Vayu

Also known as Vata or Pavana, Vayu is the god of wind, air, breath, purity, vigor and the power of weather, considered the prana -the life-breath- of the world. He also acts as the messenger of the gods and is a dikpala, being the guardian of the north-west direction! Vayu is a close ally to Indra, king of the Devas, and is considered by the Bauddha to be a dharmapala, a dharma protector and a wrathful god. Meanwhile in Nihon Retto, Vayu goes by the name Futen.

Vayu is the source of breath, invigorating the body and necessary for survival. The atman (soul) itself is symbolized by wind and Vayu is also associated with divinity, fate, messengers, swiftness, auspiciousness, speed, cleansing, consciousness, spirit possession and ritual purity. He is especially fond of soma (a divine, mind-altering drink) and was the first god to partake of it. He even carries prayers and blessings between the gods and humans in exchange for soma! Otherwise, Vayu imparts good omens and signals the approach of monsoons. And as the god of purity and strength, he carries away impurities and evil from the mind and body and instills vigor in its place. Most of all, Vayu watches over the world in order to keep it pure. In fact, he is believed to be completely impervious to corruption and evil! But, if angered, he becomes intensely destructive, wielding ruthless winds and monsoons.

The Rgveda claims Vayu was born from the breath of Vishvapurusha, a supreme form of Vishnu, while other sources place him as the son of Vishnu and Lakshmi. However, he is most widely accepted as a Vasus, as a son of Aditiand Kashyapa. Vayu has three wives, one being a daughter of Tvashtr while the other two are Svasti and Bharati. He is the father of the hero Hanuman and goddess Bhima as well as the Asparas, celestial nymphs.

Vayu is depicted in flowing garments and is said to have exceptional beauty! Boisterous in nature, he is most often depicted riding his vahana, an antelope, deer or gazelle, or flying between the earth and sky atop his chariot. This chariot flies a white banner and is pulled by anywhere between two and one thousand purple and white horses! Vayu is a powerful and heroic destroyer, wielding the Vayavyastra--a thrown weapon or arrow which controls the wind. He might also wield a mace or an elephant goad.