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4. The following translation of the hymn (although disputable at several places) by R. T. H. Griffith will give a rough idea as to the nature of these Vatarasana sages (wind-girdled seers).
"The hymn shows the conception that by a life of sanctity the Muni can attain. to the followship of the deities of the air, the Vayus, the Rudras, the Apsarasas, and the Gandarvas; and, furnished like them with wonderful powers, can travel along
long hair is called this light.
He is all sky to look upon; he with with them on their course......The beautiful-haired, the long-haired, that is to say, the Muni, who during the time of his. austerities does not shave his hair, upholds fire, moisture, heaven, and earth, and resembles the world of light, ideas which the later literature so largely contains."
1. "He with long loose locks supports Agni, and moisture, heaven and moisture, heaven and earth.
2. The Munis, girdled with the wind. wear garments sailed of yellow hue.
They, following the wind's swift course go where the Gods have gone before.
6. On the basis of a passage in the Taittiriya Aranyaka, viz., "वातरशना ह वा पयः श्रमणा ऊर्ध्वमन्यिनो बभूवुः " these wind-girdles sages have been surmised to be Jain monks. This passage (11.7) contains a story to eulogize the verses employed in. The story narrates that Vatarasana Rsis were celebates
Looking upon all varied forms flies and were devoted to penances (ie., they through the region of the air.
were Sudras). Other sages came to them to beg. Fearing to something to happen. which may be beyond their power they In both the oceans hath his home, in entered the 13 verse. The other sages eastern and in western sea. later on discovered them in those This story indirectly points out that the subject matter or the content of the कूष्माण्ड verses is called वातरशना ऋषय work at four other places also. In one These sages have been mentioned in this place (1. 23.2) they are described to have been fashioned out of the flesh of the desire of Tad Eka (of Rv. X. 129, 2) and in two places (I. 21.3, 31.6) they are described as performers of the Istaka ceremony and attainers of svah (light of heaven) thereby. In the fourth place (1.24.4)
3. Transported with our Munihood we have pressed on into the winds:
You therefore, mortal men, behold our natural bodies and no more. 4. The Muni, made associate in the holy work of every God.
5. The Steed of Vata, Vayu's friend, the Muni, by the Gods impelled.
6. Treading the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas, and Apsarases.
He with long locks who knows the wish, is a sweet most delightful friend.
7. Vayu hath churned for him; for him he poundeth things most hard to
bend.
5. Roth has given the following note (as quoted by Griffith) about these seers:
When he with long loose locks hath drunk, with Rudra, water from the cup."
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