Ushas; Goddess of Dawn

The Hindu religion is very complex with all of their Gods and Goddess; as well as with its large terms for different things and their practices. The Hindu religion is the oldest religion in India; but recognizes that other religions are equally as suitable. When people look for what gods they wish to write a paper on or just look more into; many pick the main Gods, such as Dyaus Pitr (shining father) and Aditi (mother of the gods). My goal was to look for a god that intrigued me and made me more curious about the religion and the part he or she has in it. That being I chose one the “few goddess and one of the important” gods of the Vedic Pantheon, Ushas; Goddess of Dawn. Ushas is said to be the daughter of the sky and sister of the night. It is said that each morning, this beautiful maiden (Ushas) appears, riding in a chariot pulled by cows. The sun, is said to have been struck by her beauty, and falls madly in love with her as he chases her across the sky. As she passes, she spreads her love and light across the sky; bringing in a new day for mankind. As she passes above the birds they start to sing in praise. She drives off the dark and creatures of the night and prepares us for the light filled day we have ahead. She does this every morning, tirelessly bringing light and life to mankind. According to the myths Ushas is portrayed as an shy woman that is conscious of her beauty, but is still extremely modest There are multiple hymns that are dedicated to Ushas; for example,
“Book 1:hymn 48
Dawn on us with prosperity O Ushas, Daughter of the Sky.
Dawn with great glory, Lady of the Light.
Dawn Thou with riches bounteous One.
They, bringing steed and kine, boon givers of all wealth have oft sped forth to lighten us.
O Ushas, waken up for me the sounds of joy, send us the riches of the great.
Ushas hath dawned and now shall Dawn the Goddess, driver forth of chariots,
Which as She cometh nigh, have fixed their thought on Her, like glory -seekers on the flood.
Here Kanva, chief of Kanva's race sings forth aloud the glories of the Heroes' names.
The princeswho, O Ushas as Thou comest near, turn their thoughts to liberal gifts.
Like a goodly mother, Ushas comes carefully tending all things.
Rousing all life She stirs all creatures and makes the birds of the air fly up.
To meet Her glance all living creatures bend them down. Excellent One , She makes the Light. Ushas, Daughter of the Sky, the Opulent, repels foes and enemies away.
Shine on us with Thy radiant light, O Ushas , Daughter of the Sky.
Bringing to us great store of felicity and beaming, shining on our solemn rites.
For in Thee is each living creature's breath and life, when, excellent One, Thou drawest forth. Borne on Thy lofty chariot, O lady of the Light, Thou of wondrous wealth , hear our call.
O Ushas, win Thyself the strength which among men is wonderful.
Bring Thou thereby the pious unto holy rites, those who as priests sing praise to Thee.
Bring from the firmament, O Ushas, all the Gods that They may drink our soma juice.
And bring what Thou art, vouchsafe us kine and steeds, and strength full praiseworthy and Heroes might.
May Ushas, whose auspicious rays are seen resplendent all around.
Grant us great riches, fair of form, of all good things which labour may attain.
Ushas as Thou with Light today hast opened the twin doors of Heaven, so grant Thou us a dwelling wide and free from foes . O Goddess grant us food and kine.
Hymn92;verse8..
O Thou who shinest forth on wondrous glory, urged onward by Thy Strength, auspicious Lady.
Dawn, may I gain that wealth, renowned and ample in brave sons and in servants and be far-famed for horses.
Bending Her looks on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely spreading with Her bright eye Westwards.
Waking to motion every living creature, She understands the voice of each adorer.
She hath appeared discovering Heaven's borders, to the far distance She drives off Her sister.
Diminishing the days of human creatures, the Lady shines with all Her lover's splendour.
As we can see, the Goddess, contrary perhaps to the assertion of MacKenzie and others that Ushas is merely a poetical creation, has real powers for granting both life and wealth in the form of horses and cattle.
She creates Light and the power also to instil breath and life into all living things and further, to bring all manner of people priests and princes to dwell on spiritual matters and religious sacrifice.
Hymn 48;verse14..
Mighty One, whom the Rishees of olden times invoked for their protection and their help.
O Ushas graciously answer our songs of praise with bounty and brilliant Light.
Hymn 92; verses7, 10, 11...
The Gotama'shave praised Heaven's radiant Daughter, foremost in the charm of pleasant voices. Dawn Thou conferest on us strength with offspring and men conspicuous with kine and horses.
Ancient of days, again and again born newly, decking Her beauty with the selfsame raiment. The Goddess yet wastes away the life of mortals like a skilled hunter.”
Each of the different hymns praises Ushas in different but similar ways. They all praise her beauty and strength. They ask that she gives them strength, and light. The only one that I consider not praise worthy would be hymn 92; verses 7, 10, and 11 because if you look it states that she, “wastes away the life of mortals like a skilled hunter”. To me this means she is killing off humans as if they are deer. What I love most about Ushas is how free she is. From what I know about the Hindu religion, I know that women are not highly thought of. Kind of like how it is in America, women are still not considered equal to men. No matter what laws have been placed we are still considered inferior. Men expect their women to be extremely respectful, speak only when spoken to, and to remain in the kitchen. Basically do whatever her husband, father, or brother wish her to do. Ushas is like a free spirit, yet she does the same thing all the time but when she looks down she doesn’t see the same thing every day. Every time the sun chases her, she sees something different and beautiful in our small little world. I think that most women can look up to her and see her as a guide to freedom and in viewing the world different ways; even if you are doing the same thing every day.

Works Cited

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