Vasus in Hinduism are described as attendant gods of Indra and Vishnu. In the Ramayana, the Ashta Vasus are the children of Aditi and Sage Kashyapa. In the Mahabharata, the Ashta Vasus are described as the sons of Brahma Prajapati or Manu. The Ashta Vasus are eight in number and are the eight elemental deities, constituting the Pancha Bhootas or the Five Elements or aspects of nature. The Sun, Moon and Stars (the cosmic natural phenomenon) are also represented by the Pannch Bhootas.
Vasu means, ‘Wealth Givers’ or ‘Brilliance’. Out of the thirty three Gods, the Ashta Vasus are the eight deities. Different texts present varying lists of the Ashta Vasus with varying names. According to the Mahabharata, names of the Vasus are Dhara (Earth), Anala/Agni (Fire), Anila (Wind), Apa (Water), Pratyusha (Sun), Soma (Moon), Prabhasa (Ether / Sky) and Dhruva (Motionless). As per the Brihadaranyaka the names of Vasus include, Prithi (Earth), Agni (Hot Fire), Vayu (Wind), Dyaus (Sky), Aditya (Eternal), Varuna (Water), Nakstrani (Stars) and Chandramas (Moon).
Vasu is known as Soorpanaka’s child in the Mahabharata. In one of the instances, Prithu was leading the Vasus to the forest to enjoy. Prabhasas wife sees a great looking cow and asks her husband to steal it, which he did by requesting Prabhasa and his brothers. Sage Vashishta was owner of the cow, unfortunately for Prabhasa. On learning about the cow, Vashishtha cursed the Vasus that they would be born as mortals on Earth. Out of them full penalty would be paid by Prabhasa while rest of the Vasus would get freed from earthly life in 12 months after being born. Ganga, the river goddess accepted the request of Vasus and freed them from their punishment. She married King Shantanu, seven children were born to her whom she drowned in her waters. Thus the Vasus got freed from their punishment. Prabhasa, her eighth son, remained alive in mortal form and was known later as Bhishma.
