These 33 types of devatas are: eight Vasus, 11 Rudras, 12 Adityas, Indra and

Prajapati. Let me tell you their significance.

The eight Vasus represent different aspects of nature, which are earth, water,
fire, air, ether, moon, sun and star. Vasus mean where living beings dwell or
support life. For example, earth is a dwelling of a vibrant ecosystem and the Sun
supports life by providing the life force energy. Vasus are maintainers of the life
cycle in the universe and hence since ancient times we worship elements of
nature as God.

The eleven Rudras are inside you, they are five Karmendriyas and five
Dnyanendriyas (sensory and motor organs) and one mind. Some also refer to the
11 Rudras as the 10 Praan which are the life force energy within us and the 11th
as the mind. When any of our organs stop working or when at the time of death
our body becomes lifeless, this becomes a cause of tremendous suffering for our
loved ones and us. We feel pain even when one of our nails gets chipped. Any
harm to our body organs becomes a cause of our sorrow hence the name Rudra
i.e. anything whose loss can cause you to cry. Just like the heart, eyes, ears or
any other organ right upto cells, serve us and their loss causes us a lot of pain.
Hence they are called Rudras.

The twelve Adityas are 12 months of the year. That which takes everyone along
is Aditya. The life of a human passes as the months pass. The time takes
everyone along. Similarly, Adityas also indicate people with a legendary mentality
who have conquered time (become kalateet), live selflessly and dedicate all their
time for the welfare of society. Such leaders ensure that every person associated
with them also grows and becomes successful. Hence, they are equal to devatas
in this world.

Indra is a deity of energy. Rain, lightning and thunder are powerful forces on this
earth, controlled by Indra. But, Indra is also the force and power that is hidden in
everyone. People who use this energy to the fullest become legendary and live
extraordinary lives. They use this thunderous force for achieving larger-than-life
goals with lightning speed. They also have the power to stand against
unrighteous acts. Hence they are devatas. Bhagavad Gita, ch 10.41, clearly
states that those people who are glorious, beautiful, powerful and have great
recognition in society, have manifested more of God’s divinity. Prajapati is
identified with yadnya, which doesn’t mean mere offering in the sacred fire, it
means making sacrifices. Every living being knowingly or unknowingly makes
sacrifices. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Snakes prey on
rats and the population of rats stays under control. Cows give us milk which we
drink from our childhood. Thus, for the world to function correctly, every living
being is contributing. Among all species, humans are capable of making most
sacrifices. Bhagavad Gita ch 3.14-15 states that Yadnya-bhav or the will to
selflessly make sacrifices for others balances the entire nature. God is present in
such acts of sacrifice.