The Divine · The Presiding Deities
The Presiding Deities
The keepers of the twenty seven nakshatras
Each of the twenty seven nakshatras is kept by a presiding deity of the Vedic tradition, and the character of that deity colors the mansion it watches over. These are living religious figures for many guests, and every leaf speaks of its keeper with respect.
The Ashvins twin horsemen, physicians of the gods Yama lord of dharma and the departed Agni god of fire and the sacrificial flame Prajapati lord of creatures, the creator Soma god of the sacred draught and the moon Rudra the howling storm god, fierce and healing Aditi boundless mother of the gods Brihaspati priest and preceptor of the gods The Nagas the serpent deities The Pitris the honored ancestors Bhaga god of fortune and apportioned wealth Aryaman god of hospitality, custom and noble alliance Savitar the impelling sun, the golden-handed stimulator Tvashtar the divine artificer Vayu god of wind and breath Indra and Agni joint lords of power and fire Mitra god of friendship, contracts and alliances Indra king of the gods, wielder of the thunderbolt Nirriti goddess of dissolution and undoing Apas the divine waters The Vishvedevas the all-gods, the assembled deities Vishnu the pervader and preserver The Vasus the eight gods of the elements and dwelling Varuna guardian of cosmic order and the waters Aja Ekapada the one-footed goat, deity of the storm pillar Ahirbudhnya the serpent of the deep Pushan god of paths, herds and safe travel
Living religious figures for many guests; every leaf speaks of its keeper with respect.