Maruts

The Maruts are a group of storm deities in Vedic literature, best known as the retinue of Indra and as personifications of the swift, violent winds. The term marut means “wind” or “storm,” and the Maruts appear chiefly in the Rigveda, where they are described as a numerous, radiant assembly of young warriors who ride with Indra into battle.

Origins and parentage: In early Vedic sources the Maruts are said to be the sons of Rudra, and in some hymns their mother is Prisni (Prishni). The exact origin varies by text, but they are consistently linked to Rudra as a divine progenitor and wind entity.

Role and attributes: The Maruts accompany Indra, lending strength and courage to the storm effort. They are depicted as fierce and vigorous youths, often with gold-colored armor and red horses, who rush through the sky with a thunderous sound. Their presence represents the ferocity of the storm and the vitality of early morning winds; their hymns are chanted as a chorus that both assails and protects.

Hymns and significance: They figure prominently in Rigveda hymns dedicated to Indra and to the power of the storm. The Maruts are invoked for swift action and favorable weather, yet they also serve as a symbol of divine energy and cosmic order.

In later literature, the Maruts are sometimes identified with Rudras or integrated into broader storm-related mythologies, but they generally retain a distinct identity as the tempestuous, wind-born host who accompanies Indra.