Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.10.28-29
Visarga· Brahmā's creationEight Varieties of Demigod Creation
“The creation of the demigods is of eight varieties: (1) the demigods, (2) the forefathers, (3) the asuras, or demons, (4) the Gandharvas and Apsarās, or angels, (5) the Yakṣas and Rākṣasas, (6) the Siddhas, Cāraṇas and Vidyādharas, (7) the Bhūtas, Pretas and Piśācas, and (8) the superhuman beings, celestial singers, etc. All are created by Brahmā, the creator of the universe.”
What the purport teaches
- The eight varieties include demigods; forefathers; asuras; Gandharvas and Apsarās; Yakṣas and Rākṣasas; Siddhas, Cāraṇas and Vidyādharas; Bhūtas, Pretas and Piśācas; and superhuman beings and celestial singers. All are created by Brahmā, the creator of the universe.
- The Siddhas inhabit Siddhaloka and can travel between planets at will without vehicles. The purport describes the inhabitants of the upper planets as superior to humans in art, culture and science.
- The spirits and jinn mentioned here are also counted among the demigods. They can perform uncommon functions that human beings cannot.
Try this today
Note one ability attributed to the Siddhas and how it differs from human abilities.
Ask yourself
How does this description challenge me to recognize the limits of human abilities?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.