[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c3.4 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.4 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.4 - **Language:** English ### [c3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.4) Thus there were many distinct deities, and each of them had some general distinctive powers and attributes; but their attributes and characters were frequently confounded, and there was a constant tendency to elevate now this one now that one to the supremacy, and to look upon him as the Great Power. In course of time a pre-eminence was given to a triad of deities, foreshadowing the Tri-mūrti or Trinity of later days. In this triad Agni (Fire) and Sūrya (the Sun) held a place, and the third place was assigned either to Vāyu (the Wind) or to Indra (god of the sky). Towards the end of the Rig-veda Sanhitā, in the hymns of the latest date, the idea of one Supreme Being assumed a more definite shape, and the Hindu mind was perceiving, even if it had not distinctly realised, the great conception. - [Previous: c3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.3) - [Next: c3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.5) - [Up: c3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.4) · Pramāṇa