Vedic gods are deities featured prominently in the four Vedas, primarily representing natural forces like fire, sky, and rain. Key examples include Indra (god of storms), Agni (god of fire and sacrifice), and Surya (the sun god), along with others like Varuna (water and justice) and Vayu (wind). Many of these gods are also part of the later Hindu pantheon, though their roles may have evolved.
Important Vedic deities
Indra: King of the gods, associated with thunder, storms, and the sky.
Agni: The god of fire and the messenger between humans and other gods through sacrifice.
Surya: The sun god, associated with light and life.
Varuna: The god of water, the sky, and cosmic order.
Vayu: The god of the wind and air.
Soma: The god of the soma plant, which was used in religious ceremonies.
Rudra: A primitive form of the later god Shiva, associated with storms and wind.
Ushas: A goddess of the dawn.
Aditi: The mother of the Aditya gods or goddess of eternity.
Saraswati: The goddess of the Saraswati River, later associated with knowledge.
Ashvins: Twin gods with healing powers.
Classification of Vedic gods
The Vedic deities are often categorized as the Thirty-three Gods, which are broken down into:
12 Adityas: Personified solar deities like Vishnu, Indra, and Savitr.
8 Vasus: Deities of material elements, including Dyaus (sky), Prithvi (earth), Agni (fire), and Vayu (wind).
11 Rudras: Including forms of Shiva, such as Hara and Sambhu.
2 Ashvins: Twin solar deities, also known as the Nasatyas.