आदित्य
The Adityas are the eight sons of Aditi and sage Kashyapa in Hindu mythology. According to the Rig Veda (R.V. 2.27), the Adityas are: Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Varuna, Daksha, Amsha, and Martanda. Varuna is considered their chief. These deities are associated with cosmic and social order, and their roles often involve maintaining balance in the universe. Some sources also include Indra among the Adityas, suggesting variations in their enumeration across texts.
The Adityas and Their Roles:
| Aditya | Role/Significance |
|---|---|
| Mitra | Associated with friendship and contracts |
| Aryaman | Protector of nobility, social order, and marriage |
| Bhaga | God of wealth and prosperity |
| Varuna | Chief of the Adityas, associated with cosmic order and water |
| Daksha | Associated with rituals and creative power |
| Amsha | Giver of shares, associated with prosperity |
| Martanda | Often linked with the Sun, though sometimes also connected with death and rebirth |
| Indra (sometimes included) | King of the gods, associated with thunder and rain |
Connection to Other Entities and Myths:
- Aditi, their mother, is regarded as the personification of infinity and the mother of the Devas.
- Varuna, the chief of the Adityas, is also closely connected with Rita, the principle of cosmic order, often enforcing moral law among gods and humans.
- The Adityas play a significant role in the maintenance of cosmic balance, ensuring the smooth functioning of natural and social orders. Indra, though primarily known as the king of the gods and a thunder deity, is sometimes considered an Aditya due to his divine lineage and association with cosmic authority.
Role in the Vedic Tradition:
The Adityas are invoked in many Vedic hymns as protectors of righteousness, associated with the maintenance of Rita (the cosmic order). Their influence over various aspects of life and nature reflects their importance in ensuring prosperity, justice, and harmony in the universe.