Ashvins- Hindu GroupCollective"The Divine Physicians"
Also known as: Ashvini Kumaras, Nasatya, Dasra, अश्विन्, and Aśvin
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Description
Born to the sun god in equine form, these twin brothers ride a golden chariot through the last darkness before dawn. They gave sight to the blind Rijrashva, fashioned an iron leg for Vishpala after battle, and restored old Chyavana to youth — divine physicians who answer mortal suffering more readily than any other god.
Mythology & Lore
The Twin Horsemen of Dawn
The Ashvins are inseparable brothers who ride a golden chariot across the sky at the hour between night and dawn. Their name derives from ashva, horse. Born to Surya, the sun god, and his wife Saranyu, who had fled her husband's unbearable brilliance by taking the form of a mare, the twins were conceived in equine form. Their chariot arrives before the sun each morning, announcing the coming of light and driving away the dangers of darkness.
Divine Physicians and Rescuers
The Rig Veda catalogs their miraculous interventions. They restored the aged sage Chyavana to youth. They gave sight to the blinded Rijrashva. They fashioned an iron leg for the warrior woman Vishpala after hers was severed in battle. They rescued the drowning Bhujyu from the ocean using a ship that sailed through the air. The Ashvins are the gods who answer mortal suffering most readily.
Their closeness to humans initially cost them. The other Devas considered the Ashvins too involved with the material world of bodies and suffering to deserve a share of the soma offering. Chyavana, whom the Ashvins had rejuvenated, championed their cause. The Shatapatha Brahmana records how he compelled the gods to include the twins in the soma sacrifice, establishing their full divine status.