In hinduism we use 33 koti devta. It has been misinterpreted for so long as 33 crore gods.
The meaning of 33 koti is not 33 crore, it means 33 types of god. This confusion occurred because ‘koti’ in Sanskrit has two meanings : crore & type
It is mentioned in Bruhadaryanak Upanishad, that there are 33 Gods/Dev. These Gods are separated in the following pattern : 12 Aditya + 11 Rudra + 8 Vasu + 1 Indra + 1 Prajapati.
8 vasu
धर - earth
ध्रुव - star
सोम - moon
अप - water
अनिल - wind
अनल - fire
प्रत्युष - light
प्रभाष - dawn
They are called Vasu because in them is the whole universe residing.
11 rudra
5 jnana indriya (sensory organs)
5 karm indriya (organs of actions & mind)
1 Atma (soul)
Different upanishads have given different names to Rudras.
They are called Rudra because when all these indriyas & Atma leave the body, a person dies, which makes others cry. Cry is known as ‘Rodan’ & that’s why it is called Rudra.
12 Aditya
Mitra - friend
Aryama - destroyer of foes
Shakra - mighty
Varun - one who binds
Ansh -liberal
Bhag - giver
Pushan - nourisher
Savitr - vivifier
Tvatsra - shaper
Vishnu - pervader
Daksh - skilful
Vivasvat - resplendent
Aditya means Sun. The twelve names of Aditya are twelve months of hindu calendar & it shows 12 aspects of the Sun.
1 Indra - King of Gods
1 Prajapati - Lord of all beings
This is the broad description of 33 koti devta. Details are given in various upanishads.
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