A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1967

c5.1967

VĀMA-DEVA. 1. A Vedic Rishi, author of many hymns. In one of his hymns he represents himself as speaking before his birth, saying, “Let me not come forth by this path, for it is difficult (of issue) : let me come forth obliquely from the side.” Sāyana, the commentator, says in explanation, “The Rishi Vāma-deva, whilst yet in the womb, was reluctant to be born in the usual manner, and resolved to come into the world through his mother’s side. Aware of his purpose, the mother prayed to Aditi, who thereupon came with her son Indra to expostulate with the Rishi.” [This story accords with that told by the Buddhists of the birth of Buddha.] In the same hymn Vāma-deva says, “In extreme destitution I have cooked the entrails of a dog,” and Manu cites this to show that a man is not rendered impure even by eating the flesh of dogs for the preservation of his life. In another hymn he says, “As a hawk I came forth with speed ;” and a commentator explains, “Having assumed the form of a hawk, he came forth from the womb by the power of Yoga, for he is considered to have been endowed with divine knowlege from the period of his conception.” 2. A Vedic sage mentioned in the Mahā-bhārata as possessor of two horses of marvellous speed called Vāmyas. 3. A name of Siva ; also of one of the Rudras.