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What is the difference between Devata, Upadevata and Apadevata?

We have come across these terms several times and each is referred to the same entity consciously or not consciously. People use the terms in daily conversation replacing one with the other. But there is a difference, if not subtle.

D. Chatterjee
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    Possible duplicate of Differences between "Ishwar" and "Bhagvan"? and What is the difference between God and Devi-Devta or are they same? and What are the examples of demigod? – Sarvabhouma Mar 06 '19 at 18:24
  • Thanks. But I have a few more queries within the question. – D. Chatterjee Mar 06 '19 at 18:26
  • All are covered in those questions. I have linked 3 questions. There are more questions regarding this also. It is a duplicate question – Sarvabhouma Mar 06 '19 at 18:27
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    @D.Chatterjee thanks. i hv edited the Q. Hope this will suit you –  Mar 06 '19 at 18:54
  • The question remains the same after the edit. The difference between God, Ishwara and Devi Devta. This is one of the questions I already linked. I also said in my comment that there are already some questions asked on this topic on who is upadevata and devata asked on this site. Some research is needed before posting the question. Policy of the site is closing a question as duplicate if the same question is asked. Here the question is repeating (Nothing is done in the edit. Words from title are removed and added in the body). You can always [edit] to show how your Q is different. – Sarvabhouma Mar 06 '19 at 18:58
  • @Sarvabhouma i dont think the Q remains same after edit.But i agree that i am far less intelligent than u:) –  Mar 06 '19 at 19:07
  • @Sarvabhouma Devata, Upadevata and Apadevata...bit is not explained. So one part still holds. Can I get a response on this? – D. Chatterjee Mar 06 '19 at 19:14
  • You can always [edit] your question focus on a single topic instead of asking many questions. I do not get notified unless you say my name with @ before it. "@Partha One is welcome to respond" doesn't notify me. Hence, that comment is not necessary now. You can remove Bhagavan and Ishwar part and ask about Upadevata and Apadevata. I found three questions based on your 1st revision. Adding ishwara and Brahman would make the questions similar I guess. Policy is repeating questions will be closed. So, please don't think close voters close without a proper answer. – Sarvabhouma Mar 06 '19 at 19:27

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Devata:

First, let us see meaning of the word 'देव'(Deva). It is derived from the root 'div' (which means 'to shine') using pratya (Ach -ka). So Deva means someone shining.From 'Deva' we get 'Devata' by ('Tal' pratyaya). Deva and Devata means both deity and God as per the Sanskrit Lexicons.

Tri-Deva or Tri-Devata means the three principal deities :Brahma (Creator),Vishnu(Preserver),Shiva/Rudra(Destroyer).

Ishta-Devata is one's Chosen Deity. Normally Ganesha, Surya,Vishnu,Shiva and Shakati---any of these five or their incarnations is the Chosen Deity decided by the mental inclination of the worshipper.For example, to a Shaiva, Shiva is Ishta-Devata or Bhagavan where the other forms mentioned above are Devata, which are His manisfestations. Normally while worshipping Ishta-Devata, all these five forms are to be worshipped.Worshipping them together is called 'Panchopasana' also and these five deities called 'Pancha-Devata's.

Upa-Devata

Upa-Devatas are also Devatas and can be translated as minor deities. In any puja, we worship 'Indra, Varuna,Agni,Kuvera,Vayu etc as Dasa-Dikpala's. In the Dik-pala list,some major gods are also there. see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardians_of_the_directions for reference. Khestrapala also has to be worshipped. The Pancha-Devatas are worshipped normally with pancha-upachara(Gandha-Pushpa-Dhupa-Dipa-Naivedya), while the Upa-Devatas are generally worshipped with Gandha-Pushpa alone.

In Tantra, there are methods of worship of Dakinis, Yoginis ,Yakshinis and Apsaraas. They are also minor deities able to grant 'bhoga' or 'bhukti' alone but not 'Mokha' or 'Mukti'.

Apa-Devata

Apa-Devatas are inferior deities, like Bhuta,Preta, Pishacha,Rakshasa.They are first worshipped by Gandha-pushpa and offering 'Masha-bhakta-vali' and then driven out of the place of worship alongwith Sarisripas by the 'Bhutaapasarana-Mantra' by throwing sveta-sarshapas (whte mustard-seeds).

In Tantra, there are methods of worships of Pretinis and Pishachinis to attain occult powers. These are also inferior deities.

Hope this answers your question. You can check any puja-paddhati book for more details.In Bengal, we adore the books written by Shayamcharan Kaviratna. Tanrik-Guru by Paramhansa Nigamananda also discusses various sadhanas of Devatas, Upadevatas and Apadevtas.