Deva, from the Sanskrit root meaning “to shine,” is the word for god in Indian mythology. There are numerous gods in the VEDAS and PURANAS, so the word has a polytheistic connotation. When one calls out to a singular God one uses the term BHAGAVAN. The gods of the Vedas are numerous; the most important are INDRA, god of storms, and AGNI, god of fire. Later VISHNU, SHIVA, and the GODDESS or DEVI (feminine form of deva) became the preeminent divinities.
Encyclopedia of Hinduism. A. Jones and James D. Ryan. 2007.