Does Hinduism have 330 million gods?
Every time there is a conversation about Hindu gods, the number 33 koti (crore) is mentioned. The word “koti” means “virtuous,” not “330 million.” However, the discussion’s instigators purposefully ignore the symbolism of the myriad Hindu gods known as devi devatas since they are largely ignorant of Hinduism and seek to poke fun at it. The 330 million represent the Brahman, which has various names, forms, actions, characteristics, and powers depending on the purpose it serves. Everything, including the living, the inanimate, and the unborn, is just a manifestation of the Brahman.
What is the myth of 33 Crore gods?
‘33 Crore Gods’ is a highly misinterpreted fact. The term ‘trayastrimsati koti’ mentioned in Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Satapatha-brahmana, was misunderstood as 33 Crores. The term ‘koti’ in Sanskrit has two meaning, one is ‘supreme’ and the other is Crore.
What is meant by 33 koti devta?
Since my childhood we were taught by our parents that there are 33 Koti (crore or 10 million) Gods in Hinduism. 33 koti gods = 8 Vasus + 11 Rudras + 12 Adityas + Indra and Prajapati ( 8+ 11 + 12 + 2 = 33). If we consider koti means prakar {kind} 33 crores is the complete population of devatas.
Who are the 33 koti gods?
These 33 type of gods are 12 Aditya (Anshuman, Aryaman, Indra, Twashta, Dhatu, Parjanya, Pusha, Bhag, Mitra, Varuna, Vivaswana, Vishnu), 8 Vasu (Aap, Dhruva, Soma, Dhar, Anil, Anal, Pratyusha, Prabhasa) and 11 Rudras (Shambhu, Pinaki, Girish, Sthanu, Bharga, Bhava, Sadashiva, Shiva, Hara, Sharva, Kapali).
