काश्यप
The Story of Kashyapa
In the ancient Hindu mythology, Kashyapa is a manasaputra (wish-born-son) of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. However, according to the Ramayana, Kashyapa is the grandson of Lord Brahma, being the son of Marichi, a wish-born son of Lord Brahma.
The Wives of Kashyapa
Kashyapa had many wives, most of whom were the daughters of Daksha prajapathi, a great sage and the son of Lord Brahma. His wives were:
- Aditi: The mother of the Devas, the gods of the Hindu pantheon.
- Diti: The mother of the Asuras, the demons of the Hindu mythology.
- Arishta: The mother of the Gandharvas, the celestial musicians and singers.
- Kadru: The mother of the Nagas (snakes), a group of serpent-like beings.
- Vinata: The mother of Varuna, the god of the sky and the sea, and Garuda, the bird-like deity.
- Danu: The mother of the Danavas, a group of demons who are generally considered part of the Asuras.
- Kalaka: The mother of the monster Kalkanja, a fearsome creature.
- Khasa: The mother of the Yakshas, a group of nature spirits.
- Krodhavasa: The mother of the Pishachas, a group of flesh-eating monsters.
- Muni: The mother of Maumeya, a sage.
- Puloma: The mother of the monster Pauloma, a fearsome creature.
- Somathi: The mother of Sumathi, who married Sagara, the sea.
- Syeni: The mother of Jatayu, a great bird.
- Unmathi: The mother of Sampati, a great bird.
- Surabhi: The mother of the Rudras, a group of gods.
- Rohini: The mother of the cattle.
The Sons of Kashyapa
Kashyapa also had several sons, including:
- Vali: A monkey king who was the son of Kashyapa and the wife Sunda.
- Sugreeva: A monkey king who was the son of Kashyapa and the wife Sunda.
- Jatayu: A great bird who was the son of Kashyapa and the wife Syeni.
- Sampati: A great bird who was the son of Kashyapa and the wife Unmathi.
The Significance of Kashyapa’s Story
Kashyapa’s story is significant in Hindu mythology, as he is the father of many gods, goddesses, and other beings. His wives and children are all important figures in the Hindu pantheon, and their stories are an integral part of Hindu mythology.
The Connection to Hindu Mythology
Kashyapa’s story is connected to the Hindu mythology of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, where he is mentioned as a great sage and the father of many gods and goddesses. His story is a testament to the power and creativity of the Hindu gods, and the importance of family and relationships in Hindu mythology.
The Symbolism of Kashyapa’s Story
Kashyapa’s story is rich in symbolism, representing the importance of family, relationships, and the power of the gods. His many wives and children represent the diversity and complexity of the Hindu pantheon, and the importance of understanding and respecting the different roles and responsibilities of the gods and goddesses.