The Arctic Home in the Vedas c13.4.2

c13.4.2

and whatever theory we may adopt to explain the character of the Ashvins on a physical basis, we cannot lose sight of the fact that they are matutinal deities, bringing on the dawn or the light of the morning along with them. The two epithets which are peculiar to Indra, *viz.* *Vṛitrahan*, and *Shata-kratu* are applied to them (*Vṛitrahantamâ*, VIII, 8, 22; *Shata-kratû*, I, 112, 23); and in I, 182, 2, they are expressly said to possess strongly the qualities of Indra (*Indra-tamâ*), and of the Maruts (*Marut-tamâ*) the associates of Indra in his struggle with Vṛitra. Nay, they are said to have protected Indra in his achievements against Namuchi in X, 131, 4. This leaves no doubt about their share in the Vṛitra-fight; and equally clear is their connection with the waters of the ocean. In I, 46, 2, they are called *sindhu-mâtarâ*, or having the ocean for their mother, and their car is described as turning up from the ocean in IV, 43, 5; while in I, 112, 13, the Ashvins in their car are said to go round the sun in the distant region (*parâvati*). We also read that the Ashvins moved the most sweet *sindhu* or ocean, evidently meaning that they made the waters of the ocean flow forward (I, 112, 9); and they are said to have made Rasâ, a celestial river, swell full with water-floods, urging to victory the car without the horse (I, 112, 12). They are also the protectors of the great Atithigva and Divo-dâsa against Shambara;