Hindu Monotheism

This Element explores the nature of a Hindu monotheism, not as one God but as a transcendent, ultimate source.

If by monotheism we mean the idea of a single transcendent God who creates the universe out of nothing, then that is not found in the history of Hinduism. But if we mean a supreme, transcendent deity who impels the universe, an ultimate source of all other gods who are her or his emanations, then this can be found in Hinduism.If by monotheism we mean the idea of a single transcendent God who creates the universe out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo), as in the Abrahamic religions, then that is not found in the history of Hinduism. But if we mean a supreme, transcendent deity who impels the universe, sustains it and ultimately destroys it before causing it to emerge once again, who is the ultimate source of all other gods who are her or his emanations, then this idea does develop within that history. It is a Hindu monotheism and its nature that is the topic of this Element.