Re: Ishta Devata
namaste Lakshmidevi.
If you can see the changeless in the substratum of all the forms of your vaiShNava iShTa devata, then choosing the form is not difficult: choose the form that appeals to you the most.
• Sweetness is the basis of all the colorful varities of sweetmeats: halwa, jilEbi, gulAb jAmUn, kAju-kaTli, dhUd-pEDA and so on. My favourite delicacy could be halwa to the exclusion of others, and yet it is no different than others, except in the external features.
• Maybe you should read something of the stories and purANas related to the three forms of NArAyaNa that have outlined; maybe you should listen to the mantras, songs and bajans about them; and you will know.
• And once you choose a form (which is an option since one can worship any number of gods), the wise say stick to him (and his consort). There should be no feeling that you would be disappointing the other formal gods by your choice.
You have LakShmI in your userid. This doesn't mean however, you should choose only NArAyaNa as MahAViShNu. Get to know (about the human features of) your iShTa devata better as you choose him, and then try to relate personally.
रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥
To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.
--viShNu purANam
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