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Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c33.s6: Vāyu

Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c33.s6

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Vāyu

v4.c33.s6.1

Vāyu is also a Vēdic, elemental deity. His place is in the air. He is said to have Indra as his charioteer or his companion in his chariot; however, he does not occupy any very prominent place in the Vēdas. He is called the son-in-law of Tvaṣṭṛi and is reputed to be handsome looking in appearance. Maruts or winds are not associated somehow with Vāyu, though in one instance he is said to have given birth to them by the rivers of heaven.

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In the later mythology he is assigned the guardianship of the north-west region of the universe. He is said, in the Mahābhārata, to be the father of Bhīma; as also of Hanumān. The Mādhvas believe that their Āchārya, Ānandatīrtha, is an incarnation of Vāyu.

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Vāyu should be a youthful person of powerful constitution, of black colour and possessing two or four arms. His eyes must be of red colour and his garments, white. He should have a wavy-curved brow and be adorned with all ornaments. In his right hand it is stated, there should be a dhvaja (banner) and in the left a daṇḍa. It might also mean that the right hand should be held in the

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*patāka-hasta* pose. Some authorities prescribe the *aṅkuśa* in the right hand of this deity. His hair should be dishevelled and he may be seated either on a *siṃhāsana* or on a deer; the latter is more often me with in sculptures as the vehicle of Vāyu. He should also appear to be in a haste to move very quickly. The *Viṣṇudharmōttara* states that the colour both of the body and of the garment of Vāyu should be sky-blue and that he should carry in his hands the *chakra* and a *dhvaja*. Vāyu should have his mouth open. To his left should be seated his consort.

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