5 Hindu Gods Who Walked the Earth – And Where They Are Now

Riya Kumari | Mar 01, 2025, 23:58 IST
Imagine, for a moment, that the gods didn’t just stay hidden in their celestial abodes. Imagine they walked among us, lived and breathed through human experiences, and shaped the course of history with their very presence. And now, centuries later, we’re left wondering not just about their stories—but about their relevance to us today. In this quest for truth, let’s dive into the lives of five gods who made their way through our world. Not just myth. Not just divine fables. But real, living embodiments of wisdom. Where are they now?
It’s easy to think of the gods as distant figures. The kind of timeless beings who reside in sacred texts, revered by the masses but never truly relatable. But the truth is, these gods didn’t remain abstract. They came down to Earth in a very real way—entering our world, sharing wisdom, confronting evil, and teaching us not just about the universe but about ourselves. Their stories weren’t written just for the pages of old scriptures. These gods walked the earth for a reason. They came to show us the potential of the human soul, the nature of duty, love, sacrifice, and truth. They didn’t just teach abstract concepts—they lived those truths, walked those paths, and faced real struggles. And in doing so, they left lessons for us that still resonate today. So, where are they now? Let’s explore.

1. Lord Vishnu

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Vishnu
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Lord Vishnu, the eternal sustainer, is often depicted in various avatars. From the mighty fish (Matsya) to the peaceful turtle (Kurma), and from the lion-man (Narasimha) to the heroic Rama, Vishnu took countless forms to restore cosmic order whenever it was threatened. Each time, he arrived not with force but with understanding—transforming, evolving, adapting. In his different avatars, he represented the changing yet constant nature of life itself. He was the god who didn’t just speak of dharma (righteousness); he embodied it, reminding us that the balance of good and evil is ever in flux.
Where is he now? Vishnu’s legacy doesn’t rest in some remote temple or forgotten story. It lives in the idea of adaptation, of evolution, of knowing when to rise and when to bend. We often forget that the nature of dharma isn’t rigid; it’s fluid. In the world we live in today, his avatars continue to live through those who act in the service of truth, in the fight against corruption, and in the quest for inner peace. Vishnu’s essence is not a figure of distant reverence, but a call to action in our own lives.

2. Lord Shiva

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Shiva
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Shiva, the destroyer, is one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in Hindu mythology. He embodies both creation and destruction, two forces that are inextricably linked. Destruction, after all, is not just the end; it is also the beginning. Through his meditations on Mount Kailash, he represents inner stillness amidst chaos. In his dance of destruction (Tandava), he shows us that in every ending lies the potential for a new beginning. Shiva’s story teaches us that we must sometimes destroy in order to create anew.
Where is he now? Shiva is not a god to be worshipped from a distance. He is a god that speaks to us when we face our own cycles of destruction and creation. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, a career, or an old way of thinking, Shiva’s message is clear: Don’t fear change. Don’t shy away from the difficult moments that force transformation. Because in the rubble of destruction, there is always the seed for rebirth. Today, Shiva calls us to look within ourselves, to meditate, to embrace solitude, and in doing so, to connect with the divine within.

3. Lord Krishna

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Krishna
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Krishna’s life is nothing short of legendary. The playful child who stole butter, the passionate lover, the wise teacher—Krishna's narrative is one of contradictions and profound depth. But at the heart of Krishna’s story is love. He taught us that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a path to liberation. He was the god who danced in the gardens of Vrindavan, spreading joy and showing that life, at its core, is to be celebrated.
Where is he now? Krishna lives in the hearts of those who understand that life is not just about duty and obligation, but also about joy, connection, and celebration. In the Bhagavad Gita, he imparted wisdom that remains timeless, reminding us to perform our duties without attachment to results. His teachings echo through the corridors of time: Live fully, love deeply, and act with wisdom. Krishna is not a god confined to the past. He is alive in every moment we choose to live with integrity, to love unconditionally, and to find joy in even the smallest of things.

4. Lord Rama

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Ram
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Rama’s story is one of duty, loyalty, and the ultimate sacrifice. He was the son who left the comforts of his kingdom to live in exile, the husband who fought battles for the honor of his wife, Sita. Rama is often seen as the ideal king, the ideal son, and the ideal husband—someone who followed the path of dharma no matter the cost. But his life wasn’t just about adhering to rules. It was about understanding the deeper meaning of those rules, and knowing when to challenge them in the face of truth.
Where is he now? Rama’s relevance is not confined to a historical narrative. His story serves as a reminder to us all about the importance of self-discipline, responsibility, and sacrifice. In a world where shortcuts often seem like the easier path, Rama’s example pushes us to consider the long-term effects of our actions. His legacy lives not just in temples, but in every act of courage, honor, and sacrifice that we make in our own lives. To walk the path of righteousness, as Rama did, is to live with an unwavering commitment to truth, no matter the personal cost.

5. Lord Ganesha

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Ganesh
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Ganesha is perhaps the most beloved of all the gods. Known for his elephant head and his fondness for sweets, he is the god who removes obstacles, both external and internal. But his true essence lies in his wisdom. Ganesha teaches us that the greatest obstacles we face are not the ones in the world but those within ourselves—the doubts, the fears, and the insecurities that prevent us from moving forward.
Where is he now? Ganesha remains present in every moment we encounter challenges, whether in our personal lives, careers, or spiritual journeys. He reminds us that the obstacles in our path are often opportunities for growth. When we face difficulties, it’s not just about finding a way around them, but understanding why they are there in the first place. Ganesha teaches us that obstacles are part of the process of self-realization. He is the god who helps us clear the way to our true potential.

Their Presence in Our Lives Today

The gods who walked the Earth were not just divine figures existing in another time. They were beings who understood the complexities of human life, who understood love, pain, sacrifice, and the ceaseless cycle of creation and destruction. Their teachings are not mere fables; they are living wisdom, offering guidance that transcends the centuries. As we walk through our own lives, grappling with challenges, joys, and uncertainties, the presence of these gods lingers within us. Their lessons are not found in distant temples or ancient texts alone—they are found in every decision we make, in every relationship we nurture, and in every moment we seek to understand ourselves better. These gods remain within us, pushing us to grow, to evolve, and to embrace the divine that lies within each of us. So, where are they now? Perhaps the real question is not where they are—but where they continue to live through us.

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