A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2023

c5.2023

VĀYU. ‘Air, wind.’ The god of the wind, Eolus. In the Vedas he is often associated with Indra, and rides in the same car with him, Indra being the charioteer. The chariot has a framework of gold which touches the sky, and is drawn by a thousand horses. There are not many hymns addressed to him. According to the Nirukta there are three gods specially connected with each other. “Agni, whose place is on earth; Vāyu or Indra, whose place is in the air; and Sūrya, whose place is in the heaven.” In the hymn Purusha-sūkta Vāyu is said to have sprung from the breath of Purusha, and in another hymn he is called the son-in-law of Twashtri. He is regent of the north-west quarter, where he dwells.