Page:Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic.djvu/69

 SUN OR LIGHT DEITIES— THE ASVINS. 45

others that they are day and night ; others, again, that they are the sun and moon. Professor Roth says, They hold a perfectly distinct position in the entire body of the Vedic deities of light. They are the earliest bringers of light in the morning sky, who hasten on in the clouds before the Dawn and prepare the way for her. ' '* In some hymns they are said to be sons of the sun {vide Surya); in others are called children of the sky; in others again as the offspring of the ocean. They seem to represent the transition from night to morning — night when it is passing into day.

The Asvins are said to have had Surya, the daughter of Savitri, as their common wife. She chose them, as her life was lonely. Her father had intended her to marry Soma; but, as the gods were anxious to obtain so beautiful a bride, it was agreed that they should run a race, Surya being the prize of the winner. The Asvins were successful, and she ascended their chariot. f In another passage Soma is said to have been her hus- band ; the Asvins being friends of the bridgeroom. The Asvins are regarded as the physicians of the gods and are declared to be able to restore to health the blind, the sick, the lame, and the emaciated amongst mortals.. They are the special guardians of the slow and backward;, the devoted friends of elderly women who are unmarried. They are said to preside over love and marriage, and are implored to bring together hearts that love. %

A number of legends are found illustrating the power of the Asvins in healing the sick and assisting those in trouble, from which we learn that they could restore youth and vigour to the aged and decrepit ; they re?'


 * Muir, O. S. T., v. 235.

t Muir, O. S. T.. v. 236. % Ibid., v. 234.