deva

Deva is a Sanskrit term meaning “god” or “celestial being.” It comes from a root meaning “to shine” and is used across Indian religions to refer to powerful, divine beings that inhabit higher realms and interact with humans in various ways.

In Hinduism, devas are the celestial beings responsible for maintaining cosmic order and overseeing natural and social processes. They reside in heaven (svarga) and are often depicted as personalities with specific functions, such as Indra the ruler of the heavens, Agni the fire god, or Surya the sun god. Devas are usually contrasted with asuras, or demons, and while they possess great power, they are part of the mortal cosmos and can be affected by karma and ritual action.

In Buddhism, devas are also celestial beings but occupy higher realms within the cycle of samsara. They enjoy long lifespans and pleasures, yet their existence is impermanent and conditioned by past actions. Devas are not creators or saviors; liberation in Buddhism is achieved through individual effort and insight, beyond the realms of the deva.

In Jainism, devas appear as heavenly beings produced by merit but are not perfected souls. They are still subject to the cycle of birth and death and do not possess ultimate spiritual authority. Their presence reflects the vast spectrum of beings within the Jain cosmology.

In modern usage, deva is often encountered as a common given name or surname in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and appears in literary and religious contexts to denote divine or exalted status.