INTRODUCTION :
In Hinduism, the Vasus are residing at Swarka Loka with Lord Indra and they obey his instructions. The Ashta Vasus are described in the Mahabharata as the sons of Manu or Brahma Prajapati. They are the eight gods who represents the pancha bhootas, and are also representing the
Sun, the Moon and the Stars. The name Vasu means 'Brilliance' or 'Wealth Givers'.
Names of Ashta Vasus
According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the names of the eight vasus are as follows:-
1.Prithvi
2.Agni
3.Vayu
4.Varuna
5.Aditya
6.Dyaus
7.Chandramas
8.Nakstrani
According to the Mahabharatha, the names of the eight vasus are as follows:-
1.Dhara
2.Anala
3.Anila
4.Apa
5.Pratusha
6.Prabhasa
7.Soma
8.Dhruva
Description of Ashta Vasus in Mahabharata
The Mahabharata narrates the incident of stealing a wish fulfilling cow by Prabhasa, due to the wishes of his wife. Since the cow was owned by sage Vashishta, and by his super natural powers he came to know that the Vasus had stolen it, he immediately cursed them to be born on earth as human beings. Vashishta responded to prayers of the Vasus, and promised them that seven of them would be free from his curse within a year of being born and that only Prabhasa has to suffer. The Vasus then requested goddess Ganga to be their mother. Ganga incarnated and became the wife of King Shantanu on condition that he never gains aid her in any way. As seven children were born, one after the other, Ganga drowned them in her own waters, freeing them from their punishment and the king made no opposition. Only when the eighth was born, the king finally oppose his wife, and she has left him. So the eighth son, Prabhasa took birth in human form and later became known as incarnation as Bhishma.
CONCLUSION
The Ashta vasus who are the demi gods and friends of Lord Indra, contains all the powers to protect us. They are the ones who can give us all sorts of comforts in our life. They will be pleased by the performance of yagna. Whenever an Yagna is performed, their names will be chanted, and they will be happy and give their blessings immediately.
There names are repeatedly recited while doing an yagna. Without chanting their names, an yagna cannot be completed fully. Hence let us pray to the divine gods for our well being and chant their nama and live happily and peacefully for ever.
‘OM SHREE ASHTA VASUKALE NAMAHA’
R.HARISHANKAR
