What is meant by gods?
Hindus believe in many gods. There is a misconception that even in Vedaas there is reference to many gods. ‘gods’ refer to the objects or things, which give and give to others and take nothing in exchange. ‘gods’ can be living as well as non-living beings. Accordingly, there are 33 types of gods and not 33 crores. This misconception developed because Sanskrit word ‘koti’ means type as well as crore. These 33 gods are-Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Aakaash, Moon, Sun, all heavenly bodies, ten Praanaas, Jivatma, twelve months of the year, electricity and controlling power of all these thirty two gods which is called ‘Yaj’. All of these are called gods. According to Vedaas none of these thirty three gods is worshipable. Instead, worshipable is only one God which is the creator of this universe. Wherever in Vedaas, come the words like Vishnu, Shiv et cetera, they mean God because these are the names of God also, describing certain qualities of God. They can be called qualitative nouns of God.