Mukoti Devi Devatha Is Not A 33-crore Deity

Many people hold on to many misconceptions about Sanathana Hindu dharma. One of which is the false belief of 33 crore gods and goddesses in the Hindu Pantheon.  This falsehood is due to the wrong understanding of the term “Mukoti devidevatha” and ignorance of Sanskrit root words and subject of Sanskrit etymology (Nirukta in Vedanga).

What does the term “Mukoti Devi Devatha” really mean?
The falsehood has happened to wrong understanding and illiteracy with Sanskrit and its root words. In the word “Mukoti,” the root word “mu” means important or primary. While ‘Koti’ indicates type or category. Taken together, ‘Mukoti’ means primary categories. In some bharatiya local languages, the word “koti” may denotes crore, but due to illiteracy with Sanskrit and its root words, this falsehood has become common.

This issue emphasises the importance of knowing the Sanskrit language for better understanding of even simple phrases. The destruction of Vedic education and the ignorance of the Vedic subject of Etymology (called Nirukta which is part of Vedanga).

33 Devidevathas or “Trayastrimshat Devaah” references in scriptures
The “33 devi devathas” have their origin in the Vedas and the Upanishads, where the term “Trayastrimshat Devaah” is mentioned. In particular, the Yajur Veda, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, and the Satapatha Brahmana frequently refer to “Trayastrimshat Devaah.” The meaning of “thirty-three” is conveyed by the Sanskrit word “Trayastrimshat.” “Traya” means “three,” while “Trimshat” means “thirty”.  These 33 devidevathas are manifestations of the one supreme i.e. Paramathma.

Trayastrimshat Devi Devatha – more details
Now, let’s go into more detail regarding the concept.

• Almost all the sacred works of Hinduism are unanimous in proclaiming a fact. All the 33 gods and goddesses are essentially the manifestations of the one and only “Paramatma.”
• Hindu scriptures unambiguously states that Devi and Devathas consist of 12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, and 11 Rudras. Similarly, it also mentions the 2 Ashwini  Kumars. All that, together, adds up to 33.
• The Vedas describe Adityas as a cosmic deity whose mother is Aditi. Aditi is a personification of motherhood and endlessness. The Adityas are twelve and are related to each of the solar months that number twelve.
• Indra, Mitra, Pushya, Parjanya, Amshuman, Bhaga, Aryama, Dhata, Tvashtha, Vivasvan, Varuna, and Vishnu are the Adityas. In fact, it should be emphasized that all the Adityas are headed by Vishnu. Adityas are the deities who safeguard the divine order in the universe.
• The Vasus are described as deities who serve important Devas such as Vishnu and Indra. The Vasus are: Prithvi, Dyaus, Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Nakshatra, Chandra, and Surya.
• Hindu scriptures describe the Rudras as deities wielding immense power and are associated with Lord Shiva. Some of the Rudras are Vilohita, Kapali, Ajapada, Bhava, Chanda, and Shambu. These Rudras signify wisdom, strength, and destruction.  Hindus pray to them for spiritual progress and protection.

Mukoti devidevatha are 33 Devidevathas not 33 crore – in summary
To summarize, the assumption of 33 crore deities is a misconception based on a wrong translation of the word ‘Mukoti Devi Devatha’.  Using the Vedic branch of Nirukta or etymology of words, the correct meaning of Mukti comes to ‘primary categories’. In addition, ‘Trayastrimshat Devaah’ in Shruthi scriptures indicates 33 for the primary divine devi devathas.  These celestial beings include the 12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, and 2 Ashwini Kumaras.  At the same time, the Hindu scriptures emphasize that these 33 divine beings are manifestations of the singular Supreme reality, the Paramatma!

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