Renard rejects this hypothesis since he sees in Uni and Thesan two distinct deities, though associated in cult.
In the present form of Hinduism, Indra and Shiva are considered as distinct deities.
Our immediate business here, however, is with the effect of this Christian admiration (which strikes outwards, towards a deity distinct from the worshipper) upon the general need for ethical activity and social reform.
At some stage during the Vedic period, Vasudeva and Krishna became one deity or three distinct deities Vasudeva-Krishna, Krishna-Gopala and Narayana, all become identified with Vishnu.
TRINITY, n. In the multiplex theism of certain Christian churches, three entirely distinct deities consistent with only one.
Similar customs, however, are known in many Indo-European mythologies without a distinct deity associated explicitly with them.
His name suggests that he is a personification of the sea, rather than a distinct deity.
Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in a clearly recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.
In practice, polytheism is not just the belief that there are multiple gods; it usually includes belief in the existence of a specific pantheon of distinct deities.
In particular, several alternative theories have been proposed regarding the earliest stages, as well as the point at which he came to be recognised as a distinct deity.