Dyaus or Dyaus Pitr in Vedic Sanskrit means the ‘Father of Heaven’ or ‘Sky Father’. The concept of first parents is promoted by many of the classic religions. Birth of the second generation of gods has been the responsibility of the first forebearers. Hindu scriptures also indicate this specific phenomenon with Prithvi (Mother Earth) and Dyaus (Father Sky). Sky, The Father, Dyaus impregnated mother earth called Prithvi, in the form of rains. Dyaus and Prthivi played a vital part together in mythological creation.
Dyaus is the father of the lord of rain and future king of the gods named Indra. Subsequently flora and fauna grew on earth. Dyaus is called the father of Ushas (the Dawn) and Agni (Fire). Simple invocations are used in five verses of the Rig Veda while mentioning about Dyaus. Dyaus is mentioned in the form of a name in the Rig Veda and appointed the name as Father Heaven (as compared to the heavenly father). In the Rig Veda there are additional hymns including however there in no explanation further provided for the role played in the planet. Dyaus is identified as ‘Sire and begetter’and ‘Heaven, the father’. This deity is believed to shower only his truest blessings.
This Indian Pantheon makes appearances in hymns that are dedicated to Agni related to the sun, grass and water. A section of the hymns is dedicated to a regiment of gods called Visvadevas, who are responsible for universal functions including winds, dawn, speech and time.
