also, in the puranas, every god was shown in consort of their wives (brahma with saraswathi, vishnu with lakshmi and shiva with parvati). idols of god and goddess were depicted with equal importance to both genders. separate temples were setup for goddesses, and within each temple, goddesses were treated and worshipped with as much care and devotion as the gods were. there are also specific practices that endure to this day, in terms of preference of worship.