Introduction to Hindu Gods by Nirmal Jee

It is important to understand that Hindu gods are not perceived as bearers of a particular quality, as are the gods of some other religions, but as supreme in every sense. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the Devi, each is believed to be the creator, the sustainer, as well as the destroyer. (Do not be confused when you read in some famous book, such as an encyclopedia, that Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the sustainer, and Shiva is the destroyer. That statement is true, but not entirely.)

Consider the wonderful passage in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where a seeker approaches the sage Yajnavalkya with the question, "How many gods are there?" "Three-thousand three hundred six," he replied. "Yes," said he, "but just how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Thirty-three." (This is repeated with the answers being 6, 3, 2, 1-1/2, 1.)

If you were to ask the simplest peasant worshipper in any shrine, how many gods are there, he would say to you, "Sister/ brother, there are many gods. There is Shiva here, and there is Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman, Ganga, Durga and the others. But of course there is really only one. These many are differences of name and form."

More about the Hindu concept of God