* Hinduism: The religion of Hinduism is the foundation for many of the deities worshipped in India, including those commonly referred to as "Hindi gods". It's important to understand that Hinduism is not a monotheistic religion with one central deity. It's a complex, diverse system with a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses.
* Different Deities: The number of deities in Hinduism varies depending on how you classify them. Some consider the major deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as the "trinity" and then have countless other gods and goddesses associated with specific aspects of life, nature, and mythology.
* Regional Variations: Different regions of India have their own local deities and variations of worship.
Instead of focusing on a number, it's more helpful to understand:
* The Trimurti: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer) are considered the primary deities in many Hindu traditions.
* Other Important Deities: There are numerous other prominent deities like Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Ganesha (remover of obstacles), and many more.
* The Concept of "Devatas": In Hinduism, the term "devatas" refers to a broad category of divine beings, including gods, goddesses, and other supernatural entities.
* Personal Devotions: Hinduism encourages individual devotion, and people often focus on a particular deity or group of deities that resonate with their personal beliefs and practices.
So, rather than searching for a specific number, consider the rich tapestry of Hindu deities and the multifaceted nature of their worship.