The Vedas describe a number of deities, most of whom are personified forces of nature. But the most important gods are talked of with great details. Vedic people worshipped these Vedic gods in different ways. Their way of worshipping was through rituals and sacrifices to the gods. Most of the gods mentioned in the Vedic mythology are no longer worshipped. The majority of the population today worships deities of Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and other goddesses. The Rig Veda gives the largest information about Vedic gods.
Here is a list of the most important Vedic gods.
Vedic God Indra
The Rig Veda god Indra is also known as the god of rain and thunder. Most of the Rig Veda praises him for the battles he won. He ruled the celestial city of Amravati, a place of immense beauty. In addition, the religion in the early Vedic period describes him as the lord of the heavens. He defeated an evil dragon that blocked the water to earth. Therefore, he’s called the guardian deity of the world. According to Vedic mythology Indra rides a white elephant called Airavata. And has a weapon of lightning called Vajrayudh. Moreover, Stories tell us that for Vedic god Indra status and survival are the most important for him and he is always concerned about them. Aryans regarded Indra as the national god and the protector of military and warriors.
Agni
Agni is the god of fire. He would help or trouble people based upon whether or not they had pleased him. Further, in terms of importance, Agni is next only to Indra, the Lord of the Vedic deities. 3 arms and 3 heads usually represent the god of fire. He is the priest of gods. At the same time, this Vedic god also acts as a moderator between humans and other gods. Moreover, all the offerings and sacrifices are offered to Agni and through him to other gods.
The Vedic God Surya
Surya, the lord of light is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses. Further, this may represent the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven chakras in the human body. Religion in early Vedic period depicts him golden and with radiant hair. Surya’s sons, Shani and Yama, are responsible for the judgment of human life. He gives light, produces day and night, gives power and strength to the human beings, makes them active and destroys their laziness and disease.
The Wind God Vayu
He is depicted with a blue color and four hands. Two of the hands hold a fan and a flag, while the other two hands are in different mudras. He is also the father of Hanuman. Moreover, this Vedic god is also the king of Gandharvas. His swift mind makes him the lord of thoughts as well. Vayu is a constant companion of Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty.
Varuna
Lord Varuna, the God of water has the task of overseeing the clouds and rains. Therefore, he is the king of waters and controls the oceans, seas, rivers, and all other water bodies. People believe that he also protects them from thunder and lightning. He holds a pasa (noose made of cord). It represents the sea that encircles the sea. Further, in the other hand, he holds a crocodile umbrella.
Yama, the god of death
People in both Nepal and India worship him. The Vedas depict Yama as the first human who died, blazing the path of mortality down which all humans have followed. According to Vedic mythology, he is the one who weighs the good and evil deeds of the dead. Yama is majestic in appearance, green or black, with red eyes and red garments. In addition, he carries a noose and a mace, ornamented with a skull, and rides a buffalo.
Soma
He is the lord of speech as he has an influence on our speech. And is one of the most important deities in the Rigveda. He cures the mortals of their diseases. Further, The Vedic god gives them joy and leads them to the immortal blissful world. The entire ninth Mandala is devoted to him. He is the ruling deity of the Soma creeper whose juice is often used in sacrifices and also as a drink.
Vedic God Rudra
Rudra is the divine archer, who shoots arrows of death and disease. He is the god of storm and lightning. Rudra is an early form of Lord Shiva in vedas , the lord of destruction. The Vedic god is sometimes called Maruts. In contrast to destruction, Rudra also possesses softer qualities such as the ability to heal. As a healer, he is a provider of a lot of medicines.
