cardemaister wrote: I recently learned that 'iSTá' (ishta) is homonymic > perfect participle from both 'iS' (to wish) and 'yaj' (to > sacrifice). > Istadevata: The Sanskrit word istadevata, or istadeva is a compound of is, ta (desired, liked, reverenced) + devata - a deity or deified hero. It is defined by V. S. Apte as "a favorite god, one's tutelary deity."
Reference: 'A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary' By V. S. Apte p. 250
