Minor Deities

Administrative Gods

Indra, "the King of Heaven," was apparently very popular in early Vedic Hinduism and is considered to be in charge of the administrative demigods. Here he is offering his obeisances to Lord Krishna in connection with the pastime, "The Lifting of Govardhan Hill."

In addition to the twelve main deities listed previously, there are also a number of minor deities (keeping in mind that certain Hindus may consider them more exalted or even Supreme!). They are generally considered to have specific roles within this universe. The main ones are also considered to have charge over the eight directions, beginning with the East and moving clockwise (i.e. Indra is in charge of the East, Agni the South East, Yama the South, etc.).

 Indra: King of Heaven/ god of rain
 Agni: deity in charge of fire
 Yama: deity presiding over the death
 Surya: the presiding deity of the sun
 Varuna: the presiding deity of water
 Vayu: the presiding deity of the wind (air)
 Kuvera: treasurer of the demigods (god of wealth)
 Soma (Chandra): the presiding deity of the moon

These deities are usually associated with earlier, "Vedic" Hinduism, and are rarely worshipped today, except perhaps Surya. Still prominent, especially in South Indian temples, is the worship of the "nine planets" (see Astrology).

Minor Deities
Deva or devata means demigod. Sthala-devata specifically refers to a minor deity who has jurisdiction over a particular place – a river, forest or village. They are often worshipped in village shrines. A popular deity is Sitala (right), the goddess of smallpox, who is worshipped in the hope of avoiding the disease.

Other "Higher Beings"
There are many other lesser deities and higher beings, who often appear in the various stories. These include:

• The Asuras (demons) who always fight
• The Devas (the gods or demigods)
• The Apsaras (celestial nymphs)
• The Nagas (celestial serpents)
• The Gandharvas (heavenly singers)
• The Rakshasas (a race of man-eaters)
• The Prajapatis (progenitors of mankind)

"Modern" Deities
Some deities have risen to prominence more recently. They include:

Santoshi Ma – the goddess of contentment, worshipped mainly by ladies
Ayyappan – popular in Kerala, he is considered the son of Shiva and Mohini (the female incarnation of Vishnu)

Also Read:
 Devatas or deities - A multifaceted concept in Sanatana Dharma
 Hindu Gods and Goddess

 12 Principal Deities

      List of Deties (Devatas)
 LORD NATARAJ - The Lord of Dance
 Lord Brahma
 Lord Vishnu
 Lord Shiva
 Maa Durga
 Lord Ganesha
 Lord Kartekeya

Also Read

• Lord Ganesha - Ganesh Chathurti
• shiva ling - A Glorious Worship
• Monotheism in Sanatan Dharma

 Lord Krishna
 Lord Jagannath
 Lord Rama - The Role Model
 Lord Hanuman
 Shakti - The Dynamic Energy of Siva
 Lord Kubera
 Minor Deities associated with Lord Shiva
 Goddess - Lalita Tripurasundari
 Lord Balaji
 Lord Ayyappan
 Goddess - Lalita Tripurasundari
 God Varuna - Brief description about God of Rain
 God surya - Brief description about GOD OF FIRE
 Lord Indra
 Lord Vayu
 God Yama
 God Soma
 Ashwins - twin gods
 Goddess Parvathi
 God Kubera
 Ashta Dikpalakas
 Matsya Avatar (fish)- Lord Vishnu
 Kurma Avatar
 Varaha Avatar (the Boar)
 Lord Ganesha - the Son of Shiva
 GARUDA: The carrier of " Lord Vishnu "