Talk:Devas
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
The word Deva is derived from the root ‘div’ (= to shine). ‘Deva’ represents the divine beings that inhabit the heavenly regions. Devas literally means ‘the shining ones’. They are described as the sons of the sage Kaśyapa and Aditi. Hence they are also known as ādityas or āditeyas. Vedic literature often states that there are 33 of them composed of:
- 8 Vasus
- 11 Rudras
- 12 Ādityas
- Indra
- Prajāpati
They are all the manifestations of God. Purāṇic literature, the devas are pictured as constantly in conflict with the asuras (antigods or demoniac beings). Indra was the king of the devas and Virocana is the king of asuras. Two families of asuras are mentioned:
- The daityas who are the sons of Diti, wife of Kaśyapa.
- The dānavas who are the sons of Danu, wife of Kaśyapa.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore