Vedic Mythology c5.s2.t5.13

c5.s2.t5.13

When not associated with Indra, the Maruts occasionally exhibit malevolent traits. They then to some extent participate in the maleficent nature of their father Rudra. They are implored to ward off the lightning from their worshippers nor to let their ill-will reach them (7, 56⁹), and are besought to avert their arrow and the stone which they hurl (1, 172²), their lightning (7, 57⁴), and their cow- and man-slaying bolt (7, 56¹⁷). Evil can come from them (1, 39⁸), their anger is deprecated (1, 171¹; 7, 58⁵), and they are said to have the wrath of the serpent (1, 64⁸.⁹). But like their father Rudra, the Maruts are supplicated to bring healing remedies, which abide in the Sindhu, the Asiknī, the seas, and mountains (8, 20²³⁻⁶), and once they are associated with Rudra in the possession of pure, salutary, and beneficent remedies (2, 33¹³). The remedies appear to be the waters, for the Maruts bestow medicine by raining (5, 53¹⁴). Like Agni, they are several times also said to be pure or purifying, *pāvaka* (7, 56¹² &c.).