A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2121

c5.2121

VISWA-DEVAS, VISWE-DEVAS. ‘All the gods.’ In the Vedas they form a class nine in number. All the deities of inferior order. They are addressed in the Veda as “preservers of men, bestowers of rewards.” In later times, a class of deities particularly interested in exequial offerings. The accounts of them are rather vague. They are generally said to be ten in number, but the lists vary, both as to the number and the names. The following is one list:—(1.) Vasu, (2.) Satya, (3.) Kratu, (4.) Daksha, (5.) Kāla, (6.) Kāma, (7.) Dhriti, (8.) Kuru, (9.) Purū-ravas, (10.) Mādravas. Two others are sometimes added, Rochaka or Lochana and Dhuri or Dhwani. See Vishnu Purāna, Hall’s edition, vol. iii. pp. 178, 188, 189.