Rigvedic deities


Rigvedic deities are deities mentioned in the sacred texts of Rigveda, the principal text of the historical Vedic religion of the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE).

There are 1,028 hymns (sūkta) in the Rigveda. Most of these hymns are dedicated to specific deities.

The most prominent deity is Surya; Agni the sacrificial fire and messenger of the gods; and Soma), the ritual drink dedicated to Indra, are additional principal deities.

Deities by prominence

  • Indra 250
  • Agni 200
  • Soma) 123
  • Aśvins 56
  • Varuna 46
  • Maruts 38
  • Mitra) 28
  • Ushas 21
  • Vayu (Wind) 12
  • Savitr 11
  • the Rbhus 11
  • Pushan 10
  • the Apris 9
  • Brhaspati 8
  • Surya (Sun) 8
  • Dyáuṣ Pitṛ́ and Pṛthvī Mātṛ́ (Heaven and Earth) 6, plus 5.84 dedicated to Earth alone
  • Apas) (Waters) 6
  • Adityas 6
  • Vishnu 4, plus 2 paired hymns 1.155 dedicated to Vishnu-Indra & hymn 6.69 dedicated to Indra-Vishnu. A total of 5 i.e. (4+1/2+1/2) hymns
  • Brahmanaspati 6
  • Rudra 4, plus a paired hymn 6.74 dedicated to both Soma-Rudra. A total of 41/2 i.e. (4+1/2) hymns
  • Dadhikras 4
  • Yama) (Death) 4
  • the Sarasvati River / Sarasvati 3
  • Parjanya (Rain) 3
  • Vāc (Speech) 2 (mentioned 130 times, deified e.g. in 10.125)
  • Vastospati 2
  • Vishvakarman 2
  • Manyu) 2
  • Kapinjala (the Heathcock, a form of Indra) 2
  • Chitragupta, son of Lord Brahma mentioned RIG VEDA Book 8/ Hymn 21/ Stanza 18
  • Manas (Thought), prominent concept, deified in 10.58
  • Dakshina (Reward for priests and poets), prominent concept, deified in 10.107
  • Purusha (“Cosmic Man” of the Purusha sukta 10.90)
  • Arayani
  • Ratri
  • Aditi
  • Shachi
  • Bhaga
  • Vasukra
  • Atri
  • Apam Napat
  • Ksetrapati
  • Ghrta
  • Nirrti)
  • Asamati
  • Urvasi
  • Pururavas
  • Vena)
  • Aranyani
  • Mayabheda
  • Tarksya
  • Tvastar
  • Saranyu List of Rigvedic deities by a number of dedicated hymns, after Griffith. Some dedications are to paired deities, such as Indra-Agni, Mitra-Varuna, Soma-Rudra, here counted double. Vishvadevas (all gods together) have been invoked 70 times.

Minor deities (one single or no dedicated hymn)

See also

  • Historical Vedic religion

Sources