What is ishta devata?

Ishta devata is a Sanskrit term that refers to a worshipper's chosen deity or personal god. It is an important concept in Hinduism and reflects the idea that every individual has a unique path to god realization.

The word 'ishta' means 'beloved', 'desired', or 'preferred', and 'devata' means 'deity' or 'god'. The Ishta Devata is the god or goddess that a devotee prefers to worship and pray to. It is believed that each person has a natural affinity towards a particular deity and that deity becomes their Ishta Devata.

The Ishta Devata can be any Hindu god or goddess, such as Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesha, or any other deity that the devotee feels drawn to. The worship of Ishta Devata is considered a personal and intimate practice, and it is believed to help the devotee develop a stronger bond with their chosen deity.

The concept of Ishta Devata is closely related to the idea of Dharma, which means one's personal duty or path. By worshipping their Ishta Devata, a devotee is believed to be following their personal Dharma and moving closer to their ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.