Deva refers to a masculine God in Hinduism. These terms mean anything from divinity, heavenly to excellence. Deva means a shining one. Devas represent moral values like (Mitra, Varuna and Adityas), the powers of light and forces of nature. Each of the Devas symbolizes the embodiment of magical powers, creative energy and specific knowledge of training.
Asuras are all the supernatural beings as per literature in earliest Vedic times. Deva-Asuras are the gracious supernatural beings referred to during the late Vedic period. Devas represent the good in the Itihas and Puranas in post-Vedic texts of Hinduism. Asuras or the malevolent half-brothers are referred to as the bad ones, and represent the powers of Darkness in Hindu mythology. The natures of Asuras and Devas are present in every human being. Each being has within him or her, the angel and tyrant and the best and the worst. Within each person is seen an eternal dance of the Asuras and Devas, according to the Hindu formulation.
Soma, Agni and Indra are Devas most referred to in the Rig Vedas. In Vedic lore, Devas are alike the Titans and Angels-Theoi-Gods of Greek mythology. As per the Bhagwad Gita in the universe all beings possess both the demonic qualities as well as divine qualities. Worship practices of devas is optional and not mandatory in Hinduism. Hindus practice worship as part of a daily, infrequent, ritual or routine affair. In Hinduism the practice of worshipping Devas is as diverse as its traditions.
