This 9 hour course approaches the earlier elemental deities from the Vedas who set the tone for the deities that evolved in the Bhakti era. We’ll focus on Ādityas (heaven realm deities), Rudras (atmospheric realm deities), Vasus (earthly realm deities), and more.
There is some discussion on nakṣatras, or the lunar constellations, and the deities and myths associated with the stars.
- Class 1: Ashvini Kumaras, Yama, and Agni (58:06)
- Class 2: Brahma, Soma, & Rudra (57:24)
- Class 3: Aditi, Brhaspati, and the Nagas (60:16)
- Class 4: Pitris, Bhaga, and Aryaman (45:24)
- Class 5: Savitur, Tvashtar, and Vayu (48:44)
- Class 6: Indragni, Mitra, and Indra (57:47)
- Class 7: Nirriti, Apas, and the Vishvadevas (56:32)
- Class 8: Vishnu, Vasus, and Varuna (46:25)
- Class 9: Ajaikapada, Ahirbudhnya, and Pushan (44:59)
More about Allison HERE.
Reading suggestions:
Alain Danielou: The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism
Radhe: The Divine Forces of the Lunar Nakshatras as Portrayed in the Vedas: mystical forms, ancient epithets and sacred mythology
Amar Chitra Katha: Gods and Goddesses: From the Epics and Mythology of India
Hart de Fouw and Robert Svoboda: Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India
