The commonalities between Indian gods (primarily Hindu deities) and world mythologies reveal universal themes in how humans conceptualize the divine, morality, and the cosmos.

1. Anthropomorphism & Symbolism

• Human-like Forms:
  • Indian: Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi (Parvati/Lakshmi) have human forms with symbolic attributes (e.g., Shiva’s trident, Vishnu’s conch).
  • Global: Greek gods (Zeus’s lightning bolt), Norse Odin (one-eyed sage), Egyptian Ra (sun-disk crown).
• Emotions & Flaws:
  • Gods experience love, anger, jealousy, and pride (e.g., Shiva’s rage, Greek Hera’s vengeance).

2. Personification of Natural Forces

• Elements & Phenomena:
  • Indian: Indra (storm/rain), Agni (fire), Varuna (oceans).
  • Global: Thor (Norse thunder), Poseidon (Greek sea), Amaterasu (Japanese sun).
• Fertility & Earth:
  • Indian: Prithvi (Earth goddess), Lakshmi (abundance).
  • Global: Gaia (Greek Earth), Demeter (Greek harvest), Freyr (Norse fertility).

3. Cosmic Order & Moral Law

• Dharma vs. Ma’at vs. Rta:
  • Indian: Dharma (cosmic law upheld by Vishnu).
  • Egyptian: Ma’at (balance of truth/justice).
  • Vedic: Rta (natural/moral order).
• Gods as Enforcers:
  • Deities punish chaos (e.g., Vishnu defeating demons, Greek Zeus overthrowing Titans).

4. Divine Families & Hierarchies

• Triads/Trinities:
  • Indian: Trimurti (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva).
  • Christian: Father-Son-Holy Spirit.
  • Egyptian: Osiris-Isis-Horus.
• Pantheons:
  • Indian Devas vs. Greek Olympians, Norse Æsir.

5. Heroic Narratives & Avatars

• Gods in Mortal Form:
  • Indian: Vishnu’s Dashavatara (Rama, Krishna).
  • Global: Jesus (Christian incarnation), Quetzalcoatl (Aztec feathered serpent).
• Epic Struggles:
  • Indian: Mahabharata (Krishna guiding Arjuna).
  • Global: Odyssey (Athena aiding Odysseus), Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh.

6. Sacrifice & Resurrection

• Self-Sacrifice:
  • Indian: Prajapati dismembered to create the universe; Shiva drinking poison.
  • Global: Norse Odin sacrificing his eye, Christ’s crucifixion.
• Cycles of Death/Rebirth:
  • Indian: Shiva’s destruction and renewal.
  • Egyptian: Osiris (resurrected god of the afterlife).

7. Dualities & Balance

• Opposing Forces:
  • Indian: Shiva-Shakti (male-female energy), Devi as creator-destroyer (Durga/Kali).
  • Global: Yin-Yang (Taoism), Ometeotl (Aztec duality god).
• Chaos vs. Order:
  • Indian: Devas vs. Asuras.
  • Norse: Æsir vs. Jötnar, Egyptian Ra vs. Apophis.

8. Rituals & Worship

• Offerings & Prayers:
  • Indian: Puja, fire rituals (yajna).
  • Global: Greek animal sacrifices, Catholic Eucharist.
• Festivals:
  • Indian: Diwali (Lakshmi), Navaratri (Durga).
  • Global: Norse Yule, Egyptian Wepet-Renpet (New Year).

9. Afterlife & Judgment

• Underworlds:
  • Indian: Naraka (hell), guided by Yama.
  • Global: Greek Hades, Egyptian Duat, Norse Hel.
• Moral Accountability:
  • Weighing souls (Egyptian Feather of Ma’at vs. Yama’s judgment).

10. Syncretism & Cultural Blending

• Shared Archetypes:
  • Indian Krishna and Greek Hercules (divine heroes).
  • Buddhist Avalokiteshvara and Chinese Guanyin (compassion deities).
• Cross-Cultural Influence:
  • Hellenistic-Indian art (Gandhara Buddhas resembling Apollo).