Significance of Vishvedeva
Vishvedeva is a term that encompasses a collective group of deities in Vedic tradition, revered for their roles in blessings, divine approval, and universal well-being. These deities are invoked during significant rituals, such as the shraddha and sacrificial rites, serving as witnesses and participants to ensure the sanctity and protection of the proceedings. They represent various aspects of nature and existence, and their worship facilitates communal divine favor and spiritual benefits, embodying the interconnectedness of all divine beings in Hinduism.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Vishvedeva'
Vishvedeva, in Hinduism, refers to a collective group of deities worshipped during sacrifices and rituals. They symbolize universal divine favor, encompassing all gods and playing a vital role in communal and spiritual offerings.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The collective deities associated with universal qualities and benevolence, invoked for divine assistance during sacrifices.[1] (2) A collective reference to all deities invoked during the sacrifices.[2] (3) A group of deities mentioned in the context of offering rituals with specific formulas for invocation.[3] (4) The collective deities addressed in the Agnihotra ritual, who are believed to sit with the sacrificer in the higher abode.[4] (5) A group of deities who are worshipped and invoked during the sacrificial rites, with emphasis on communal divine favor.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A group of deities involved in ordaining the substitute of the Primary Rule.[6] (2) A term that represents the collective gods in Hindu belief, to whom offerings are made in various rituals.[7] (3) A group of deities in Hinduism, with maternal relations holding power over them.[8] (4) A group of deities worshipped in Vedic traditions, specifically linked to the offerings made during sacred rituals.[9] (5) Represent a class of deities to whom offerings are made, specifically during the Darshapurnamasa sacrifices.[10]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A group of deities to whom the Ashtaka may be sacred, reflecting the various divine entities worshipped during the celebration.[11] (2) The collective deities mentioned in the rituals, indicating a broad connection to all divine beings.[12] (3) A collective name for the deities invoked in the ritual of the Madhuparka.[13] (4) A collective term for deities worshipped during the rituals, representing all day-walking beings.[14]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The all-encompassing deities representing all beings, to whom offerings of reverence and respect are made.[15] (2) A group of deities worshipped in Vedic tradition, often receiving offerings in rituals.[16] (3) A group of deities invoked during the marriage to unite the hearts of the bride and groom.[17]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The deities that do not participate in this specific ceremony.[18] (2) A collective term referring to all deities in Vedic literature, literally meaning 'the universal gods.'[19]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A term referring to a group of deities to whom worship and offerings are made.[20] (2) Deities invoked during the marriage ceremony to bless the couple, particularly during the sprinkling with water.[21]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The collective term for all deities represented in the Vaishvadeva ceremony.[22]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Universal deities referenced in the invocation related to the Nyagrodha shoot purchase.[23]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Symbolizes all gods or deities, representing a universal appeal for blessings and guidance.[24]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A group of deities in Hinduism, to whom offerings are made during rituals.[25]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The collective deities worshipped at the beginning of Shraddha, believed to offer protection and sanctity to the rites.[26] (2) A group of deities that, along with others, originated together with the Lokas, representing various aspects of existence.[27] (3) A group of deified ancestors in Hindu belief who are invoked during rituals to ensure benefits for the living.[28] (4) Representatives of divine forces associated with universal harmony and prosperity.[29]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The deities that served as courtiers in the palace of king Marutta, representing divine support and favor.[30] (2) A specific group of celestials dwelling in the Dakshina region, worshipped in sacrifices across the worlds.[31] (3) A group of deities to whom certain offerings are made by the householder, typically in open space.[32]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The collective group of deities revered in Vedic tradition, associated with blessings and divine approval.[33] (2) A group of celestial beings said to be childless, born from Vishva.[34]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A group of deities represented by the brahmins in the context of ritual worship.[35] (2) Divine beings or deities referenced in the context of honoring and performing rituals for spiritual benefits.[36]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A divine group born from Vishva, associated with different deities.[37] (2) A collective term referring to deities that are invoked during the shraddha, who are believed to be witnesses to the rites performed.[38]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Five celestial beings who censure Vishvamitra for his brutality towards the queen.[39] (2) A collective term for a class of gods associated with universal well-being.[40]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A group of divine beings associated with rituals and offerings, seen alongside the manes in the narrative.[41]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A group of benevolent deities born of Vishva, associated with different aspects of nature and existence.[42]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Universal deities located on the left side of the holy ash.[43]