Q: What is the difference between Vishnu and Mahavishnu?
A: There are uncountable Vishnus whereas there is only one Mahavishnu. Vishnu is the protector and sustainer of one universe, whereas Mahavishnu is the Lord of innumerable Vishnus.
Q: Is it the same difference between Shiv and Mahashiv?
A: It is.
Q: Where is the divine abode of God?
A: Beyond the material world there is a river called Birja. The divine abode of God begins beyond this river which is also called Vaitarni.
Q: Ram is married to Seeta and Shiv is married to Parvati. Why does God get married just like common people?
A: Ram and Seeta are not spouses. Seeta is the bliss-imparting power of Ram, and Parvati is the power of Lord Shiv.
Q: What is the meaning of ‘Avatar’?
A: When God comes down to earth and takes on a human or any other form (such as Boar, Fish, Tortoise, Half human-half lion) we refer to Him as Avatar.
Q: God is referred to as Brahm, Paramatma and Bhagvan. Please explain the differences.
A: Brahm is the nameless and formless aspect of God. Paramatma is the distant and majestic aspect of God who has name and form but who does not descend to earth and does not perform leelas. Bhagvan is God with name and form who descends to earth and performs delightful pastimes with the pure devotees who accompany Him from the divine abode.
Q: Please explain this further.
A: Brahm is like view of the sun covered by clouds. Paramatma is like the clear view of the sun. Bhagvan is like seeing the sun with a telescope.
Q: Are you saying that these are three different Gods?
A: No; there is only one God who can be thought of as Brahm, Paramatma and Bhagvan.
Q: Is Hinduism polytheistic?
A: No; Hinduism accepts that there is only one God who can assume countless forms simultaneously.
Q: How is it possible for God to have a form?
A: We as children of God are formless since we are the soul. Yet, we have a form (body) also. If we can have a form, it makes no sense to believe that God cannot do the same.
