ishta

Ishta, from the Sanskrit iṣṭa meaning “desired,” “beloved,” or “preferred,” is a term used in Hinduism and related Indian religious traditions to refer to a deity chosen for personal worship. The ishta-devata, or ishta-deva, is the deity an individual devotee designates as the primary focus of their devotion. The choice is often influenced by family, region, and personal spiritual experience, and it may change over time.

In practice, ishta devotion centers on a personal relationship with the chosen deity and is a key aspect of bhakti. Devotees perform daily puja, recite mantras, offer food and flowers, and participate in temple or community rituals to nurture this intimate connection. The ishta can be any form of the divine perceived as approachable and relatable, and different traditions emphasize various options. Common choices among Vaishnavas include Krishna, Rama, or Narayana; Shaivites may revere Shiva as their ishta; and some Shaktas favor forms such as Durga or Kali. In some approaches, practitioners may maintain a primary ishta while respectfully honoring other deities as aspects or manifestations of the divine.

Beyond religious use, the term ishta also appears in everyday language to mean “favorite” or “cherished,” applied to people, objects, or experiences. The concept of an ishta-devata thus blends personal devotion with broader cultural and theological frameworks, offering a way to cultivate a sustained, intimate relationship with the divine within diverse Hindu traditions.