ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS: Which religion has the most deities?

QUESTION: Which is the religion that boasts the most deities?

Hinduism has thousands, if not millions, of gods and goddesses, as well as countless minor deities, each representing various aspects of life, nature, virtues and cosmic principles.

This extensive array represents Hinduism’s inclusive and flexible approach, which allows for the reverence of local gods within India.

Hinduism recognises a primary trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer), along with major deities such as Saraswat and Lakshmi.

Many gods, particularly Vishnu, have numerous avatars (incarnations), each venerated as distinct forms. Ultimately, Hinduism’s philosophical schools allow for both monotheistic, polytheistic and pantheistic interpretations, enabling a vast spectrum of divine manifestations.

A. E. Gobin, Harpenden, Beds

QUESTION: A lot of media attention has been given to Donald Trump’s appearance at the Catholic Al Smith dinner, but who was Al Smith?

Al Smith (1873-1944) was a prominent US politician, the first Catholic to secure a major-party US presidential nomination when he ran as the Democratic candidate in 1928 against Herbert Hoover.

Tomorrow’s questions:

Q: Where and when was the last siege of a castle?

Shannon Graves, St Helens, Merseyside

Q: Has there ever been a British sumo wrestler?

Mike Bowden, Winchester, Hants 

Born in New York City, Smith served four terms as governor of New York

and was known for his progressive policies. The annual Al Smith Dinner was established in 1946 and raises funds for Catholic charities. It also provides a non-partisan platform where presidential candidates mock each other.

The 2024 dinner was a key moment in the presidential race. Donald Trump delivered a hilarious set of jokes while Kamala Harris was a conspicuous no-show. As President-elect Trump pointed out, ‘The last Democrat not to attend this important event was Walter Mondale, and it did not go very well for him.’ Ronald Reagan beat Mondale with a landslide victory in 1984.

Gareth Moore, Swansea

QUESTION: What is the most surprising dish someone has accidentally ordered at a restaurant?

Further to earlier answers, my wife said that she wanted to try the venison, even though she wasn’t sure what it was. I told her that it was deer.

She replied, ‘I don’t care how much it costs, I want to try some!’

Clive Gladstone, Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear