Vedic Mythology c5.s2.t5.5

c5.s2.t5.5

They are particularly often associated with lightning, *vidyut* (5, 54²· 3· ¹¹; 1, 64⁵). The lightnings smile down on earth when the Maruts shed their ghee (1, 168⁸, cp. 5, 52⁶). The lightning lows like a cow, as a mother following her calf, when they shed their rain (1, 38⁸). They are like lightnings shining with rain (7, 56¹³). Lightning is so characteristic of them that all the five compounds of *vidyut* in the RV. are connected with the Maruts and, excepting a single instance, with them only. They hold lightnings in their hands (8, 7²⁵; 5, 54¹¹), they delight in lightnings and cast a stone (5, 54³). Their lances (*ṛṣṭi*) are often mentioned, and that these represent the lightning is shown by their epithet *ṛṣṭividyut*, ‘lightning-speared’ (1, 168⁵; 5, 52¹³). Less frequently they are spoken of as having axes (1, 37². 88³; 5, 33⁴. 57²; 8, 20⁴), which are golden (8, 7³²). Once (ibid.) they are said to bear the bolt (*vajra*), Indra’s peculiar weapon, in their hands. Sometimes they are said to be armed with bows and arrows (5, 53⁴. 57²; 8, 20⁴. ¹²), once being termed archers shooting an arrow; but as this trait is rare in the numerous hymns addressed to them, it may be borrowed from their father Rudra. The Maruts are decorated with garlands and other ornaments (5, 53⁴). They wear golden mantles (5, 55⁶). Like rich wooers they deck their bodies with golden ornaments (5, 60⁴). Armlets or anklets (*khādi*) are an ornament peculiar to them. With these they shine like the sky with stars and glitter like showers from the clouds (2, 34²). One verse describes their appearance more fully than usual. They have spears on their shoulders, anklets on their feet, golden ornaments on their breasts, fiery lightnings in their hands, golden helmets upon their heads (5, 54¹¹).