Adityas

Adityas generally considered as 12 in number are sons of Aditi and Kashyapa Prajapati.

In the Vedic corpus, Aditi is equated to Moola Prakriti, the primordial nature from which the whole universe evolved.

Being her sons, the Adityas stand for the primordial forces of nature.

As their father, the role of Kashyapa was to bring the Adityas into existence out of Aditi.

What do the Adityas stand for?

1. Indra - administrative power, courage, and valor.
2. Dhata - creative power.
3. Parjanya - water distribution through evaporation of sea water and rains.
4. Pusha - the nourisher, makes food through photosynthesis.
5. Tvashta - controls hereditary characteristics.
6. Aryama - Causes evolution and development, governs honor and nobility.
7. Bhaga - confers prosperity and abundance, governs inheritance.
8. Vivasvan - energy in fire, governs dharma and morality.
9. Amshu - energy in the moonlight, connected to reproduction and growth of plants, he ensures the share of Devas in yajnas.
10. Vishnu - maintenance of order.
11. Varuna - energy in water, governs divine order, punisher of the evil.
12. Mitra - Emotions of compassion and friendliness, governs all interpersonal relationships.

There are different versions about the number and names of Adityas across Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures.

They should be looked upon as complementing each other.

In some cases, several functions are kept together under one name.

In some cases, synonyms have been used.

Knowledge Bank

Where did Lord Venkateswra get married?

Lord Venkateswra got married at Narayanavanam which is at a distance of 38 km from Tirupati. This used to be the capital of Akasaraju, father of Padmavathy Devi.

Maharishi Markandeya: The Power of Devotion and Eternal Life

Markandeya was born to Sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati after many years of penance. However, he was destined to live only for 16 years. On the day of his 16th birthday, Yama, the god of death, came to take his soul. Markandeya, a devout worshiper of Lord Shiva, clung to a Shiva Lingam and prayed fervently. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed him with eternal life, defeating Yama in the process. This story highlights the power of devotion and the grace of Lord Shiva.