The yoga of devotion achieves release through meditation, prayers and chanting of the scriptures. It is the most common. Hindu gods are different aspects of Brahman who can be worshipped and experienced in whatever form appeals most to the devotee. Popular Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. These gods have wives and families.
Hindu literature exists in massive amount and in great variety as to form and quality.
The Brahmanas are rule books for practices of worship and ritual activity. The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the revelation for this time of increased karma and the declining part of the cycle of the present universe. In the first two stages caste laws must be obeyed, duties and rituals performed. The last two allow for the withdrawal from society and caste duties to pursue the mystical path.