Some of India’s earliest myths are derived from
the Aryans, people of Central Asian origin
who migrated to the region during the 2nd
millennium BCE. Their myths were recorded
in sacred texts known as the Vedas, which
emphasized belief in gods that controlled thenatural world and could influence human
wellbeing. Chief among the Vedic deities
were figures such as Indra, Agni, and Surya.
These early deities were often known as the
Adityas, or sons of Aditi, the goddess of
space and mother of all creatures and deities.The Vedic Gods
SOUTH ASIAGiver of Life
Surya is sometimes shown holding lotus flowers
in his hands, which represent the deity’s life-giving
powers. His attendants include two female figures
who symbolize the two phases of the dawn.The sage Agastya
In the Ramayana, Agastya recites a hymn
associated with Surya to Rama before his battle
with the demon king, Ravana. It is believed that
he introduced Vedic religion into southern India.Indra on Airawata
Indra is often depicted riding
Airawata, a white elephant
that emerged from the
primal ocean. Here he
holds an elephant
goad and two
thunderbolts
(vajras).INDRA
The god of thunder and rain, Indra was the chief of the
Vedic gods and known for his strength and virility. He
used his powerful vajra (thunderbolt) to attack demons
who interfered with the process of creation, or threatened
life. A popular myth tells how Indra gained his supremacy
over the other gods. Once, Vritra (also known as Ahi,
the serpent of drought) swallowed the cosmic waters and
held back rains. Most gods ran away in fright, but Indra
pierced the serpent’s body with his vajra, allowing the
vital waters to flow once again. Indra was worshipped
as a provider of cattle and a deity who brought material
wealth and wellbeing. The warrior classes especially
grew to revere him because of his
many successes in battle.
His presence was usually
signalled by a rainbow
in the sky.SURYA
Also known as
Savitar (Giver of
Life), Surya, the sun
god, watched over the world by
day, and was said to bring light,
knowledge, and life itself to its inhabitants. He travelled
across the sky in a chariot with a single wheel, signifying
the cycle of the seasons. His charioteer, Aruna, the god
of the morning, shielded the world from Surya’s extreme
heat. A myth tells how Sanjana, a goddess who married
Surya, could not bear his brightness, so she turned
herself into a mare and hid in the forest. When Surya
found her, he changed into a stallion and fathered several
children with her. He agreed to reduce his brilliance, and(^98) the pair returned to their palace in the heavens.