Story
Vayu, also known as Pavan or Marut, is one of the most powerful Vedic deities, representing the wind and the vital life force (Prana) that sustains all living beings. He is one of the Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements) and controls atmospheric movement, breath, and the life-giving force. Vayu is the father of Hanuman, who inherited his incredible strength, speed, and ability to fly.
Sacred Iconography
Thousand Eyes
सहस्राक्ष (Sahasraksha)
All-seeing eyes representing omnipresence
Wind is everywhere, seeing and touching everything in creation
Swift Movement
वेगवान् (Vegavan)
Incredible speed and agility
Represents the swift movement of air and divine speed
White or Blue Form
श्वेत या नील रूप (Shvet ya Neel Roop)
Pure white or sky blue appearance
Represents purity of air and connection to sky element
Deer Vehicle
हरिण वाहन (Harin Vahan)
Swift deer as vehicle
Symbolizes speed, grace, and agility of wind
Sacred Stories
Father of Hanuman
Vayu blessed Anjana with the birth of Hanuman, his divine son. Hanuman inherited Vayu's incredible strength, power of flight, and ability to change size at will. This blessing made Hanuman one of the most powerful devotees of Lord Rama.
The Breath of Life
When all beings were created, Vayu was given the sacred duty of providing the breath of life (Prana). Without Vayu's divine breath, no creature can survive, making him essential for all existence on Earth.
Competition with Mountains
Once, Vayu competed with the mighty mountains to prove his power. He uprooted trees, moved boulders, and showed that even the mightiest peaks must bow before the power of wind, establishing his supremacy among natural forces.
Divine Symbolism
Life Force (Prana)
Vayu represents the vital breath that sustains all life. He teaches that just as wind is invisible yet powerful, the life force within us is the unseen power that animates our existence.
Purifier and Cleanser
As wind carries away dust and impurities, Vayu symbolizes the power of spiritual practice to cleanse the mind and soul of negative thoughts and emotions.
Divine Messenger
Wind carries sounds, fragrances, and messages across vast distances. Vayu represents the power of communication and the spreading of divine knowledge and wisdom.
Festivals & Celebrations
Vayu Jayanti
Pausha month (December/January)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Vayu. Devotees perform pranayama (breathing exercises) and offer prayers for good health and strong life force.
Hanuman Jayanti
Chaitra Purnima (March/April)
As father of Hanuman, Vayu is especially honored during Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees seek his blessings for strength, courage, and devotion.
Prana Pratishtha
Various occasions
Ritual invocation of life force into deities and sacred objects. Vayu is invoked as the divine breath that brings consciousness to sacred images.
Famous/Sacred Temples
Vayu Temples in Karnataka
Several ancient temples dedicated to Vayu exist in Karnataka, where he is worshipped as the life-giving force and father of Hanuman.
Mountain Peak Shrines
High altitude temples where wind is naturally strong are considered sacred to Vayu. Devotees visit these places to connect with the pure wind element.
Hanuman Temples
All Hanuman temples honor Vayu as Hanuman's father. Tuesday worship at Hanuman temples includes prayers to Vayu for strength and protection.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
ॐ वायवे नमः
Om Vayave Namah
Salutations to Lord Vayu
Simple mantra for improving breath, vitality, and life force. Helps with respiratory health and mental clarity.
ॐ प्राणाय विद्महे महाबलाय धीमहि तन्नो वायुः प्रचोदयात्
Om Praanaya Vidmahe Mahaabalaya Dheemahi Tanno Vayuh Prachodayat
We meditate on the life force, the great strength. May Vayu inspire our consciousness
Vayu Gayatri Mantra for enhancing physical strength, mental power, and spiritual energy
Essential Facts
Vayu is one of the Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements) - the wind element
He is the father of Hanuman, who inherited his divine powers
Vayu controls all atmospheric movement and weather patterns
He represents Prana, the vital life force that sustains all beings
Vayu is invoked in pranayama (breathing exercises) for spiritual practice