A Who's Who of World Mythology : Aditi


In Hindu myth, Aditi is the personification of nature and a guardian goddess, bringing prosperity and freedom from obstacles. She is the mother of the gods from whom all things sprang. Her son Daksha was later considered her father while her husband Vishnu also appeared as her son when he was incarnated as a dwarf. According to the Rg Veda, her husband is Kasyapa or Brahma. As a Sun goddess, she was mother to the Solar Adityas, the gods representing the months of the years. In Vedic times they numbered six, increasing to twelve later. They include Ansa, Aryaman, Bhaga, Daksha, Dhatri, Indra, Mitra, Ravi, Savitri, Surya, Varuna, and Yama. Other sons are Hari and Indra the rain god.