अदिति
Aditi: Mother of the Devas and Symbol of Liberation
Aditi, one of the hundred daughters of Daksha, holds a revered position in Hindu mythology as the wife of the sage Kashyapa and the mother of the Devas (celestial beings). Due to this, the Devas are often referred to as Adityas, emphasizing their divine lineage from her. Aditi’s name means “unbinding” or “liberation,” signifying freedom from constraints, both in a spiritual and cosmic sense.
Family and Role
As the mother of the Devas, Aditi plays a pivotal role in maintaining cosmic order, standing in direct contrast to her sister Diti, who is the mother of the Asuras (demons). The sibling rivalry between Aditi and Diti underscores the eternal battle between the forces of good (Devas) and evil (Asuras). Aditi is also noted for possessing ear-rings of unsurpassed splendor, adding to her celestial stature.
The Curse of Diti
A critical event in Aditi’s story involves her jealousy toward Diti, her co-wife and sister. Once, Aditi incited her son Indra, the king of the Devas, to harm Diti. When Diti was pregnant with a child destined to become an Asura, Aditi provoked Indra to split the fetus into seven pieces, leading to Diti‘s immense grief. In retaliation, Diti cursed Aditi: “May seven sons be born to you, and may you suffer the grief of losing all seven.”
This curse played out in the life of Devaki, a reincarnation of Diti. Devaki, the sister of Kamsa, gave birth to seven children, all of whom were killed by Kamsa, fulfilling Diti’s curse. It was foretold that Devaki’s eighth child would be the slayer of Kamsa, and this child was none other than Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Aditi and the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu
Aditi is also known as the mother of the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf incarnation that liberated the Devas from the oppression of the demon king Bali. Through Aditi’s prayers and devotion, Vishnu took birth as Vamana to restore cosmic balance by subduing Bali and returning authority to the Devas.
Key Aspects of Aditi’s Story
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Relation to the Devas | Mother of the Devas (Adityas), celestial beings. |
| Jealousy toward Diti | Incited her son Indra to split Diti’s fetus into seven. |
| Curse from Diti | Cursed to lose seven sons, fulfilled in Devaki‘s life. |
| Mother of Vishnu’s Avatar | Aditi gave birth to Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. |
| Symbolism | Represents liberation and unbinding from cosmic constraints. |
Significance of Aditi
Aditi is a symbol of maternal care, divine protection, and the cosmic force of liberation. Her role as the mother of the Devas places her at the heart of celestial affairs, and her nurturing power is highlighted in her association with the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu. The tension between Aditi and Diti symbolizes the ongoing battle between light and darkness, where Aditi represents the forces of righteousness, while Diti represents the darker forces of the universe.
Her story also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of curses and blessings in Hindu mythology, with her actions toward Diti leading to the eventual reincarnation of her sister as Devaki and the loss of her seven sons. Despite this, Aditi remains a powerful figure of devotion and virtue, playing an integral part in the preservation of dharma (cosmic law and order).