henotheisticdevotion

Henotheistic devotion refers to a religious practice or belief system where an individual or group worships a single god above all others, while not necessarily denying the existence of other deities. This is distinct from monotheism, which asserts the existence of only one god, and polytheism, which acknowledges the existence of multiple gods that are equally worshipped. In henotheistic devotion, a primary deity is elevated, and prayers, rituals, and worship are directed towards this one god, though other gods may be recognized as existing within a broader pantheon or cosmic order.

The concept is often understood as a form of "one god at a time" worship. For instance, a devotee might express profound loyalty and exclusive worship to Vishnu, while acknowledging the existence of other Hindu deities like Shiva or Devi. This does not mean they believe Vishnu is the *only* god, but rather the supreme god for them, deserving of their primary devotion. This can manifest in various ways, including focusing worship on a particular deity through prayer, pilgrimage, and the observance of specific festivals dedicated to that god. The practice allows for a personal and focused relationship with a chosen divine entity within a larger religious framework.