• The Rig Vedic people worshiped natural forces, like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. They personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them. The important Rig Vedic gods were Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain) and Indra (Thunder).

• Indra was the most popular among them during the early Vedic period. Next in importance to Indra was Agni, who was regarded as an intermediary between the gods and the people. Varuna was supposed to be the upholder of the natural order. There were also female gods, like Aditi and Usha.

• However, the gods of the Early Vedic period, like Indra and Agni lost their importance. Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer) became prominent during the Later Vedic period.