[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.498 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.498 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.498 - **Language:** English ### [c5.498](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.498) DHĀTRI. ‘Maker, creator.’ In the later hymns of the Rig-veda, Dhātri is a deity of no very defined powers and functions, but he is described as operating in the production of life and the preservation of health. He promotes generation, brings about matrimony, presides over domestic life, cures diseases, heals broken bones, &c. He is said to “have formed the sun, moon, sky, earth, air, and heaven as before.” He appears also as one of the Ādityas, and this character he still retains. In the later mythology he is identified with Prajāpati or Brahmā the creator; and in this sense of “maker” the term is used as an epithet of Vishnu and Krishna. Sometimes he is a son of Brahmā. - [Previous: c5.497](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.497) - [Next: c5.499](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.499) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Cites (1) - [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.498](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.498) · Pramāṇa