Vayu
God of Wind & Breath
The Wind God and lord of breath (prana). Father of Hanuman and Bhima, two of the mightiest heroes in Hindu tradition.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: వాయుదేవుడు
- Also known as: Pavana, Marut, Anila, Prana Devata
- Vehicle (vahana): Antelope (Mriga)
- Symbols: Wind, White banner, Breath of life
Story
Vayu Deva is the breath of the universe. Without him, no creature can live; without his movement, no cloud brings rain. He is one of the Pancha Bhutas (five great elements) that form everything in creation. His most famous act of love was blessing Anjana Devi with a son, Hanuman, who inherited his father's incredible speed and strength. In the Mahabharatam, Vayu also blessed Kunti Devi with the mighty Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas, who could uproot trees and fight a thousand warriors alone. In the Vedas, Vayu is celebrated as the first deva to receive Soma rasa at yagnas, because prana (breath) is the most immediate need of all living beings. Telugu families encounter Vayu's importance during pranayama, the breathing practices taught alongside yoga. Many Telugu grandparents teach children that when you feel the cool breeze at dawn, that is Vayu Deva's blessing. During homas and yagnas in Telugu temples, the sacred fire is fanned gently, honoring Vayu's role in carrying offerings to the devas. His presence is subtle but essential, like the air we breathe without thinking.
Fun fact
Vayu once tried to blow away the top of Mount Meru to prove his strength. Garuda shielded the mountain with his wings for an entire year, but when Garuda left briefly, Vayu blew the peak off and it became the island of Sri Lanka.