Dyaus

Sky, Sea & Day

Also known as Dyauspitr the Sky Father, Dyaus is the god of the sky, whether that of the night, day or above the sea! Dyaus embodies the sky, acting as the abode of the Devas if not the gateway to Svarga (heaven). He represents not just the, bright blue sky but also gray, overcast skies and rain, believed to possess wide vision or omniscience. A union between heaven and earth is exemplified by his marraige to Prithvi or Prithvi Mata, Mother Earth, Dyaus fertilizing the soil through rain which incites Prithvi's plants to sprout. And as a sky god, Dyaus is associated with light, brightness and sovereignty--acting as king of the gods before Indra was born! While not widely accepted, in some legends Dyaus and Prithvi sired the core pantheon, including Agni, Surya, Indra, the Maruts and other Adityas. But most Sanatanis place Dyaus as an Adityas and a brother to the Vasus, a son of Kashyapa and Aditi. His own daughters are Ushas and Nisha, goddesses of dawn and night. Dyaus is usually depicted as a roaring animal, either a virile bull or a black stallion. His black mouth is embellished with pearls, his smile resembling the night sky!