A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.408

c5.408

DAKSHA. ‘Able, competent, intelligent.’ This name generally carries with it the idea of a creative power. Daksha is a son of Brahmā; he is one of the Prajāpatis, and is sometimes regarded as their chief. There is a great deal of doubt and confusion about him, which of old the sage Parāsara could only account for by saying that “in every age Daksha and the rest are born and are again destroyed.” In the Rig-veda it is said that “Daksha sprang from Aditi, and Aditi from Daksha.” Upon this marvellous mutual generation Yāska in the Nirukta remarks, “How can this be possible? They may have had the same origin; or, according to the nature of the gods, they may have been born from each other, and have derived their substance from each other.” Roth’s view is that Aditi is eternity, and that Daksha (spiritual power) is the male energy which generates the gods in eternity. In the Satapatha Brāhmana, Daksha is identified with Prajāpati, the creator. As son of Aditi, he is one of the Ādityas, and he is also reckoned among the Viswadevas.