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Line 6: − Yaska, defines the term Deva (देवः) as <blockquote>देवो दानाद् वा, दीपनाद् वा, द्योतनाद् वा, द्युस्थानो भवतीति वा। (Nirukta 7.15)</blockquote>Deva is one who bestows (gives) something, who is self effulgent, or who helps other shine, or who lives in the celestial region.<ref name=":6" />+ − According to Shabdakalpadhruma, देवः, is a masculine gender word (पुं) used in the sense of extraordinary, who are happy beings (दीव्यति आनन्देन क्रीडतीति ।) − According to Amarakosha<ref name=":0">Pt. Hariprasad Bhagiratha (1896) Amarakosha by Amarasingha. Published by Ganapata Krushnajeeva (Page 2-5)</ref>, Devas are mentioned by 26 other terms such as<blockquote> अमरा निर्जरा देवास्त्रिदशा विबुधाः सुराः ।। १.१.१३ ।।+ − सुपर्वाणः सुमनसस्त्रिदिवेशा दिवौकसः ।। १.१.१४ ।।+ − आदितेया दिविषदो लेखा अदितिनन्दनाः ।। १.१.१५ ।।+ − आदित्या ऋभवोऽस्वप्ना अमर्त्या अमृतान्धसः ।। १.१.१६ ।।+ − बर्हिर्मुखाः ऋतुभुजो गीर्वाणा दानवारयः ।। १.१.१७ ।।+ − वृन्दारका दैवतानि पुंसि वा देवताः स्त्रियाम् ।। १.१.१८ ।।</blockquote>Amara, Nirjara, Deva, Tridasha, Vibhudha, Sura, Suparvana, Sumanasa, Tridivesha, Divoukasa, Aditeya, Divishada, Lekha, Aditinandana, Aditya, Rbhavo, Asvapna, Amartya, Amrtandhasa, Barhimukha, Rtubhuja, Geervana, Danavari, Vrndaraka, Daivata, Devata. + − There are 9 kinds of devatas who are called Ganadevatas, i.e., a collective group of Devas.<blockquote>आदित्यविश्ववसवस्तुषिताभास्वरानिलाः ।। १.१.१९ ।।+ + − + − There are 10 classes of Devas apart from Suras.<blockquote>विद्याधराप्सरोयक्षरक्षोगन्धर्वकिंनराः ।। १.१.२१ ।।+ − + − Deva is masculine, and the related feminine equivalent is devi.[11] Etymologically, the cognates of Devi are Latin dea and Greek thea.[12] When capitalized, Devi or Mata refers to goddess as divine mother in Hinduism.[13] Deva is also referred to as Devatā,[9] while Devi as Devika.[11]+ − The word Deva is also a proper name or part of name in Bharat's culture, where it refers to "one who wishes to excel, overcome" or the "seeker of, master of or a best among-".[1]+ + + + + + + + + + + − Shiva/Rudra has been a major Deva in Hinduism since the Vedic times. The Samhitas, which are the oldest layer of text in Vedas enumerate 33 devas,[note 1] either 11 each for the three worlds, or as 12 Adityas, 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus and 2 Asvins in the Brahmanas layer of Vedic texts. The Rigveda states in hymn 1.139.11,+ Line 54:
Line 64: − Max Muller states that the Vedic hymns are remarkable in calling every single of different devas as "the only one, the supreme, the greatest".[9] Muller concluded that the Vedic ideas about devas is best understood neither as polytheism nor as monotheism, but as henotheism where gods are equivalent, different perspective, different aspects of reverence and adhyatmikity, unified by principles of Ṛta and Dharma.[9][26] − − Characteristics of Devas in the Vedic literature[edit] − Ananda Coomaraswamy states that Devas and Asuras in the Vedic lore are similar to Angels-Theoi-Gods and Titans of Greek mythology, both are powerful but have different orientations and inclinations, the Devas representing the powers of Light and the Asuras representing the powers of Darkness in Hindu mythology.[27][28] According to Coomaraswamy's interpretation of Devas and Asuras, both these natures exist in each human being, the tyrant and the angel is within each being, the best and the worst within each person struggles before choices and one's own nature, and the Hindu formulation of Devas and Asuras is an eternal dance between these within each person.[29][30] − The Devas and Asuras, Angels and Titans, powers of Light and powers of Darkness in Rigveda, although distinct and opposite in operation, are in essence consubstantial, their distinction being a matter not of essence but of orientation, revolution or transformation. In this case, the Titan is potentially an Angel, the Angel still by nature a Titan; the Darkness in actu is Light, the Light in potentia Darkness; whence the designations Asura and Deva may be applied to one and the same Person according to the mode of operation, as in Rigveda 1.163.3, "Trita art thou (Agni) by interior operation". − — Ananda Coomaraswamy, Journal of the American Oriental Society[31] − All powerful beings, good or evil, are called Asuras in the oldest layer of Vedic texts. A much studied hymn of the Rigveda states Devav asura (Asuras who have become Devas), and contrasts it with Asura adevah (Asuras who are not Devas).[32][33] They are born from the same father, Prajapati, the primordial progenitor; the elder sons are envisioned as the Asuras, the younger as the Devas.[34] They all share the same residence (Loka), eat together the same food and drinks (Soma), and have innate potential, knowledge and special powers in Hindu mythology; the only thing that distinguishes "Asura who become Deva" from "Asura who remain Asura" is intent, action and choices they make in their mythic lives.[30][35]
→Etymology: added content
== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The term 'deva' (देवः) originates from the samskrit root दिव् - क्रीडाविजिगीषाव्यवहारद्युतिस्तुतिमोदमदस्वप्नकान्तिगतिषु i.e., the root is used in the sense of - to play, to gamble, to dice, to desire to win, to transact, to glow, to shine, to praise, to please, to boast, to sleep, to wish, and to go.<ref>Dhatupatha ([https://ashtadhyayi.com/dhatu/04.0001?type=ting ashtadhyayi.com])</ref>
Yaska, defines the term Deva (देवः) as <blockquote>देवो दानाद् वा, दीपनाद् वा, द्योतनाद् वा, द्युस्थानो भवतीति वा। (Nirukta 7.15)</blockquote>Deva is one who bestows (gives) something, who is self effulgent, or who helps others shine, or who lives in the celestial region.<ref name=":6" />
According to Shabdakalpadhruma, देवः, is a masculine gender word (पुं) used in the sense of extraordinary, happy playful beings (दीव्यति आनन्देन क्रीडतीति ।)
According to Amarakosha<ref name=":0">Pt. Hariprasad Bhagiratha (1896) Amarakosha by Amarasingha. Published by Ganapata Krushnajeeva (Page 2-5)</ref>, Devas are mentioned by 26 terms such as<blockquote>अमरा निर्जरा देवास्त्रिदशा विबुधाः सुराः । सुपर्वाणः सुमनसस्त्रिदिवेशा दिवौकसः ।। १.१.७।।
आदितेया दिविषदो लेखा अदितिनन्दनाः । आदित्या ऋभवोऽस्वप्ना अमर्त्या अमृतान्धसः ।। १.१.८ ।।
बर्हिर्मुखाः क्रतुभुजो गीर्वाणा दानवारयः । वृन्दारका दैवतानि पुंसि वा देवताः स्त्रियाम् ।। १.१.९ ।। (Amara. 1.1.7-9)<ref name=":1">Amarakosha ([https://ashtadhyayi.com/kosha/amara/#id=101&s=1.1.7 Prathamakanda - Svargavarga])</ref></blockquote>Amara (अमराः), Nirjara (निर्जराः), Deva (देवाः), Tridasha (त्रिदशाः), Vibhudha (विबुधाः), Sura (सुराः), Suparvana (सुपर्वाणः), Sumanasa (सुमनसः), Tridivesha (त्रिदिवेशाः), Divoukasa (दिवौकसः), Aditeya (आदितेयाः), Divishada (दिविषदः), Lekha (लेखा), Aditinandana (अदितिनन्दनाः), Aditya (आदित्याः), Rbhav (ऋभवः), Asvapna (अस्वप्नाः), Amartya (अमर्त्याः), Amrtandhasa (अमृतान्धसः), Barhimukha (बर्हिर्मुखाः), Kratubhuja (क्रतुभुजः), Geervana (गीर्वाणी), Danavari (दानवारि), Vrndaraka (वृन्दारकः), Daivata (दैवतः), Devata (देवताः).
Additionally, there are other names of Devas mentioned in Amarakosha as Divyopapaduka (दिव्योपपादुका) as in दिव्योपपादुका देवा नृगवाद्या जरायुजाः (Amara. 3.1.50), Vivasvat (विवस्वत्) mentioned in Amarakosha (3.3.64) and Animisha (अनिमिष).<ref name=":1" />
== Kinds of Devatas ==
Devas or Suras are the general class of devas ruled by [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]]. Most of the Indian Devas are the sons of Kashyapa Prajapati by Aditi, the daughter of Daksa Prajapati. The Devas are classified with special reference to bhutaganas like Prthvi etc. and are, therefore, referred to as Bhudevatas, Agnidevatas, Vayudevatas, etc. The presiding spirit of Bhudevatas is Kubera, that of the Jaladevatas is Varuna, that of the Agnidevatas, Vayudevata and that of the Akashadevatas, is Indra. And, under them there are various sets of Devas in charge of different subdivisions.
महाराजिकसाध्याश्च रुद्राश्च गणदेवताः ।। १.१.२० ।।</blockquote>They are [[Adityas (आदित्याः)|Aditya]] (आदित्यः - 12 devas are collectively termed Aditya), Vishve (विश्वेदेव - 13) Vasu (वसु - 8) Tushit (तुषित - 36), Abhasvar (आभास्वरा - 64), Anila (अनिलाः - 49) Maharajika (महाराजिक - 220), Sadhya (साध्याः - 12), Rudra (रुद्राः - 11)
There are nine groups of devatas called as Ganadevatas, i.e., a collective group of Devas.<blockquote>आदित्यविश्ववसवस्तुषिताभास्वरानिलाः । महाराजिकसाध्याश्च रुद्राश्च गणदेवताः ।। १.१.२० ।। (Amara. 1.1.10)</blockquote>They are [[Adityas (आदित्याः)|Aditya]] (आदित्यः - 12 devas are collectively termed Adityas), Vishve (विश्वेदेव - 13) Vasu (वसु - 8) Tushit (तुषित - 36), Abhasvar (आभास्वर - 64), Anila (अनिल - 49) Maharajika (महाराजिक - 220), Sadhya (साध्य - 12), Rudra (रुद्र - 11)<ref name=":0" /><ref>Amarakosha ([https://ashtadhyayi.com/kosha/amara/#id=101 Ganadevata])</ref>
In each of these ganas constitute a group of devatas having similar activities, thus, Adityas collectively are twelve in number but each have a separate name (including the name Aditya).
पिशाचो गुह्यकः सिद्धो भूतोऽमी देवयोनयः ।। १.१.२२ ।।</blockquote>Vidyadhara (विद्याधरः - Jeemutavaha and others), Apsarasa (अप्सरसाः - Devata stree), Yaksha (यक्षः - Kubera and others), Raksha (रक्षः - Mayavi Lankadhivasi), Gandharva (गन्धर्वः - Tumburu and others), Kinnera (किंनराः - Ashvamukha narasvaroopa), Pisacha (पिशाचः - Pishitas and others), Guhyaka (Manibhadra and others), Siddha (Visvhavasu and others), Bhuta (Balagraha and others or followers of Rudra).<ref name=":0" />
There are 10 classes of Devas (have Devayoni).<blockquote>विद्याधराप्सरोयक्षरक्षोगन्धर्वकिंनराः । पिशाचो गुह्यकः सिद्धो भूतोऽमी देवयोनयः ।। १.१.११ ।। (Amara. 1.1.11)</blockquote>Vidyadhara (विद्याधरः - Jeemutavaha and others), Apsarasa (अप्सरसाः - Devata stree), Yaksha (यक्षः - Kubera and others), Raksha (रक्षः - Mayavi Lankadhivasi), Gandharva (गन्धर्वः - Tumburu and others), Kinnera (किंनराः - Ashvamukha narasvaroopa), Pisacha (पिशाचः - Pishitas and others), Guhyaka (Manibhadra and others), Siddha (Visvhavasu and others), Bhuta (Balagraha and others or followers of Rudra).<ref name=":0" />
Sadhyas, Vasus, Adityas, Apsaras etc. are Akashadevas, Maruttas and Gandharvas, are Vayudevas. Yaksas and Yaksis are subordinates of Kubera.<ref>Puranic Encyclopedia (See under Deva Pages 207-208)</ref>
== Characteristics of Devas ==
As mentioned in the earlier section, Devas are benevolent and helping in nature to other beings. In this perspective, the elements such as Earth (Prthvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), the Sun (Surya), the Moon (Chandra), the Clouds (Megha) etc are all devas because they are always benevolent entities always giving and helping to all the beings of the world.<ref name=":6" />
It is this characteristic nature that is recognized by the Vedic seers and they outpoured gratitude towards these "devas" in the form of stuti mantras with an intent to receive their benevolence for the good of all. Keeping some devatas in mind the stuti mantras were given by the seers and thus we have a particular devata for each mantra. Devas became the subject matter described by a particular sukta. Sayanacharya mentions,
देवता तु मन्त्र प्रतिपाद्या । (Sayana, Rigvedabhashya Bhumika Page 114
The mantras throw light on the nature of a particular deity but the knowledge about them can only be obtained by tapas and sadhana. The mantras are powerful invocations and invitations to call a particular deity. This aspect is also discussed by Yaska in his Nirukta (7.1)<ref name=":6" />
The characteristic quality of each deva/devi depends on his/her innate nature. Some deities are human-like (manava-vat) in their activities. Like Indra, Varuna, Marut etc. Their physical description is also given in many texts distinctly in the Agamas. Yaska descri
== Vedic literature ==
== Vedic literature ==
Main article: Rigvedic deities
Main article: Rigvedic deities
The Samhitas, of the Vedas enumerate 33 devas, either 11 each for the three worlds, or as 12 Adityas, 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus and 2 Asvins in the Brahmanas layer of Vedic texts. The Rigveda states in hymn 1.139.11,
ये देवासो दिव्येकादश स्थ पृथिव्यामध्येकादश स्थ । अप्सुक्षितो महिनैकादश स्थ ते देवासो यज्ञमिमं जुषध्वम् ॥११॥[20]
ये देवासो दिव्येकादश स्थ पृथिव्यामध्येकादश स्थ । अप्सुक्षितो महिनैकादश स्थ ते देवासो यज्ञमिमं जुषध्वम् ॥११॥[20]
In Vedic literature, Deva is not a monotheistic God, rather a "supernatural, divine" concept manifesting in various ideas and knowledge, in a form that combine excellence in some aspects, wrestling with weakness and questions in other aspects, heroic in their outlook and actions, yet tied up with emotions and desires.[24][25]
In Vedic literature, Deva is not a monotheistic God, rather a "supernatural, divine" concept manifesting in various ideas and knowledge, in a form that combine excellence in some aspects, wrestling with weakness and questions in other aspects, heroic in their outlook and actions, yet tied up with emotions and desires.[24][25]
== Upanishads ==
== Upanishads ==