Significance of Presiding deities
Presiding deities play a crucial role across various Indian spiritual traditions, including Vastushastra, Shilpashastra, Vaishnavism, and more. They are divine entities governing specific aspects of life, elements of nature, and rituals, influencing everything from architectural design to individual meditation practices. Each tradition identifies deities associated with particular directions, bodily functions, and celestial bodies. Additionally, these deities are invoked for protection, blessings, and guidance during rituals and daily worship, emphasizing their integral part in spiritual and practical aspects of existence.
Synonyms: Patron deities, Supreme deities
In Dutch: Voorzittende godheden
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Presiding deities'
In Hinduism, Presiding deities encompass divine entities overseeing rituals, celestial influences, cardinal directions, health, and life aspects, reflecting their fundamental role in guiding and governing the universe's structure and spiritual practices.
From: Agni Purana
(1) Divine beings associated with specific syllables or mantras that are invoked during rituals to facilitate their efficacy.[1] (2) The primary divine beings associated with different directions, honored during rituals for their protection.[2] (3) The divine figures that oversee and embody the powers of the mantras during the ritualistic process.[3] (4) The deities who oversee and inhabit specific locations or aspects of worship.[4] (5) Divine figures or energies believed to oversee and bless the rituals associated with the consecration.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Divine figures associated with specific directions and cities around Mount Meru including Indra, Yama, Varuna, and Soma.[6] (2) Divine forces or spirits associated with various aspects of existence, supporting the structure and functions of the universe.[7] (3) Divine powers overseeing various sense-organs and functions of living beings.[8] (4) Divine beings that oversee specific aspects, attributes, or realms of existence.[9] (5) The divine beings associated with various aspects of the universe and living beings.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The spiritual entities governing their respective holy sites.[11] (2) Deities that oversee or govern particular aspects of spiritual practice, and whose worship is encouraged alongside Murtis.[12] (3) The divine figures representing planets and other celestial bodies.[13] (4) Divine entities representing various Tirthas, who convened to determine their comparative excellence in front of Brahma.[14]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Divine entities that oversee the specific aspects and realms related to worship and rituals, particularly in Shiva's seat.[15] (2) Deities associated with attachment, pleasure, and love, worshipped in conjunction with the god of death and Chandika.[16] (3) Divine beings associated with specific days of the week, whose worship is thought to bring rewards and fulfillment of requests.[17] (4) The spiritual entities associated with the five fundamental material principles, which are to be meditated upon during Dhyanam.[18]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The divine figures, particularly the Pitris, who are honored and invoked during the Šraddha rituals, especially on Parvan and Tithi days.[19] (2) Divine figures associated with various Murcchanas and musical scales.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The eight specific divine forms that govern various elements and aspects of existence, including Sharva, Bhava, Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Pashupati, Ishana, and Mahadeva.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Divine beings that respond to Rama's summons as part of his newly acquired powers.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The three presiding deities associated with the holy Ganga include Vishnu, Isha (Shiva), and another divine entity referred to in the text.[23]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Divine figures like Durga and Shyama, who control various aspects of spirituality and lore.[24]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The divine entities associated with the elements that watch over the deeds of individuals.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The divine beings that oversee rituals and are honored during offerings such as shraddhas.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The spiritual entities that are the focus of meditation in relation to the five objects.[27] (2) The divine entities that oversee the luminaries, which are themselves nourished by the moon.[28] (3) Deities (devatas) that are associated with the different factors of Samhita and are the focus of meditation.[29] (4) Spiritual entities or forces like Agni and Vayu that symbolize different elements in the universe.[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The divine beings or gods that oversee and are associated with a specific direction.[31] (2) Each voice is associated with a specific presiding deity, influencing the qualities of the voice used in Sama singing.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Divine entities that oversee or govern the various senses and organs within the human body.[33]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The specific deities to whom offerings are made during the rituals, representing various aspects of nature and existence.[34] (2) The divine entities associated with the constellations that hold significance in the rituals performed for the child.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The divine entities, represented by the terms 'Veda' and 'vatsara,' that oversee significant aspects of spirituality.[36]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The specific gods assigned to oversee each cardinal direction in the Vedic tradition.[37]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The deities that oversee or have authority over specific aspects or locations.[38]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Divine guardians associated with measurement tools and practices in architecture, such as Vishnu and Brahma.[39] (2) Divine figures believed to protect or oversee particular spaces, often depicted within significant architectural areas such as antechambers.[40]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Deities assigned to specific squares in a Vastupurusha-mandala that influence the design and structure of a site.[41]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The presiding Deities are the divine entities identified with governing specific elements such as water, fire, and air, embodying the spiritual aspect of these natural forces.[42] (2) Divine entities that oversee and govern specific mantras and their worship.[43]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Deities responsible for overseeing certain diseases, specifically referring to the nine associated with infant ailments.[44]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) Deities associated with each of the cardinal directions; for example, Indra presiding over the east.[45]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Deities associated with specific body locations where the Tripundra mark is placed, elaborated in the texts for spiritual significance.[46] (2) Divine beings that guide and influence the meditation practices and outcomes of individuals.[47]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Spiritual entities associated with the different varieties of stones used in the foundation.[48]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Divine beings assigned to specific squares or areas within the Vastu-purusha-mandala, influencing the character and usage of those spaces.[49]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The deities, such as Mahendra, who invite Yogis from various places.[50]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The main divine figures associated with each of the nine cakras mentioned in pujasamketa.[51]
The concept of Presiding deities in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Presiding deities" denotes gods or goddesses revered as protectors of specific locations, integral to local rituals and community worship, emphasizing their role in safeguarding cultural identity and spiritual practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Goddesses or gods recognized as protectors or guardians of a place, often worshiped during local rituals.[52]