Complete List of Rigvedic Gods and Their Roles
The Rigveda mentions over 33 primary deities, along with several lesser-known divine
beings. These gods are categorized into Terrestrial, Atmospheric, Celestial, Abstract
Concepts, and Collectives. Below is a comprehensive list of these gods with their domains or
roles.
A. Terrestrial Deities (Earth-Related)
Deity Domain/Role
Agni God of fire, messenger between humans
and gods
Prithvi Earth goddess, consort of Dyaus
Aranyani Forest goddess
Ksetrapati Guardian of fields and agriculture
Sita Goddess of the furrow, related to
agriculture
B. Atmospheric Deities (Sky/Weather/War)
Deity Domain/Role
Indra King of gods, god of rain, thunder, and war
Vayu God of wind
Parjanya Rain god
Rudra Storm and disease god, precursor to Shiva
Maruts Storm gods, companions of Indra
Apam Napat Deity of water and fire connection
C. Celestial Deities (Sky/Cosmos)
Deity Domain/Role
Dyaus Pita Sky father, consort of Prithvi
Varuna God of cosmic order and oceans
Mitra God of friendship and harmony
Surya Sun god
Savitr Solar deity, associated with Gayatri Mantra
Pushan Protector of travelers and cattle
Vishnu Solar deity who strides across the universe
Ashvins Twin gods of healing and rescue
Ushas Goddess of dawn
Ratri Goddess of night
Chandra Moon god (emerges more in later texts)
Bhaga God of wealth and fortune
Aditi Mother of Adityas, associated with
protection and infinity
Adityas Solar deities like Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,
etc.
D. Abstract/Deified Concepts
Deity Domain/Role
Soma Deified ritual drink, linked with ecstasy and
immortality
Rta Cosmic order and natural law (divine
principle)
Brihaspati Priest of the gods, lord of prayer
Daksha Ritual power and order
Tvashtar Divine craftsman and creator
Vach Goddess of speech
Yama God of death and afterlife
Manu First man and lawgiver
E. Divine Groups or Collectives
Deity Domain/Role
Adityas Group of solar deities, sons of Aditi
Maruts Storm gods, associated with Rudra
Ribhus Divine craftsmen and inventors
Vasus Group of elemental gods
