A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1869

c5.1869

TRITA, TRITA ĀPTYA. A minor deity mentioned occasionally in the Rig-veda, and generally in some relation to Indra. Thus “Indra broke through the defences of Vala, as did Trita through the coverings (of the well).” In explanation of this and similar allusions, a legend is told by the commentator to the effect, that Ekata, Dwita, and Trita (first, second, and third), were three men produced in water by Agni, for the purpose of rubbing off the remains of an oblation of clarified butter. Agni threw the cinders of the offerings into water, and from them sprang the three brothers, who, from their origin in water (āp), were called Āptyas. Trita went one day to draw water from a well and fell into it. The Asuras then heaped coverings over the mouth of it to prevent his getting out, but he broke through them with ease. The Nīti-manjarī tells the story differently. Ekata, Dwita, and Trita were travelling in a desert and suffered from thirst. They came to a well from which Trita drew water and gave it to his brothers. In order to appropriate his property the two brothers threw him into the well, placed a cart-wheel over it, and there left him. Trita prayed earnestly to the gods, and with their help he escaped.