Vayu Deva, the revered deity of wind in Vedic and Hindu traditions, holds a significant place in mythology. Often depicted as the father of Bhima and a spiritual father to Lord Hanuman, Vayu Deva embodies the essence of air and commands the north-west direction. Described as a powerful yet temperamental figure, he finds mention as the King of Gandharva, residing amidst the foothills of Mount Meru. His influence extends over the winds and the natural world, earning daily reverence from worshippers across the Hindu faith.

Iconography of Vayu Deva

Lord Vayu is shown wearing a crown and has four arms. He rides on an antelope, which is his vehicle. In his top two hands, he carries weapons like a lance and a strong goad. His bottom two hands make gestures of protection and granting gifts. He also possesses a wind weapon called the Vayvayastra.

Nomenclature of Vayu Deva

Lord Vayu is connected with three divine groups: Surya, Vayu, and Agni. He’s known by different names that carry special meanings. For instance, “Vata” means blown, “Pavana” means purifier, and “Prana” refers to someone who gives breath to others. Additional names for Vayu include Maruta, Anila, Gandhavana, Jalakantara, Sadagata, Pavan, Vyan, and more.

Vayu Deva in Hindu Mythology

In ancient Vedic times, Vayu was a key deity in the Hindu Triads. While his prominence waned in later eras, he’s still beloved among Hindus. He shared power with Lord Indra, his trusted companion in the Rig Veda. Vayu’s origin from Purusha’s breath and his link to Twashrti are highlighted in the Purusha Suktam.

Lord Vayu is connected with qualities like deep thinking and a quick mind. He’s known as the ruler of the North West direction and a guardian of people. He’s also the leader of the Gandharvas and lives in a place called Gandhavati. According to stories, he’s married to the daughter of Lord Vishwakarma, who’s a celestial architect. He’s in charge of the mountain spirits living near the mythical mountain Meru from ancient tales.

Scriptures tell of Vayu’s reincarnation as Rishi Vasistha, a result of a curse alongside Agni by Lord Indra. He’s also recognized as the father of Bhima in the Mahabharata and the esteemed father of Lord Hanumana. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad hails Vayu as a supreme deity, embodying the essential breath of life.

Vayu Purana

The Vayu Purana is a special text in the Puranas series. It’s all about the God of wind, Vayu. This text is dedicated to Vayu and contains around 24,000 hymns and slokas that praise him. Inside, it discusses how the universe was made and remade, how time is measured, and where gods like Agni and Varuna came from.

Benefits of Honoring Vayu

Vayu, the God of breath, holds a special place. When people pray to him, they can free themselves from negative urges and elevate their minds to deeper truths and awareness. Managing our breath helps calm our minds, concentrate better, and achieve self-improvement. Vayu’s role in keeping us alive is crucial; his blessings are essential for our survival.