Dhata

In Hinduism, Dhata or Dhatri is the name of the solar deity, one of the Adityas.[1][2][3] He is also a god of health and magic. He is invoked in tantra by drawing tantras and chanting Vedic hymns. Often invoked during major yagnas such as Ashwamedha yagna.

Not to be confused with Dharti.

Dhata is evidenced as an Aditya in both Hindu epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.[4] He is described to fought Arjuna and Krishna in burning of Khandava Forest episode in the epic Mahabharata.[2] The Bhagavata Purana also mentions Dhata as the seventh son of Aditi and Kashyapa. In this text, he has four wives — Kuhu, Sinivali, Raka, and Anumati — who gave birth to his sons — Sayam, Darsha, Pratar and Purnamasa respectively.[5] In the Agni Purana, he is associated with the zodiac of Cancer and the colour yellow.[6]

Notes
  1. John Muir. Original Sanskrit Texts on the Origin and History of the People of India, Their Religion and Institutions, Volume 2. p. 106.
  2. Mani p. 232
  3. Lochtefeld, James G. (2001l). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 1. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8.
  4. Mani p. 265
  5. Bhagavata Purana, Book 6 - Sixth Skandha, Chapter 18
  6. Mani p. 265

References


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