Hinduism in Punjab, as in many other parts of India, has adapted over time and has become a synthesis of culture and history. It centres on using Dharma to purify the soul ("Atman") and to connect with a greater "eternal energy" ("Paramātmā"). Hindus do this while acknowledging the concept of "Brahman" or "external energy", which is metaphysically believed to be the single binding energy behind the diversity that exists in the universe. In Punjab, like in many other regions of Northern India, Hindus revere ancient texts that narrate stories of deities (Devas and Devis) that had reached their highest Paramātmā. Deities in Hinduism are honoured for their roles in ancient Indian history, as they were the upholders of the principles of Dharma in the past. Hindus believe that an Ishvara (supreme) "Bhagavan" (God) manifests itself through these Devas and Devis. Major deities worshiped include Rama and Sita from the "Ramayana", Krishna and Radha from the "Mahabharata", as well as the Trimurti and Tridevi of Shiva and Parvati, Vishnu and Lakshmi, and Brahma and Sarasvati, along with other prominent deities such as Durga Mata Ji, Ganesha and Hanuman.