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Significance of Celestial gods

Celestial gods are divine beings associated with higher realms in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism, they inhabit elevated states accessible through virtuous actions. According to Hindu Purana, Celestial gods aid devotees, play significant roles in rituals, and include deities like Indra who govern natural and spiritual domains. They face adversities from demons and asuras while being called upon for protection and blessings. Additionally, Yoga presents them as higher beings that can tempt practitioners away from spiritual focuses.

Synonyms: Divine entities

In Dutch: Hemelse goden; In Finnish: Taivaalliset jumalat; In Spanish: Dioses celestiales

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Celestial gods'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Celestial gods are divine beings residing in elevated realms that individuals can reach through virtuous actions, symbolizing the spiritual rewards of righteous living and moral conduct.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) Divine beings or deities that inhabit higher realms of existence, accessible through virtuous acts.[1]

Hindu concept of 'Celestial gods'

Hinduism Books

Celestial gods in Hinduism are divine beings overseeing both natural and spiritual realms, who intervene in human affairs, assist devotees, play crucial roles in rituals, and engage in battles against demons, embodying beauty and divine attributes.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Divine beings who faced threats from asuras like the Daityas, Danavas, and Rakshasas, seeking refuge and help from Lord Narayana.[2]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Mythological deities that inhabit heaven, characterized by their beauty and divine attributes.[3]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Divine beings that are worshipped to seek protection and healing for animals.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) Higher beings who may serve as tempters to Yogis, enticing them with worldly pleasures and distractions from their spiritual path.[5]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).