Ishta Devata

[fem_phoenix1109]

Namaste,

I find the concept of ishta devata within Hinduism to be beautiful, and I would love to hear from members here about what this concept means to you personally? How did you choose your deity? Or perhaps should I say, how did your deity choose you?

Pranam.

[Eastern Mind]

Namaste,

I find the concept of ishta devata within Hinduism to be beautiful, and I would love to hear from members here about what this concept means to you personally? How did you choose your deity? Or perhaps should I say, how did your deity choose you?

Pranam.

Vannakkam fp:

Here is another thread http://hindudharmaforums.com/showthr...ighlight=ishta where it was discussed at some length. I think there are a couple more around too, but I couldn't find them.

Aum Namasivaya

[Sudas Paijavana]

Namaste,

I find the concept of ishta devata within Hinduism to be beautiful, and I would love to hear from members here about what this concept means to you personally? How did you choose your deity? Or perhaps should I say, how did your deity choose you?

Pranam.

Pranam-s,

If I may, with your blessings, I would like to offer a Vedic perspective:

The word "Ishta" has its origin in Vedic Sanskrit. Unlike the current and Sanskrit application of "cherished", "Ishta" in Vedic literally means sacred.

So, "Ishta-Devatā", to me, does not mean "Cherished-God". It rather means "Sacred-God", "That God, Who is Sacred [to me]".

For me, a better compound, in terms of equivalency, would be: "ishTottama" - which would be "most sacred, most desired".

This would be, for me, the Shri Vishve-Devah, the All-Gods, the auspicious powers that come from all sides, unhindered, unviolated, unchallenged, etc.

I can't really explain how I chose Them or how They chose me...

...for Rta, or the Order of Things, is just what It is...however, my devotion is the Satya (truth) of that Rta.

[brahman]

Namaste,

I find the concept of ishta devata within Hinduism to be beautiful, and I would love to hear from members here about what this concept means to you personally? How did you choose your deity? Or perhaps should I say, how did your deity choose you?
Pranam.

Well, that was so simple. I started loving one among the various deities introduced to me by my loving mother.

Or, as you said, one among those deities started loving me from my early childhood.