Shri Krishna, the Almighty
                                                श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे । हे नाथ नारायण वसुदेवा ।

Shri Krishna appeared on the earth around 5122 years ago to teach the human beings, how to lead balanced life. As in human form, he had to undergo both pleasures and pains. Shri Krishna taught not to crave for power, wealth, kingdom, fame etc. which are mundane desires. He set ideals for different relationships. Various events occurred during his life, displayed these attributes.  
 
Bhagwan Sri Krishna displayed sixteen attributes viz. compassion, patience, forgiveness, impartiality, justice, impartiality, detachment, meditation & spiritual powers, invincibility, beneficence, beauty incarnate, best of dancer, best of singer, honesty, truthfulness, Perfect master of all arts, such as poetry, drama, painting etc. and controller of all & controller of self. Moreover, he displayed fearlessness, freedom from anger; renunciation, tranquility, steady determination, vigor, etc.
 
In Human form enjoyed pleasures as well as pain -Shri Krishna suffered more than anybody else. But, smile never left his lips.

1. He took birth in a prison cell and was separated from parents.
2. He was attacked several times, when he was small child.
3. He was raised by a foster mother, Yasoda & foster father, Vasudeva despite having his own parents.
4. He was to move far off place in the public interest from his birth place.
5. He did not get choice to marry a girl and ended up to marrying those girls who wanted to marry him.

 
Displayed control over senses –Shri Krishna displayed control over senses and took decisions in larger public interest.

1. Positive attitude in both positive as well as adverse circumstances – he faced adverse circumstance since childhood but always maintained calm and happiness. At age six days, Putna attacked him and later on a large number of attacks were made on him in Gokul as well as Mathura.
2. No greed of Power & Kingdom –
3. Though he killed Kansa, Shishupal, Jarasanha (through Bhima), Narakasur etc., he gave away the kingdoms to Ugrasen, Shishupal’s son, Jarasanha‘s son, Sahadeva, Narakasur’s son respectively.

War as a last resort –He tried to avoid killing Kansa, Shishupal, Narakasur and war between Kauravas & Pandavas.

• There was a divine announcement that eighth child of Devaki would kill him. On hearing the announcement, Kansa imprisoned Vasudev and Devaki. Kansa was always remembering Shri Krishna, the eighth child of Devaki, out of enmity. He sent several demons to kill balkrishna. Kansa decided to perform Dhanush Yajna to increase his age and to kill Shri Krishna, so he invited Nand along with his sons. Shri Krishna released Kansa by killing him. Shri Krishna handed over the kingdom of Mathura to Ugrasena, father of Kansa.
• Shishupal was always criticizing Shri Krishna. He continued abusing Shri Krishna during Rajasuya Yajna despite no instigation by him. Ultimately, Shri Krishna chopped of his head by sudarshan chakra.
• Shri Krishna killed Narkasur and freed 16000 girls imprisoned by him.
• Shri Krishna tried his best to avoid the war between Kauravas & Pandavas. He went to Kauravas as ambassador of the Pandavas on peace mission. Krishna asked Duryodhana to return Indraprastha to the Pandavas or, if not, give over at least five villages, one for each of the Pandavas. Duryodhana said he would not give land even as much as tip of a needle to the Pandavas.

 
No egoism, humbleness –

1. After the death of Kansa, his wives, Asti and Prapti came to home of their father, Jarasandh. Jarasandh attacked Mathura seventeen times and got defeated by Shri Krishna. Thereafter, Shri Krishna decided to leave Mathura in the interest of Mathura habitants as repeated battles was gravely harming them. He preferred to be called as Ranchhord means that ran from battlefield. He left for Okha, Gujarat and set up a new city named as Dwarka.
2. Despite being king of a large kingdom, Shri Krishna served as the charioteer of the Pandava Arjuna during the war of Mahabharata.

 
Spread love –
​Sri Krishna spread spiritual love throughout his life. He gave spiritual love to gopals & gopis in childhood, Udhav, Sudama, Padavas (friends), to deviki & Yashodha (mothers), etc. He even gave liberation to Putana who tried to kill him & Jara hunter who killed him.
 
Taught respect for different relationships – Throughout his life, Shri Krishna played whatever role; He perfected that role and became role model.

1. Ideal Student - He was a very fast learner. He mastered sixty-four arts by Sandipani Muni in the brief period. After completing his study, Shri Krishna spoke of giving Guru Dakshina to Gurmata. On this, Gurumata considered Krishna as unique and asked for his son back in Guru Dakshina, who died by drowning in the ocean during Prabhas tour. Obeying Gurumata, Krishna ripped the stomach of a demon named Shankachakunda in the sea and pulled out son of Guru and a conch, which was called "Panchajanya".
2. Ideal Friend - Shri Krishna met Sudama in Gurukul (School). Sudama was a poor Brahmin from Saurashtra, Gujarat. When poor Sudama reached Dwarka to meet his friend, Shri Krishna cleaned his feet with his tears and plucked the thorn with his teeth. Shri Krishna ate the coarse rice brought by Sudama and in exchange bestowed entire prosperity of Dwarka. As a friend, Shri Krishna became charioteer of Arjuna and showed him his universal form.
3. Ideal Son –When Balkrishna was leaving for Mathura, Ma Yasodha was much agitated and she said to him that people have been telling that she is his foster mother. She begged pardon for binding him and said, “She loved him much”. Balkrishna saluted her and assured that she is his mother and would remain as mother. In Mathura, Shri Krishna killed Kansa and freed his parents from prison.
4. Ideal Brother – The relationship of Shri Krishna with sister Subhadara and Balrama was ideal. At Jagannath Puri temple, all the three are worshipped together. Balrama also killed many demons. He along with Shri Krishna killed Kansa. He was constant companion of Shri Krishna.
5. Ideal Husband - There is lot of talks about thousands of wives of Shri Krishna. But very few people know the real stories behind Shri Krishna’s wedding with 16,108 girls. All the weddings of Shri Krishna were at the behest of the girls as they wanted to marry with him. Once, Narada ji desired to see the married life of Shri Krishna and his conduct with 16108 wives. He reached Dwarka. He visited all the houses of Shri Krishna’s wives and found him engaged in family affairs.
6. Ideal Disciple – The relationship of Draupadi and Shri Kirshna was more like a devotee and God. Shri Krishna saved the modesty of Draupadi at a time when all left her alone.

 
Bhagwan Sri Krishna is called as Purna Avatara as he displayed sixteen “Kalas” viz.

1. Immense wealth and rich in spiritually (Story of richness of Dwarka)
2. Right over a large land (Vast area of Dwarka)
3. Fame (His glory was spread since childhood till death)
4. Seductive voice (Story of gopis who forget their complaint after listening Krishna’s voice)  
5. Life interesting (Stories of Bal Leela)
6. Enticing beauty (Krishna’s beauty is awesome)  
7. Proficient in all types of learning (Vedas, politics, diplomacy, war, music, dance, art etc - Bhagavad Gita Jnana, story of dance on hood of Kali naag, attracted not only people but also nature & cows by playing flute)
8. All are equal (Story of Maharasa, Krishna gave first choice to Duryodhna to choose between his large army fighting on one side and Him becoming Sarathi on the other side during Mahabharta War)
9. Skilled in inspiration and planning (story of inspiring Arjuna in Mahabharata)
10. Qualities that give a new direction to the society (Story of Goverdhan leela)
11. Actuality (Krishna may not have fought the war with weapons in his hands but became the charioteer of Arjuna and conducted the war)
12. Self-controlled (Krishna is called as Yogeshwar, remained detached & happy as Gopal as well as Dwarkadheesh)
13. Devoid of ego & full of humility (Story of friend Sudama’s visit to Dwarka)
14. Not abstain from telling harsh Truth (Story of slaughter of Shishupala. Krishna told Shishupala’s mother without hesitation about his slaughter, this is the law of law and I have to do it)
15. Influence people (Story of influencing the residents of Mathura to settle in Dwarka city)
16. Favor people with selfless feelings (fulfilled the desires of devotees without expecting anything​)

Emergence of various forms Deities in Hinduism
Hinduism recognizes the diverse aspects of personalities and personal preferences. Worshipping or prayer of god has its root in human desires.  Various deities in Hinduism address the different aspects of human desires. For instance, Lakshmi ji is worshipped for wealth & prosperity, Sarasvati ji is worshipped for knowledge & various discipline of art, Durga ji is worshipped for power & valor, Ganesha ji is worshipped mainly to overcome obstacles, Hanuman ji is worshipped mainly for strength,   Shiva represents austerity and so on. Hence, the Hinduism offers more than one options for worshipping and creating personal bond. This can be seen in parallel with the growth of general management system to specialized management system in corporate world for better results.
 
Since Vedic times, many forms of this divinity have been idolized such as deities of nature (Indra, Agni, Soma, Surya etc.); 33 koti deities (eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapathi Brahma); Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva), Panchparmeshvar (Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Parvati, Surya and an Ishta Devata) and Vaishnava Avtars (mainly Rama & Krishna).
 
However, Hinduism fundamentally, establishes that there is only Brahman or one all-pervasive God or cosmic consciousness which energizes the entire universe and also deities.
 
Emergence of various forms of deities is discussed as below:
 
Vedic Deities:

1. During Vedic period (over 5000 years ago), people did not worship images or idols but gods of nature. Vedic people did not build any temples to house their gods.
2. There was no supreme deity. The gods in the Rig-Veda fall into two categories: the devas – who were gods of nature – such as the weather deity Indra (who is also the King of the gods), Agni ("sacrificial fire"), Usha ("dawn"), Surya ("sun") and Apas ("waters") on the one hand, and on the other hand the asuras – gods of moral concepts – such as Mitra ("contract"), Aryaman (guardian of guest, friendship and marriage), Bhaga ("share") or Varuna, the supreme Asura (or Aditya). Devas are characterised as Younger Gods while Asuras are the Older Gods.
3. In later Vedic texts, the Asuras become demons. Gradually, dominance of four-fold godhead namely Indra (associated with storm), Agni, Soma (plant of immortality i.e. amurta) and Surya (or aditya) emerged. Extensive hymns were consecrated to these gods in the Rig Veda.
4. Philosophically, Vedic gods represent symbols of inner self (antahkaran) such as Sun symbolises to intellect, Agni to volition, Soma to feelings etc.

33 Koti Deities
In Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it is mentioned that 33 koti deities as the important ones, namely eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapathi Brahma. These gods belong to different sphere in creation.
Note:
Please also see related article on my website named as “what is God in Hinduism” published on 19.06.2018 under the category “Principles”.
 
Trimurti or Trinity Deities
The triad (trimurti or trinity or Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva) appears in Maitrayaniya Upanishad, for the first time. From the 1st century CE a new type of worship known as Bhakti or devotional Hinduism spread across the Indian sub-continent, and the old Vedic gods were replaced in importance by deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Devi. Their worship required temples where the devoted could offer their thanks which led to construction of elaborate temples.
 
 Supreme Brahman:

1. Major Upanishads like Brihadaranyaka, Ishavasya, Chandogya, Katha, Kena, Aitareya, do emphasize on the knowledge of Brahman as essential to liberation.
2. Sri Adi Shankaracharya (788-820) established Advaita (Non-duality of Supreme Brahman) interpretation of Vedanta which has its roots at least to Gaudapada (600 CE). 

 
Panch-Parmeshwar

1. Five deities being Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Parvati, Surya and an Ishta Devata such as Kartikeya or Ganesha or any personal god of devotee's preference. It became popular in medieval period which has been attributed to Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE.
2. The Puranas provide insight into the aspects of idol-worship, festivals and devotions. There are 18 Mahapuranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas and many 'sthala' or regional Puranas. Of the 18 major texts,
   1.         six glorify Vishnu; six glorify Brahma; and six glorify Shiva viz. Vaishnava aspects - Vishnu Purana, Naradiya Purana, Bhagavat Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, Varaha Purana;
   2. Brahma as central deity - Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vamana Purana;
   3. Shaivite aspects -  Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana and Agni Purana.
3. In Markandeya Purana, glorification of goddess is recognized under all major aspects. This led to traditions of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smarthism.
4. The Vaishnavism tradition is known for the loving devotion to an avatar of Vishnu (often Krishna), and it has been key to the spread of the Bhakti movement.
5. In the Shaivism traditions, the followers revere the Shiva as Supreme Being.
6. In the Shaktism tradition, feminine and Adi Parashakti is supreme.
7. In the Smarthism or Smarta tradition treat all the five deities treated as equal – Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Surya and Devi (Shakti).

Vaishnava Avtars

1. During medieval period, Philosophers such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, and Vallabhacharya started Various Vaishnava Sampryadaya to worship of Sita-Rama and Radha-Krishna as Sagun Upasna. Even, Adi Shankara who believed to be advocated Jnana marg, also emphasized the importance of devotion and wrote Bhaja Govindam of 33 verses.
2. Vaishnava-inspired scholars authored 14 Vishnu avatar-focused Upanishads that are called the Vaishnava Upanishads. These Upanishads quote the texts included in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Isha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Taittiriya Upanishad and others.
3. The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Vaishnavism, and especially in the context of Krishna. The two Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana also present Vaishnava philosophy and culture.
4. During the 9th-17th centuries, Bhakti poets such as Alwars, Raidas, Narsigh Mehta, Haidas, Meera Bai, Namdev, Ramananda, Surdas, Tulsidas, Eknath, Tyagaraja, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and many others influenced the expansion of Vaishnavism. They wrote a large number of Bhajans (poetries) in the glory of Parmatama and taught the religion of love and kindness to society.

Note:
Please also see related articles on my website named as “Vaishnava Bhakts” published on 02.03.2018 under the category “Deities, Philosophers and Bhakts” and “Bhakti Yoga” published on 07.03.2018 under the category “Philosophy”.
 
One Supreme God taking multiple forms in Deities

1. Shree Krishna (in chapter 7, verse 21 of Bhagavad Gita) has clarified that whatever deity a devotee chooses to worship with reverence (out of craving for some worldly object), I stabilize the faith of that particular deity/form. He explains that ignorant persons do not understand that the powers of the deities are derived from Brahman i.e. supreme God and Brahman himself gives them the desired fulfilment. Further, he (in verses 9.18, 10.21-23 and 11.15) asserts that the triad or trinity is manifestation of one Brahman.
2. Shree Krishna further, asserts on Vedic Gods (in chapter 10 of Bhagavad Gita), he is Vishnu among the twelve Adityas, Shiva among eleven Rudras, Agni among eight Vasus, the radiant sun among the luminaries, the moon, the lord of the stars, the Indra and essence of so many things.

 
Hence, Nirakar & Nirgun Brahman takes various forms of deities to satiate the needs & desires of human being.
 

Shree Hanuman – the Sankat Mochan
“अतुलितबलधामं हेमशैलाभदेहं दनुजवनकृशानुं ज्ञानिनामग्रगण्यम्‌। कलगुणनिधानं वानराणामधीशं रघुपतिप्रियभक्तं वातजातं नमामि॥“
(Meaning: Atulit Bal Dhaamam - Repository of incomparable strength, Hemshailaabh Deham - whose body resembles a golden mountain, Danujvan Krushanum - destroyer of forces of demons,         Gyaaninaam graganyam - foremost among knowledgeable beings,      Sakal Gun Nidhaanam - repository of all the virtues and good qualities,         Raghupati Priya Bhaktam - dearest of all devotees to Lord Rama, I salute to the son of the wind).
 
Hanuman ji is known as “Sankat Mochan” (remover of problems & liberator from dangers) and great savior. The roles of Hanuman ji find mention in Ramayana. He helped Sugriva to save him from his brother Bali. Hanuman ji as greatest devotee of Shree Rama, played crucial role to find Mata Sita, brought life-saving herb from Himalayas in limited time to save Lakshman ji, killed Ahiravana & rescued Shree Rama and Lakshman and did many notable tasks mentioned in Ramayana. In Kalyug, he is saving the devotees from troubles and therefore is fondly called as Sankat Mochan.
 
Tulsidas ji has highlighted the great deeds in his writings as under:

Hanuman Chalisa:

1. Hanuman ji rendered great service to Sugriva, presenting him to Ram, to get him kingship. (तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीह्ना । राम मिलाय राज पद दीह्ना ॥१६॥)
2. Vibhishana heeded his counsel and became Lord of Lanka. (तुह्मरो मन्त्र बिभीषन माना । लङ्केस्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥१७॥)
3. Taking refuge in you one finds all delight, those you protect know no fear. (सब सुख लहै तुह्मारी सरना । तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना ॥२२॥)
4. You are the guardian of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, the darling of Ram (साधु सन्त के तुम रखवारे । असुर निकन्दन राम दुलारे ॥३०॥)
5. You grant the eight powers (siddhis or supernatural powers named Aṇimā, Garimā, Mahimā, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva) and the nine treasurers (Nidhis or divine treasures named Mahapadma, Padma, Saṅkha, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Kunda, Nila and Kharva) by the boon you received from Mother Janaki (अष्टसिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता । अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥३१॥)
6. Singing your praise, one finds Ram and escapes the sorrows of countless lives. At death, one goes to Ram's own city or is born on earth as God's devotee. Give no thought to any other deity - worshipping Hanuman, one gains all delight. All affliction ceases, all pain is removed, by remembering the mighty hero, Hanuman. (तुह्मरे भजन राम को पावै । जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥३३॥ अन्त काल रघुबर पुर जाई । जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥३४॥ और देवता चित्त न धरई । हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई ॥३५॥ सङ्कट कटै मिटै सब पीरा । जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥३६॥)
7. Whoever recites this a hundred times is released from bondage and gains bliss. (जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई । छूटहि बन्दि महा सुख होई ॥३८॥)

 
Sankat Mochan in Hanumanashtak 

In following eight verses in praise of Hanuman were written by Tulsidas wherein he has explained the deeds of Hanuman ji as Sankat Mochan in Hanumanashtak:
 

1. When you were a child, you swallowed the sun believing the sun to be a ripe fruit, plunging the three worlds into darkness. The worlds were in terror and no one could remove this distress. The gods came and entreated you and then you released the sun and ended the suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बाल समय रवि भक्षी लियो तब; तीनहुं लोक भयो अंधियारों; ताहि सों त्रास भयो जग को; यह संकट काहु सों जात  न टारो; देवन आनि करी बिनती तब; छाड़ी दियो रवि कष्ट निवारो; को नहीं जानत है जग में कपि; संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो I को – १)
2. From fear of Bali, king of the monkeys, Sugriva lived on a mountain. Sugriva knew that Bali could not come to that mountain because of the Muni’s curse, yet he still lived in fear. Who else but you could find a solution to this? Seeing Sri Ram coming on the road, you took the form of a Brahmin and brought the Lord to Sugriva, relieving that servant’s suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बालि की त्रास कपीस बसैं गिरि; जात महाप्रभु पंथ निहारो; चौंकि महामुनि साप दियो तब; चाहिए कौन बिचार बिचारो; कैद्विज रूप लिवाय महाप्रभु; सो तुम दास के सोक निवारो I को – २)
3. You went in search of Sita with on Angada, who said, “We'll forfeit our lives if we leave here without bringing news [of Sita]”. Seeing them [the monkeys] all exhausted by the oceans shore, you then brought news of Sita and saved their lives. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (अंगद के संग लेन गए सिय; खोज कपीस यह बैन उचारो; जीवत ना बचिहौ हम सो  जु; बिना सुधि लाये इहाँ पगु धारो; हेरी थके तट सिन्धु सबे तब; लाए सिया-सुधि प्राण उबारो I को – ३)
4. Ravana ordered his demonesses to intimidate Sita who said,”Remove my grief!” Just then you, Lord Hanuman, destroyed the mighty demons. When Sita asked the ashoka tree for a spark [to help and her suffering], you dropped the Lord’s ring down to her and removed her suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (रावण त्रास दई सिय को सब; राक्षसी सों कही सोक निवारो; ताहि समय हनुमान महाप्रभु; जाए महा रजनीचर मरो; चाहत सीय असोक सों आगि सु; दै प्रभुमुद्रिका सोक निवारो I  को – ४)
5. When an arrow struck Lakshman in the heart, heedless of life you attacked Ravana’s son. You brought the physician Sushena along with his house and uprooted the Drona Peak. Delivering the sajivana herb, you saved Lakshman’s life. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बान लाग्यो उर लछिमन के तब; प्राण तजे सूत रावन मारो; लै गृह बैद्य सुषेन समेत; तबै गिरि द्रोण सु बीर उपारो; आनि सजीवन हाथ  दिए तब; लछिमन के तुम प्रान उबारो I को - ५ )
6. Ravana waged an invisible war and bound Ram and his whole army in nooses of poisonous snakes. Everyone was suffering from this illusion and could not get free. Then you saved them all, O Hanuman, bringing Garuda, the Lord of the birds, who devoured the serpents. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (रावन जुध अजान कियो तब; नाग कि फाँस सबै सिर डारो; श्रीरघुनाथ समेत सबै दल; मोह भयो यह संकट भारो; आनि खगेस तबै हनुमान जु; बंधन काटि सुत्रास निवारो I  को – ६)
7. Ahiravana took Ram and his brother Lakshman to Patala, the netherworld, to sacrifice them to the goddess during a puja. Only you could help them by following to the netherworld, rescuing them, and killing Ahiravana and the demon army. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बंधू समेत जबै अहिरावन; लै रघुनाथ पताल सिधारो; देबिन्हीं पूजि भलि विधि सों बलि; देउ सबै मिलि मन्त्र विचारो; जाये सहाए भयो तब ही; अहिरावन सैन्य समेत संहारो I को – ७)
8. Great hero, you have performed many great deeds for the gods. Just think, what hardship is there that a poor wretch like me could have that you cannot remove? Come quickly, O Hanuman and remove all my troubles. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (काज किये बड़ देवन के तुम; बीर महाप्रभु देखि बिचारो; कौन सो संकट मोर गरीब को; जो तुमसे नहिं जात है टारो; बेगि हरो हनुमान महाप्रभु; जो कछु संकट होए हमारो I को – ८)
9. With a red body and a shining red countenance, your mighty form is like a lightning bolt, destroying the demons. Glory, glory, glory to you, Lord of the Monkeys! (दोहा: लाल देह लाली लसे, अरु धरि लाल लंगूर; वज्र देह दानव दलन , जय जय जय कपि सूर II)

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