

• her husband sees her as his wife,

• her son sees her as a mother,

• her brother sees her as a sister.

These are four different relationships, but the person is one.

Similarly:

God is one, but devotees see Him in different forms — Ram, Krishna, Devi, etc.

Thus, depending on the emotion, devotion, or tradition of the devotee, the form of God appears different, but the divine essence remains the same.