The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c9.63

c9.63

The standard interpretation of this god is again as a sun-god. This is well supported by some higher mythic traits in which this god is not altogether wanting. He is lord of all things that stand or move; almost the same words describe Sūrya (Helios). He also is the lover or husband of the Sun-Maiden Sūryā, that arch-flirt who carries on affairs with the male Sūrya, the Açvins, and Soma. He alone has the very ancient epithet *āghṛṇi* "glowing." This fits the sun, and besides hardly any other article than fire. Now fire Pūshan is not. To consider him, under these circumstances, a mere "god Prospero," or an abstract "Lord of the Paths," is a good deal like begging the question. Contrariwise his abilities as path-finder, cattle god, and restorer of lost things point to an overseeing heavenly body, particularly if we may trust another Lithuanian folk-song (*daina*) which I may be permitted to quote: