Hinduism is known as the oldest religion in the world; as a
             polytheistic religion, Hinduism features numerous gods, goddesses, and demi-
             gods that embody the various personalities of human beings, as well as
             It is evident that Hinduism is primarily a male-dominated religion,
             what with the leadership of the gods Shiva and Vishnu. It is only in the
             wives of these great gods that goddesses figure significantly. Despite
             this fact, goddesses abound in Hinduism, who function as the embodiment of
             characteristics, feelings, and features of humans and Nature. However, the
             functions of goddesses do not end in what was enumerated above: goddesses,
             in fact, embody almost everything that represents human existence. This
             means that more than being female representatives of human beings,
             goddesses may also represent male characteristics, Nature, and the universe
             in general. The all-encompassing characteristics of Hindu goddesses make
             them appealing and popular among Hindus.
             In order to understand the nature of Hindu goddesses, it is vital to
             identify the characteristics that illustrate their characteristics (as
             mentioned earlier). Pintchman's (2001) analysis illustrates goddesses as
             governed under a leader,' or a head goddess. Aptly given the title
             "Goddess," this deity embodies all the characteristics that goddesses in
             Hinduism possess; all other goddesses, in fact, are just parts of the sum
             that is the Goddess. In sum, the Goddess possesses the "â€classical
             characteristics of ultimate reality and to portray all particular goddesses
             as her portions or manifestations" (2).
             Pintchman's discussion of the Goddess includes a translational
             relationship between the Goddess and Divine Mother (or Mother Nature) which
             she attests as a "status that reflects her gender." However, the author
             does not exclude the fact that the Goddess encompasses the gender dichotomy
             ...