33 koti Deva in Hinduism

The concept 33 koti deva in Hinduism refers to 33 types of principal deities, not 33 crore gods. In Sanskrit word koti has two meanings: ‘category’ or ‘type’ and ‘crore’.

33 koti deva are classified into four main groups. 

Group 1: 8 Vasu

These are also known as Astvasu. Vasu means dwellers and they represent fundamental natural forces. In some Hindu texts they are described as the children of Sage Kashyapa and daughter of Daksha, Aditi. Their names are as follows,

Dhara means Earth

Anala means Fire

Anila means Wind

Aapa meansWater

Pratyusha means Sun

Prabhasa means Sky

Soma means Moon

Dhruva means Pole Star

Group 2: 11 Rudras

They are also known as Ekadasha Rudras and they are manifestations of Lord Shiva. As per Shiv purana Rudras are born from Sage Kashyapa and Surabhi also known as Kamadhenu to protect gods and Indra. Their names are as follows,

Kapali 

Pingala 

Bheema 

Virupaksha 

Vilohita 

Shastra 

Ajapaad 

Ahirbudhnya 

Shambhu 

Chanda 

Bhava 

Group 3: 12 Adityas

These are groups of major solar deities in Hinduism. They are the children of Sage Kashyapa and daughter of Daksha, Aditi. They are also considered as different forms of the Hindu God, Surya or Sun. Their names are as follows,

Dhata

Aryaman

Mitra

Varuna

Indra

Vivasvan

Tvashta

Vishnu 

Amshuman

Bhaga

Pusha

Parjanya

Group 4: 2 Ashvins

These are also known as Ashwini Kumaras; they are twin deities in Hinduism who are also known as gods of medicine and health.They are sons of Surya (the Sun God) and Saranyu (daughter of Vishwakarma, the divine architect in Hinduism). Their names are as follows,

Nasatya

Dasra