Vishvedevas (विश्वेदेवाः)

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Vishvedevas (Samskrit : विश्वेदेवाः) are a group of deities of considerable importance in Vedas, specifically in Rig Veda, and in ritualistic observances. In the Rig Veda apart from isolated mantras about Vishvedevas there are fifty-eight independent suktas in praise of them. They have varied attributes and actions but are almost always connected with time and space, hence their contribution to Vedanga Jyotisha, the ancient Indian Astronomy is also significant. Many Puranas also refer to the Vishvedevas, countable like Maruts, as ten in number.

Vaishvedeva (वैश्वदेवम्) is one of the seven Pakayajnas, relates to the offerings made by grhastha to Vishvedevas. वैश्वदेवे विश्वे देवाः (आ.गृ.सू.७-२९) इति आपस्तम्बसूत्रम्।

Family and Lineage

In the Vayu Purana, we find that Vishvedevas were the sons of Vishva (विश्वा) and Dharma (धर्मः).

दक्षस्य दुहिता ख्याता लोके विश्वेति नामतः। विधिना सा तु धर्म्मज्ञ दत्ता धर्म्माय धर्म्मतः।

तस्याः पुत्रा महात्मानो विश्वेदेवा इति श्रुतिः ।। १४.३ ।। (Vayu. Pura. 2.14.3)

Meaning: Daksha had a daughter famous in the world by the name of Vishva. O Dharmajna, she was duly given and righteously to Dharma. It is well-known that her sons are the noble-ones, the Vishvedevas. Bhavishya Purana details the names of the ten Vishvedevas as follows

क्रतुर्दक्षो वसुः सत्यः कालकामौ धृतिः कुरुः । शङ्कुमात्रो वामनश्च विश्वेदेवा दश स्मृताः । । १२ (Bhav. Pura. 1.125.12)

Meaning: Kratu (क्रतु) Daksha (दक्ष) Vasu (वसुः) Satya (सत्यः) Kala (काल) Kama (काम) Dhrti (धृतिः) Kuru (कुरुः) Shankumatra (शङ्कुमात्र) Vamana (वामन) are to be known as the ten Visvedevas.

Vishvedevas in Rig Veda

One of the important deities of the aerial region, Vishvedevas are revered in many suktas of the Rig Veda. According to Brhddevata, the eleven suktas in the 5th Mandala of Rigveda are devoted to Visvedevas.

Role of Vishvedevas

श्राद्धे अग्रासनम् ॥ First seating in Shraddha

Vayu purana mentions about the tapas of the Vishvedevas for pleasing Pitrs, and Brahma, who grant them the boon of having a share in Shraddha. They are given the first priority of seating and worship in a Shraddha for forefathers. They are also the first recipients of the offerings made on that occasion.

श्राद्धेऽस्माकं भवेदंशो ह्येष नः कांक्षितो वरः ।... अस्माकं कल्पिते श्राद्धे युष्मानग्रासनं ह वै ।। १४.१२ ।। (Vayu. Pura. 2.14. 10 and 12)

दिगीश्वराः ॥ Skanda Purana

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