33 crore or 33 Koti - Number of Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism
On August 27, 2024There is a popular but unproven belief in Hinduism that there are 33 crore gods. But, 'Koti' means 'type' and 'crore.'
'Koti' in 'trayastrimsati koti' does not mean '33 crore'. Here, 'Koti' means 'supreme,' and excellent means the 33 'supreme' divinities. It denotes the same meaning as 'Uchha Koti.'
The ancient Hindu scriptures mention 33 deities, who are important gods and goddesses. However, they are not the entirety of Hinduism. These 33 Koti deities represent various aspects of nature, creation, and existence. For instance, Indra is associated with thunder and rain, while Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and learning.
The 33 Types of Deities are:
1. The 12 Adityas represent the 12 Solar months and different aspects of social life. These are:
Anshuman (due share), Aryaman (nobility), Twashtar (skill in crafting), Dhatri (ritual skill), Parjanya (rejuvenation), Pushan (prosperity), Bhaag (due inheritance), Mitra (friendship), Varuna (fate), Vivasvan (social law), Vaman (cosmic law).
Indra is the eldest and the leader of the other Adityas. He proved his worth numerous times, especially by slaying the dragon Vritra.
Chinese and Japanese adopted these 12 Adityas as guardians of the monasteries covering the four prime directions, semi-directions, and the Sun and Moon.
2. The 8 Vasus are Indra's attendant deities and encompass eight elemental gods, representing different aspects of nature. They are:
Aap (Water), Dhruva (Pole Star), Soma (Moon), Dhar (Earth), Anil (Wind), Anal (Fire), Pratyusha (Dawn), Prabhasa (Sky).
3. 11 Rudras - Shambhu, Pinaki, Girish, Sthanu, Bharga, Bhava, Sadashiva, Shiva, Hara, Sharva, Kapali.
4. Two Ashvins - Nasatya Dasra (Twin solar deities)
Indra and Prajapati are two prominent among these 33 deities. Prajapati is Brahma, the supreme deity; Indra is the first among all Devatas.
On the contrary, according to the Hindu saint scholar Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru, there are 33 crore gods in Hinduism, not 33 types of gods.
In his argument, Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru says it is inaccurate to say that "koti" means types, not crores. He explains that Devta is a Yoni like Manushya Yoni, Which has many sub-categories, such as Indian, American, Russian, and Chinese.
Likewise, Devatas cannot be minimized to 33 types. There are also many sub-gods. Natural bodies like Agni and Vayu are also gods that are still worshipped.
In another argument, Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru says there are five main categories of Bhagwati Durga. Each category has 64 Yoginis, 52 Bhairavas, and many other Yoginis, Apsaras, and Yakshinis.
According to Hindu mythology, Sati is Parvati and also Durga. There are nine Durga, ten Maha Vidya, and twenty-four avatars of Vishnu, and his Shesha Naga has many incarnations. Brahma is otherwise known as Prajapati. Kashyapa was one of his many Manas Putras who had many children from his many wives.
In the 33 gods mentioned above, even important gods, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Veerabhadra, Agni, Vayu, Kubera, and Yama, are left out. In Hindu scriptures, thousands of gods' names are mentioned. Even Ganesha has various forms. He finally states that there are 33 crore gods of Hindus, and there is no doubt about it.
The 33 Types of Deities are:
1. The 12 Adityas represent the 12 Solar months and different aspects of social life. These are:
Anshuman (due share), Aryaman (nobility), Twashtar (skill in crafting), Dhatri (ritual skill), Parjanya (rejuvenation), Pushan (prosperity), Bhaag (due inheritance), Mitra (friendship), Varuna (fate), Vivasvan (social law), Vaman (cosmic law).
Indra is the eldest and the leader of the other Adityas. He proved his worth numerous times, especially by slaying the dragon Vritra.
Chinese and Japanese adopted these 12 Adityas as guardians of the monasteries covering the four prime directions, semi-directions, and the Sun and Moon.
2. The 8 Vasus are Indra's attendant deities and encompass eight elemental gods, representing different aspects of nature. They are:
Aap (Water), Dhruva (Pole Star), Soma (Moon), Dhar (Earth), Anil (Wind), Anal (Fire), Pratyusha (Dawn), Prabhasa (Sky).
3. 11 Rudras - Shambhu, Pinaki, Girish, Sthanu, Bharga, Bhava, Sadashiva, Shiva, Hara, Sharva, Kapali.
4. Two Ashvins - Nasatya Dasra (Twin solar deities)
Indra and Prajapati are two prominent among these 33 deities. Prajapati is Brahma, the supreme deity; Indra is the first among all Devatas.
On the contrary, according to the Hindu saint scholar Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru, there are 33 crore gods in Hinduism, not 33 types of gods.
In his argument, Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru says it is inaccurate to say that "koti" means types, not crores. He explains that Devta is a Yoni like Manushya Yoni, Which has many sub-categories, such as Indian, American, Russian, and Chinese.
Likewise, Devatas cannot be minimized to 33 types. There are also many sub-gods. Natural bodies like Agni and Vayu are also gods that are still worshipped.
In another argument, Shri Bhagavat Anand Guru says there are five main categories of Bhagwati Durga. Each category has 64 Yoginis, 52 Bhairavas, and many other Yoginis, Apsaras, and Yakshinis.
According to Hindu mythology, Sati is Parvati and also Durga. There are nine Durga, ten Maha Vidya, and twenty-four avatars of Vishnu, and his Shesha Naga has many incarnations. Brahma is otherwise known as Prajapati. Kashyapa was one of his many Manas Putras who had many children from his many wives.
In the 33 gods mentioned above, even important gods, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Veerabhadra, Agni, Vayu, Kubera, and Yama, are left out. In Hindu scriptures, thousands of gods' names are mentioned. Even Ganesha has various forms. He finally states that there are 33 crore gods of Hindus, and there is no doubt about it.