Significance of Devata
Devata, within the context of Vaishnavism and other Hindu traditions, refers to divine beings or deities that are revered and worshiped across various spiritual practices. These celestial beings oversee different aspects of creation and spirituality, guiding practitioners through rituals and offerings. The concept encompasses a range of divine entities, including gods from Hindu mythology, who play significant roles in the universe's maintenance and the worshippers' spiritual journeys. Ultimately, Devata represents a vital connection to the divine within Hindu belief systems.
Synonyms: Deity, Divine being, God, Goddess, Spirit, Divine entity, Supernatural being, Celestial being, Divinity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Devata'
In Buddhism, Devata signifies celestial beings that enhance the thupa's spiritual atmosphere and divine entities that offer tributes during Bodhi-tree ceremonies, highlighting their role in enriching spiritual practices and rituals.
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Divine beings who provided offerings during the ceremonies surrounding the Bodhi-tree.[1] (2) Celestial beings depicted in the relic chamber who contribute to the spiritual ambiance of the thupa.[2]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Spiritual beings or deities that visit Acharn Chob during his practice, representing higher moral conduct.[3] (2) A celestial being in Buddhist cosmology, sometimes seen as protectors or influences in human affairs.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Devata'
Devata in Hinduism refers to celestial beings or deities linked to worship, rituals, and divine acknowledgment, guiding spiritual practices, embodying creation aspects, and representing significant cultural and cosmic elements within the faith.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The divine being representing the Gayatri, characterized as the Parama Kala of the nature of Brahma.[5] (2) Deities or divine beings worshipped in Hinduism, including gods and goddesses.[6] (3) A divine entity or deity for which the Rudraksham rosary is intended in worship.[7] (4) The three divine entities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra—associated with creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.[8] (5) Divine entities associated with the senses, such as the Sun, Vayu, and Earth, which play roles in actions and perceptions.[9]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The deities to be worshipped through various offerings and rituals, indicating the importance of divine acknowledgment.[10] (2) Deities or divine beings that are to be adored along with the Pitris during spiritual practices.[11] (3) Deities referenced in the context of lineage and family in the provided text.[12] (4) Deities or divine beings worshipped in Hinduism, linked to rituals such as Yajnas and spiritual practices.[13]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The gods and goddesses born from Brahma's divine face, reflecting his loving and brilliant aspect.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Celestial beings or divine entities that praise those who worship the Vaishnava scriptures, signifying their approval and validation.[15] (2) Celestial beings or deities who observe the residents of Puri, highlighting its spiritual significance.[16] (3) Celestial beings or gods who are mentioned as part of the divine context in the dialogue.[17] (4) Divine beings or deities who are worshiped and revered in various spiritual contexts.[18] (5) Celestial beings or deities that are revered in Hinduism, often associated with various aspects of the universe.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Divine beings or deities who partake in the creation and maintenance of the universe through acts of worship and sacrifice.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Of the Deity.[21]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Deities that oversee various aspects of existence, specifically the organs of sense and action.[22] (2) The divine powers or functions associated with the principles of creation and existence.[23] (3) Presiding deities associated with different aspects of the natural and spiritual worlds.[24] (4) A term for goddess or divine beings within Hindu belief, often invoked in spiritual practices.[25]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Divine or spiritual entities addressed or worshipped during sacrificial rituals.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A divine being or deity; the intelligences that guide the soul along the spiritual path.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A divinity or deity, referring to the concept of gods in meditation, particularly in connection with Sambhuti.[28]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Devata refers to the divine being or deity worshipped in rituals, representing the object of the Sadhaka's devotion.[29] (2) A deity or divine being in Hindu tradition, representing various aspects of the divine energy that practitioners seek to connect with through rituals and Mantras.[30] (3) A term referring to the divine aspect that manifests through various forms within the universe, enabling worship and understanding of the divine.[31] (4) The divine being or deity represented in human actions and thoughts within the context of Hindu practices.[32] (5) The manifestation of divinity that Tantrik practitioners aim to realize and embody through their spiritual practices.[33]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The various deities that are invoked during the installation and worship processes.[34]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) [God:] A term derived by Kshirasvamin commenting on the application of gender in word formation.[35]