A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1434

c5.1434

PŪSHAN. A deity frequently mentioned in the Vedas, but he is not of a distinctly defined character. Many hymns are addressed to him. The word comes from the root *push*, and the primary idea is that of “nourisher” or Providence. So the Taittirīya Brahmana says, “When Prajāpati formed living creatures Pūshan nourished them.” The account given in Böh-tlingk and Roth’s Dictionary, and adopted by Dr. Muir, is as follows :—“Pūshan is a protector and multiplier of cattle and of human possessions in general. As a cowherd he carries an ox-goad, and he is drawn by goats. In the character of a Solar deity, he beholds the entire universe, and is a guide on roads and journeys and to the other world. He is called the lover of his sister Sūryā. He aids in the revolution of day and night, and shares with Soma the guardianship of living creatures. He is invoked along with the most various deities, but most frequently with Indra and Bhaga.” He is a patron of conjurors, especially of those who discover stolen goods, and he is connected with the marriage ceremonial, being besought to take the bride’s hand and bless her. (See Muir’s Texts, v. 171.) In the Nirukta, and in works of later date, Pūshan is identified with the sun. He is also called the brother of Indra, and is enumerated among the twelve Ādityas. Pūshan is toothless, and feeds upon a kind of gruel, and the cooked oblations offered to him are of ground materials, hence he is called Karambhād. The cause of his being toothless is variously explained. According to the Taittirīya Sanhitā, the deity Rudra, being excluded from a certain sacrifice, shot an arrow at the offering and pierced it. A portion of this sacrifice was presented to Pūshan, and it broke his teeth. In the Mahā-bhārata and in the Purāṇas the legend takes a more definite shape. “Rudra (Siva), of dreadful power, ran up to the gods present at Daksha’s sacrifice, and in his rage knocked out the eyes of Bhaga with a blow, and, incensed, assaulted Pūshan with his foot, and knocked out his teeth as he was eating the purodasa offering.” In the Purāṇas it is not Siva himself, but his manifestation the Rudras, who disturbed the sacrifice of the gods and knocked Pūshan’s teeth down his throat. Pūshan is called Āghrini, ‘splendid ;’ Dasra, Dasma, and Dasma-varchas, ‘of wonderful appearance or power,’ and Kapardin (q.v.).