Concept of God in Vedic Lerature

God, in general is translated as Deva(one who gives), from old literature is not exactly used or meant to be God as used in modern terms. In old literatures it is used in following references

1. In certain parts of Vedas(very ancient literature of Sanatana Dharma and sacred for Hindus) Deva is used for natural forces. There are Varundeva(god of rains), Pawandeva(god of wind) etc. Vedas have hymns which pray these gods for better rains and fields, glory, less destruction.

2.There are Devas refered in Purans(Storied about Gods and Goddesses) who are stronger than Humans. They might be considered as angels or Gods in greek mythology. They were just a stronger race but their bodies wear out. There are stories that Devas die in Samudramanthana(vishnupurana) so they are not immoral. They fight with Danavas(deamons or cruel people). It is considered that they achieve their strength from good deeds or virtues. There is a story that Devas and Danavas went to Creator and asked what is good for them. He said the word ‘da’. Devas took it as dana(donation, helping others) and danavas took it as daya(mercy). Even though Devas are not free from human weaknesses of flesh and greed. Indra the king of Devas once went on to cheat the wife(Ahilya) of a Sage and was cursed and hide in lake out of shame and embarrassment. That’s the reason they are not prayed in temples. Some ignorant people without studying tried to say ‘look at the hindu Gods’ while referring these Devas.

3. Then there are Devas who are prayed and respected. These are Vishnu, Shiva etc. It is believed that they have realized truth and have the power to make it realize to others(moksha). They are kind and help anyone who ask for their help sincerely. Since they know what is God and reality, they are the deities for the devotees. Even Buddha was considered as incarnation of Vishnu - a God.

4. Then there is supreme power. This is the one and only one. Upanishads (mystic teachings) are filled with his account. He is that ONLY God in terms of Christanity, Allah for Islam. Sri Shankara(who spread advaita vadanta) calls him Brahm. He is eternal and all powerful and truth. Rigveda(the oldest literature of Sanatana Dharma) says, ‘Ekam eshwaram viprha bahudha vedanti’(there is only one God, learned people may express him in different ways). The term to uniquely identify him was used as ‘Parameshwar’(supreme God). But this supreme power has been referred simply as Deva(one who gives) somethimes too. All the saints of all religions knew about this power. They have called him though with different names.