Vedic Mythology c5.s2.t6.8

c5.s2.t6.8

with thunder he comes shedding rain-water as our divine (*asura*) father (5, 833. 6). He is besought for rains (7, 101⁵) and is implored to withhold rain after shedding it (5, 83¹⁰). It is, however, implied that the action of Parjanya, as well as of the Maruts, in shedding rain is subordinate to that of Mitra and Varuṇa (5, 63³⁻⁶). He is several times said to thunder (5, 83). Thundering he strikes down trees, demons, evil-doers; the whole world is terrified at his mighty weapon (5, 83²). He and Vāta are the wielders of mighty thunder (10, 66¹⁰). Parjanya is also associated with lightning, though less frequently than with thunder. The winds blow forth, the lightnings fall, when Parjanya quickens the earth with his seed (5, 83⁴). Parjanya thunders with lightning in the (aerial) ocean (AV. 19, 30⁴). He also appears to be meant, in a hymn of the RV. to the Viśvedevas, by the god who thunders and roars, rich in clouds and water, who with lightning excites the two worlds, besprinkling them (5, 42¹⁴).