A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1377

c5.1377

PRAJĀ-PATI. ‘Lord of creatures,’ a progenitor, creator. In the Veda the term is applied to Indra, Savitri, Soma, Hiranya-garbha, and other deities. In Manu the term is applied to Brahmā as the active creator and supporter of the universe; so Brahmā is the Prajā-pati. It is also given to Manu Svāyambhuva himself, as the son of Brahmā and as the secondary creator of the ten Rishis, or “mind-born sons” of Brahmā, from whom mankind has descended. It is to these ten sages, as fathers of the human race, that the name Prajā-pati most commonly is given. They are Marīchi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasishtha, Prachetas or Daksha, Bhrigu, and Nārada. According to some authorities the Prajā-patis are only seven in number, being identical with the seven great Rishis. (See Rishi.) The number and names of the Prajā-patis vary in different authorities: the Mahā-bhārata makes twenty-one.