13 Yes, we can
All devas are immortal, that is, they live for ever. We define the Almighty that He has neither birth nor death. But the devas had their births. जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युः (Everyone born must die) does not apply in their cases. Not once, the devas are said to have been born twice. 6.50.2
Devas are friendly to humans. They protect them when called for help. They shower their devotees with cows, horses, progeny, long life, gold, rayi (wealth – more of this in a later post.), health, attendants etc. when delighted with Soma, who is himself a deva. They are strengthened by prayers. Thus humans and the devas depend on each other.
Devas, normally do not speak. They are action heroes. Of course there are exceptions. There is a dialogue between Visvamitra and the Rivers. There is another between Vamadeva, Indra and Aditi. In a suktam, Indra says, ‘I am the lord of all I survey’. But these are all the words of the composers of the mantras put in the mouth of the devas, who are seldom described as speaking to each other or to men.
All devas are endowed with great strength, perfect bodies, wealth (variously mentioned as rayi, radhas, vasu etc.) and wisdom. There is no foolish, weak, sickly, blind, deaf, dumb or lame deva. They are a source of strength to their devotees.
They are friendly with each other. Varuna, Mitra and Aryaman are always jointly spoken of. (Sayana remarks even if only one of them is mentioned, it means all the three.) Indra is helped by Maruts in his battles against Rakshasas. Sometimes two devas are jointly invoked, such as AgnaVishnu, AgniSoma, AgniMaruts, IndraAgni, IndraBrhaspati, IndraMaruts, IndraPusan. Sometimes the dividing line between them fades out and one is identified with the other. At times, each deva is spoken of as the Almighty.
All their ire is directed towards the Rakshasas whom they slay for protecting the devotees. All devas have weapons and chariots. They travel on earth, firmament and heaven. Oceans and mountains do not prevent their movement.
Thus the devas are embodiment of health, immortality, wealth, strength and wisdom. No suffering of any kind. No problems. Their occasional fights with the rakshasas on behalf of the devotees always results in victory. How we long for such a state! But is it possible to become a deva? ‘Yes, we can’ tells the Veda.