Page:Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic.djvu/89



Another of the storm-gods is Vāyu, the god of the winds. He is often associated with Indra, and is regarded, equally with him, as representing or ruling over the atmosphere. He won the race for the first draught of the Soma juice; and, at Indra's request, allowed him to have a quarter of it. He does not occupy a very prominent position in the Vedic hymns. In one passage we read. “The two worlds (heaven and earth) generated him for wealth.” This may be intended to teach his parentage : and Dr. Muir says that he is not aware of any other passage where his parentage is declared. He is said to be the

son-in-law of Tvastri (Visvakarma); but here a difficulty occurs : only one daughter of Tvastri is mentioned, and, as was noticed in the account of Surya, he was said to be husband of this girl.

Vāyu is described as being most handsome in form ; one who moves noisily in a shining car, drawn by a pair of red or purple horses. At times the number of horses is