Abhaswaras

Abhaswaras or Abhasvaras is a term used in Buddhism for a heaven and in Hinduism as a class of deities.

In Buddhism[]

In Buddhism Abhaswaras or Abhasvaras is the name of a heaven. The words roots are Sanskrit (from "a" near to, towards + the verbal root "bhas" to shine upon, illuminate).^{[citation needed]}

In Hinduism[]

In Hinduism, Abhaswaras is a class of deities. They are 64 in number and their nature is not well known. They are described as "demigods representing a certain cycle of manifestation and the active phase of the evolutionary process set in motion by an act of will of Brahman, who remains transcendent while emanating forth the world".^{[citation needed]} These inferior deities are attendant upon Shiva, and under the command of Ganesa. They dwell on Gana-parvata, i.e., Kailasa.

While Dawson in his Hindu Encyclopaedia does not offer more information, it is known that they are one of the nine Gana deities: Adityas, or Viswe-devas, Vasus, , Abhaswaras, , , , and Rudras.

However, Guru Granth Sahib gives the following information:

"The Ganas, Gandharvas, Siddhas and saints [...] are engaged in uttering the infinite Praises of the Unapproachable and Unfathomabable'"^[1]

The Ganas and Gandharvas were emancipated through the remembrance of the Name of the Lord.^[2]

Ganas or Gana-Devatas are the troops of deities. The nine classes of Ganas are Adityas, Viswe-devas, Vasus, Tushitas, Abhaswaras, Anilas, Maharajikas, Sadhyas and Rudras. These are inferior deities and are attendant upon god Shiva. The Lord of these Ganas is Ganesha (or Gana-pati), who, according to one legend, sprang from the scurf of the body of Parvati, and who is the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles.^[3]

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