I would like to know if it is possible to create my own God, and if so, will worshiping that god have the same value as worshiping others?
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2If you are well read in the Shastras, Hindu philosophy, Hindu ethics, and have contributed atleast 20-30 years studying the original Shastras in Sanskrit along with their major interpretations by the various schools, and respected among spiritual circles as a being possessing immense spiritual strength/ character, then yes. But, if you would have done all this, you wouldn't be asking this question here. So, in short, no you can't.– user22892Jan 29, 2021 at 20:43
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1Its unclear unless you state, What do you mean by creating god? In short you might end up worship something pre existing or something that's just some random stuff or it might end up being a new religious movement.– ProxyJan 30, 2021 at 3:43
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1Yes you can. All religions are most likely manmade so you can create your own god.– Wikash_Jan 31, 2021 at 9:07
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1@IamThat I was raised in a hindu family and attained a lot temple visits and puja's so yes I am familiar. It is not clear whether the hindu gods or other truly have an impact. Currently, a flying spagettimonster might do the same as one of the deva's/devis.– Wikash_Jan 31, 2021 at 9:27
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1@Iamthat actually they can. In the mcu there are many philosophies and rules which are similar to a religion. Also, to this day people actually pray to Thor.– Wikash_Jan 31, 2021 at 10:26
1 Answer
Of course you can. The power of God lies in the faith of his devotee. How did so many gods come to exist in Hinduism. Many people do not have the need to create one. They choose one among the existing Gods.
ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम्।
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः।।4.11।।
Howsoever men try to worship Me, so do I welcome them. By whatever path they travel, it leads to Me at last
यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति।
तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम्।।7.21।।
Whichever form any devotee wants to worship, in that very form do I make his faith steadfast.
In the end all that matters is Bhakti.
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5Your answer is a bit misleading. All that matters is Bhakti, indeed. But what is Bhakti? Some communities in name of devotion to god, murder people, cause inquisitions to be laid to punish heresy. Others blow themselves up by killing 'infidels'. That too can be said to be a form of perverse devotion, because in their view, god said so, and they are just following orders. But, is it Bhakti? I don't think so. Hence, the tradition and the attributes of god have to imbibe some basic qualities, which is found to be common across devatas in the Hinduism and is rooted in Hindu philosophical thought.– user22892Jan 30, 2021 at 10:06
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Appropriate quote by Srila Prabhupada in this context: “Religion without philosophy is sentiment, or sometimes fanaticism, while philosophy without religion is mental speculation.”– user22892Jan 30, 2021 at 20:35