Tuesday, October 22, 2013

WHETHER THE TERM "DEVA' REFERS TO VISHNU AND IDOL?

In samskrtam, the same word means differently based on the context. This is the beauty of the divine language
As far as the meaning of Deva is concerned, the term " Deva" refers to Vishnu as well as Idol as stated by Monier.
Deva for VishNu
Udbhavah kshobhaNO devah SrIgarbhah parameSvarah !
--- MahAbharata 12-135- 54
Deva for Idol
KItopi sumanasangAdArohati satAm Sirah !
ASmApi yAti devatvam mahadbhih supratishthitah !
- HitopadeSa
In my humble view if Apte is VAmana, Monier is Trivikrama.