What does the term "deities of earth and skies" refer to in the Vedas?

The term "deities of earth and skies" in the Vedas specifically refers to local deities, as these divinities are often associated with specific aspects of the natural world or particular geographical features. In Vedic thought, many gods personify elements of nature—such as the earth, the atmosphere, and the heavens—reflecting the spiritual significance these elements held in ancient Indian culture.

Local deities often serve as protectors of specific communities or environments, underscoring the connection between the people and their immediate surroundings. The Vedas celebrate and invoke these deities to reinforce the idea that spiritual forces are present in the world around them.

While mythical beings and celestial bodies may also carry significance in Vedic texts, the phrase specifically highlights the intimate relationship between deity worship and the tangible elements of nature—thereby emphasizing local divine figures grounded within the earth and skies. Additionally, the idea of an affirmation of nature relates more closely to the reverence for the natural world than to the specific categorization of these powers as local deities.