Posted by Hindus are often said to worship 33 million gods, yet the belief is rooted in the idea of a single supreme reality—Brahman, the universal soul that pervades everything. This number is not meant to be taken literally; rather, it serves as a poetic expression of the infinite nature of the cosmos and the many ways the divine can be experienced. Hindu poets never intended it as a fixed or exhaustive count. The lack of universal agreement on this figure further reflects Hinduism’s pantheistic outlook, where the divine is seen as present in all aspects of existence.
Yajnavalkya
Hindus believe that there are 330 million gods in total, but they do not know their exact number. Some say it’s closer to six million, while others claim it’s closer to thirty. In either case, they’re all different. One Hindu text explains that there are thirty-three types of gods. Another states that there are thirty-three crore gods.
In Hinduism, there are thirty-three crore gods, according to the Brihandryaka Upanishad. There are eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, and one Prajapati. These thirty-three types are the same as in other religions, with the exception of the presiding god. Each type is a different manifestation of the other.
The Vedas mention a total of 33 Gods in the Vedas, although the numbers may not be exact. There are 33 different types of gods in Hinduism, with each representing a different aspect of the universe. One of them is Rudra, the deity of the subtle world. He presides over the mid-day sacrifice. He represents the principles of life and is associated with the winds.
Yajnavalkya’s theory
There are many myths and legends associated with the lord Shiva and the 330 million or three crore gods in Hinduism. It is said that the lord Shiva and the 330 million or three crore gods represent the soul. The 33 koti is also a symbol of the virtuous. During Yajnavalkya’s lifetime, he was asked by his pupil, Sakalya, to explain the number of gods.
According to the ancient Hindu texts, there are 33 crore or 330 million gods. The Vedas refer to 33 supreme deities. The theory that there are only three crore gods is simply not based on the Vedic scriptures. In fact, the Vedas list 33 gods, including the Hindu god Shiva. However, it is difficult to prove the number of gods.
Yajnavalkya’s belief
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad describes a famous philosophical debate in which Sakalya asks Yajnavalkya whether there are thirty-three million or three crore gods. The philosopher replies, “There are not thirty-three million gods. There are only three crore.” This debate is controversial. Many people are skeptical of Yajnavalkya’s assertion that there are three crore gods. But this controversy is not without merit.
The word koti has two meanings in Sanskrit: “type” and “crore.” According to the Vedas, there are 33 Supreme Gods and thirteen group gods. Yajnavalkya claims there are 33 million gods in Hinduism. But what does he mean by that number? What exactly is the meaning of 33 crore in Sanskrit?
According to Yajnavalkya, gods can be understood in three broad categories—Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas. The Vasus and Rudras represent forces of nature, with Rudras also associated with the senses or organs, while the Adityas symbolize different aspects of time. He further explains the three koti as deities governing the earth, the space in between, and the heavens. These three groups are viewed as fundamental divine principles, each distinct in nature.
The concept of gods in Hinduism
The idea of gods has always played a central role in Hinduism. Hindus regard gods as embodiments of harmony, balance, and peace in the universe, and at times even relate to them as companions or guides. This belief system differs from Christianity in its expression of divinity. While Hinduism acknowledges one supreme reality, it also recognizes multiple gods, each representing specific powers, responsibilities, and aspects of that ultimate divine force.
Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva, is revered as the deity of wisdom and intellect. He is widely known as the remover of obstacles and is worshipped by Hindus across all traditions. During festivals and celebrations like Diwali, many devotees worship the pot-bellied elephant god with great devotion. Alongside Ganesha, the Hindu Goddess Shakti is also honored during Diwali. As the god associated with prosperity, Ganesha is believed to protect the home and safeguard an individual’s health and well-being.