The rich heritage of Indian culture can be traced back to ancient times.

The
practices, beliefs and customs that we follow today were established thousands
of years back. In ancient India, culture was the determining factor of the Indian
society. Though different beliefs were followed in different regions, the foundation
base of ancient Indian culture remained the same. From every day dressing to
elaborate rituals, every minute and major detail was decided centuries back. The
root of Indian culture has existed since ancient times and that is what makes it so
strong.

After the initial set up of the foundation by the Indus Valley Civilization, the
coming of the Aryans further consolidated it. The Aryans had a particular social
structure according to which administration was carried on. There was division of
labor and each hierarchy had its own job to do. The merchants and the priestly
class were considered very elite and were much respected and feared. There
were certain symbols of worship like cows, bulls, the sacrificial fire, etc. The
chanting of sacred hymns came into vogue with the Vedic age. Though
agriculture was the main occupations, there was development of small scale
industries and handicrafts.

In ancient India, fine arts formed an integral part of the culture. Music and dance
evolved highly in ancient India and new forms of dances and music came into
being. Music was usually accompanied by instruments to provide bass and
rhythm. Dances required elaborate costumes, jewelry and make-up and were
usually performed in temples or royal courts. Theater also originated in ancient
India and was an integral part of the daily culture. People enacted scenes out of
daily life like wild animals hunting for food. Some people became small animals
like cows, goats, etc. who were "preyed" upon by people playing the role of
carnivores like lions, tigers, etc. The culture of ancient India has been refined and
modernized over the ages; what we see today is a sophisticated version of what
existed thousands of years back.

FOOD

Early Indians ate food that was easily available from nature. Fruits, wild berries,
meat, fish, etc. were the main food items of the nomadic dwellers. With the
advent of civilization, people settled and started to do farming. This led to the
discovery of food crops, pulses, etc. Food in ancient India was cultivated in the
fertile river valleys. Rice was their staple food that was eaten with cooked lentils,
vegetables and meat.

Wheat was used to make flat breads known as "Chapatti". The food habits of
nearby countries also affected the food in ancient India. Cooking of chicken came
to India from Thailand and mutton came from West Asia. The food pattern did not
change with the arrival of the Aryans. With complex religious rituals taking the
center stage, animal sacrifices peaked and more and more people turned
vegetarians.

Milk and milk products came much into use during ancient times. Rice was eaten
with curd and yogurt. Cows were respected and worshipped hence people
stopped eating beef. Most people in India became vegetarians and meat was
consumed very rarely. Many spices were cultivated in India and were used in
cooking for aroma and flavor. India flourished in the cultivation of spices and
many of them were later exported to foreign lands.

CULTURE
Art is an integral part of any civilization and ancient India flourished in this. The
artifacts that have been discovered by archaeologists and historians reveal
valuable facts about the lifestyle and mental patterns of that age. During ancient
India various art forms developed at great pace. It is evident from the surviving
art forms and literature that the ancient Indian art forms have great detailing and
unique realistic style of their own.

According to the evidence found, it looks like people in ancient India were great
admirers of different art forms. They loved fine arts and indulged in dancing,
sculpting and painting. A very interesting aspect of ancient art in India is that it is
highly realistic. Though bit crude, the anatomical detailing in their sculptures is
worth applauding for. Animal and human figures have been carefully carved and
chiseled to get a refined effect and portray the physical details in a very fine way.

The fine artistic sensibilities of the people are pretty much evident in their
terracotta and bronze sculptures. From the artifacts another interesting aspect
that has come to light is the fact that musical instruments were used at that point
of time. Certain seals and sculptures have inscriptions marked like instrument
that looks somewhat like the harp. The paintings and inscriptions basically reveal
the mental patterns of the people.
As time progressed, the cruder forms were refined and a new kind of art form
developed. This was the art form of rock cut caves and temple art. Rock cut art
and architecture was a very important step taken towards the progress of ancient
Indian art. The rock cut architecture was first initiated by the Buddhists and this
inspired Hindus and the Jains who built similar structures at sites like Ajanta,
Badami, Ellora, Elephanta, etc. The patterns varied according to different regions
they were built in. The expression of mental attitudes in the form of ancient art is
truly fascinating and helps us analyze the journey traveled from then to now.

WOMEN IN ANCIENT INDIA

Many historians claim that women enjoyed an equal status with men in ancient
India. It is said that women were educated, had a say in family matters, took
important decisions of life and were free to choose their own husbands. The
ancient system of "Swayamvara" is mentioned in holy scripts and also in many
epics. A woman in ancient India was respected and was given due importance in
the society. Child marriage was unheard of and many women were also famous
sages like Gargi, Maitreyi, etc.

With time, women started to loose their importance and their status began to
wane. The freedom given to women was curtailed slowly and she was not
allowed to voice her opinions in political matters in a society. Polygamy began to
increase and child marriage came into vogue. Daughters were considered to be
a burden and they were reduced to doing the chores of household. Sati, an
ancient practice in which a widow had to lie beside her husband's pyre, came into
vogue. Women were tortured and humiliated and their position and condition
degraded.

In ancient India, remarriage of widows was not encouraged. They were seen as a
disgrace to the family and had to give up all the comforts of life. They wore plain
clothes, tonsured their heads, had a separate place to stay and ate bland food.
Reformers and emperors like Asoka, fought for the rights and welfare of women.
Due to the efforts of many such reformers and philosophers, the condition of
women improved and they were able to walk on the streets again with their
heads held high.
The Ancient Indian Literature

The ancient literature is the crowning glory of the Indian civilization. No other part
of the world has produced such voluminous literature of knowledge and wisdom.

The Vedas are the most celebrated possessions of the mankind. The Rig Veda is
the oldest literary work in the history of the world.

The Vedas are the exquisite expressions of the Divinity. They are the first
significant utterances on the lips of man.

The ancient Indian literature is the glorious gift of the Indian civilization to the
world. It comprises of the illustrious scriptures. The Indian scriptures can be
broadly classified into two categories:

(1) The Shruti literature (2) The Smriti literature.

Shruti is concerned with ‘the heard’ or ‘the revealed’. Smriti is concerned with ‘the
remembered.’

The Vedas and the Upanishads are considered as the Shruti literature. The
Sanskrit root ‘shrut’ means ‘to hear’. In ancient times, while doing their tapasya
and sadhana, the great sages ‘heard’ the divine truths. Whatever was ‘heard’
was presented in the Vedas and the Upanishads. Thus they came to be known
as the Shruti literature.

Smriti literature is concerned with ‘that what is remembered’. The literature which
was based on the knowledge acquired through the experience or the tradition
was the Smriti literature.

Generally, the Smriti literature is based on the Shruti. The famous Manu-Smriti
and other smritis and shastras constitute the Smriti literature. The guidelines for
ethics, moral obligations, social codes, customs etc. are found in the Smriti
literature. The great epics Mahabharata and Ramayana also belong to the Smriti
literature.

While the Shruti literature is veritable and inviolable, the Smriti literature may get
modified under the influence of time and place.
INDIAN DANCE

The dance heritage of India is at least 5000 years old. A dancing girl figurine was
found in the ruins of Mohenjodaro and is dated approximately 2nd Century B.C.
Many group dancing sequences are depicted in exquisite rock paintings of
Bhimbetaka caves of Madhya Pradesh. The apsaras (Celestials) dancers are
carved at the gateways of Sanchi.

The wall paintings of Ajanta and Ellora:

Northeast of Mumbai (a.k.a. Bombay), near Aurangabad, are two astonishing

series of temples carved out of living rock (rock formations still in progress) over
the course of fourteen centuries. During the 4th century A. D. in a remote valley,
work began on the Ajanta caves to create a complex of Buddhist monasteries
and prayer halls. As centuries passed, numerous Buddhist monks and artisans
dug out a set of twenty-nine caves, converting some to cells, and others to
monasteries and Buddhist temples. All of these were carved from the rock cliff at
Ajanta. These caves are adorned with elaborate sculptures and paintings which
have withstood the ravages of time.
 Bodhisatva -- painting from Ajanta

the sculptures of Khajuraho, the temple walls of Hoysala dynasty, stand ample
evidence for popularity of Indian dances from ancient times.

Through the centuries the dances have been used as a vehicle of worship and
expression of emotions in India. The temple dancers (Devadasis) have led a very
austere lives in order to perform sacred dances to please Gods and Goddesses.
The Devadasi system is still prevalent in some states of India. In Karnataka they
are dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma of Savadatti. In Orissa, they are
appointed to perform various activities of the temple.
Dance in Indian Society

Nataraja, the dancing Lord Shiva, is the supreme manifestation of Indian dance.
The moon which he adorns in his head is the symbol complete control of senses.
The serpents wound around his body is the proof of his complete control over
vital life forces. His foot raised high over the wicked demon, a symbol of triumph
over the ego.

The Indian dances have sprung from the religious urges of her people. Its
thematic contents are based on the rich mythological lore of the country. The
dance technique is based on a few ancient treatises, like the Natya Shastra of
sage Bharata, which were written nearly two millennia ago. The Indian dances
consists of three distinct types. "Nritta" is pure and simple dance with movements
of body and limbs. "Nritya" is linked with facial expressions, hand gestures and
symbolic body poses. "Natya" has the elements of a drama which is introduced
through the use of spoken world. All the types involve the use of "mudras",
which are well developed types of gestures during the dance. The dancers use
their entire body to communicate with the audience.
The major Indian classical dances are: Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kathak and
Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohini Attam. In addition, there are innumerable
folk and tribal dances spread all over the country.

Gods & Goddesses of Ancient India

Hindu Dieties

Within Smarta Hinduism, a variety of forms of God are seen as aspects of the
one impersonal divine ground, Brahman (not Brahma). Brahman is seen as the
universal spirit. Brahman is the ultimate, both transcendent and immanent the
absolute infinite existence, the sum total of all that ever is, was, or ever shall
be.Brahman is not a God in the monotheistic sense, as it is not imbued with any
limiting characteristics, not even those of being and non-being, and this is
reflected in the fact that in Sanskrit, the word Brahman is of neuter (as opposed
to masculine or feminine) gender.

Vedanta is a branch of Hindu philosophy which gives this matter a greater focus.
Yoga is the primary focus in many ways of a Hindu's religious activities, being
somewhere between meditation, prayer and healthful exercise.

Some of Hinduism's adherents are Smarta monists, seeing multiple

manifestations of the one God or source of being, which is often confused by
non-Hindus as being polytheist. It is however properly seen as one unity, with the
personal gods being different aspects of one Supreme Being, like a single beam
of light separated into colours by a prism, and are valid to worship.

Swami Vivekananda, a follower of Ramakrishna, along with many others, who

brought Hindu beliefs to the West, were all Smarta in belief. Other denominations
of Hinduism, as described later, don't hold this belief strictly and more closely
adhere to a Western perception of what a monotheistic faith is. Additionally, like
Judaeo-Christian-Islamic religions which believe in angels, Hindus also believe in
less powerful entities, such as devas.
 Trimurti

In Hinduism, the Trimurti (also called the Hindu trinity) are three aspects of God
in His forms as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Brahma - Hindu creator god

Brahma is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others
being Vishnu and Shiva. He is not to be confused with the Supreme Cosmic
Spirit in Hindu Vedanta philosophy known as Brahman. Also, in Sanskrit
Grammer, Brahman is Nominative Singular of generic word Brahman, as Aatma
is Nominative Singular for Aatman. Brahaman and Aatman are same in Vedanta
Philosphy, the Para-Aatma (Supersoul) and Jeeva Aatma (Individual Soul) are
Brahman. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Brahma is often
identified with Prajapati, a Vedic deity.

According to the Puranas, Brahma is self-born (without mother) in the lotus

flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu at the beginning of the universe. This
explains his name Nabhija (born from the navel). Another legend says that
Brahma was born in water. In this he deposited a seed that later became the
golden egg. From this golden egg, Brahma the creator was born, as
Hiranyagarbha. The remaining materials of this golden egg expanded into the
Brahmanda or Universe. Being born in water, Brahma is also called Kanja (born
in water). Brahma is said also to be the son of the Supreme Being, Brahman and
the female energy known as Prakrti or Maya.

At the beginning of the process of creation, Brahma created eleven Prajapatis

(used in another sense), who are believed to be the fathers of the human race.
The Manusmriti enumerates them as Marichi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulastya, Pulaha,
Kratu, Vasishtha, Prachetas or Daksha, Bhrigu, and Narada. He is also said to
have created the seven great sages or the Saptarishi to help him create the
universe. However since all these sons of his were born out of his mind rather
than body, they are called Manas Putras or mind-sons.

Within Vedic and Puranic scripture Brahma is described as only occasionally

interfering in the affairs of the other devas (gods), and even more rarely in mortal
affairs. He did force Soma to give Tara back to her husband, Brihaspati. He is
considered the father of Dharma and Atri.
 Vishnu - the Maintainer, Preserver

He is most famously identified with His avatars, or incarnations of God, most

especially Krishna and Rama. Additionally, another important name for Vishnu is
Narayana.
 Shiva - the Destroyer

Shiva is considered to be the supreme deity in Shaivism, a denomination of

Hinduism. Many Hindus such as those of Smarta tradition are free to accept
various manifestations of the divine as their chosen deity for worship, and those
who prefer Shiva are called Shaivas. Shaivism, along with Vaisnava traditions
that focus on Vishnu, and Sakta traditions that focus on the Goddess (Devi) are
three of the most influential denominations in Hinduism.

The worship of Shiva is a pan-Hindu tradition, practiced widely across all of India.
Shiva is one of the five primary forms of the Divine in Smartism, a denomination
of Hinduism that puts particular emphasis on five deities, the other four being
Vishnu, Devi, Ganesha, and Surya. Another way of thinking about the divinities in
Hinduism identifies Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as each representing one of the
three primary aspects of the Divine in Hinduism, known collectively as the
Trimurti. In the Trimurti system, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the maintainer
or preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer or transformer.

Attributes of Shiva

• Third Eye: Shiva is often depicted with a third eye with which he burned
Desire (Kama) to ashes.
• Serpents: Shiva is often shown garlanded with a snake.
• Crescent: Shiva bears on his head the crescent of the fifth day (panchami)
moon. This is placed near the fiery third eye and this shows the power of
Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of moon. It
means that Shiva possesses the power of procreation along with the
power of destruction.The moon is also a measure of time; thus the
Crescent also represents his control over time. Thus Shiva is known by
the names of Somasundara and Chandrashekara.
• Sacred Ganga: Ganga, the holiest of the holy rivers, flows from the matted
hair of Shiva. Shiva allowed an outlet to the great river to traverse the
earth and bring purifying water to human beings. The flowing water is one
of the five elements which compose the whole Universe and from which
earth arises. Ganga also denotes fertility one of the creative aspect of
Shiva.
• Drum: A small drum shaped like an hourglass is known as a "damaru".
This is one of the attributes of Shiva in his famous dancing representation
known as Nataraja. A specific hand gesture (mudra) called damaru-hasta
(Sanskrit for "damaru-hand") is used to hold the drum. This drum is
particularly used as an emblem by members of the Kapalika sect.
• Vibhuti: Vibhuti is three lines of ashes drawn on the forehead that
represents the essence of our Being, which remains after all the malas
(impurities of ignorance, ego and action) and vasanas (likes and dislikes,
attachments to one's body, world, worldly fame, worldly enjoyments, etc.)
have been burnt in the fire of knowledge. Hence vibhuti is revered as the
very form of Shiva and signifies the Immortality of the soul and manifested
glory of the Lord.
• Ashes: Shiva smears his body with ashes (bhasma). Some forms of
Shiva, such as Bhairava, are associated with a very old Indian tradition of
cremation-ground asceticism that was practiced by some groups who
were outside the fold of brahmanic orthodoxy. These practices associated
with cremation grounds are also menteioned in the Pali canon of
Theravada Buddhism. One epithet for Shiva is "Inhabitant of the cremation
ground" referring to this connection.
• Tiger skin: He is often shown seated upon a tiger skin.
• Elephant and Deer Skin: Shiva also wears elephant skins. Similarly deer
represent the jumping of minds (flickering mind). Shiva wears deer skin
which indicates that he has controlled the mind perfectly.
• Trident: (Sanskrit: Trishula) Shiva's particular weapon is the trident.
• Nandi, the Bull, is his Vahana (Sanskrit for vehicle).
 • Lingam:Shiva is often worshipped in the form of a lingam.These are
depicted in various forms. <LI
• Mount Kailasha in the Himalayas is his traditional abode.
• He is often represented as immersed in deep meditation.
• He is said to eradicate Kama (sexual desire), Moha (material desire) and
Maya (mundane thoughts) from his devotees' minds.

Ancient India - Goddesses

Aditi - Hindu Great Goddess, as the Woman Clothed with the Sun. Sun Goddess,
Mother of all the Lights of Heaven. She gave birth to the twelve zodiacal spirits.

Ananta - Indian Serpent Queen. aka Sarparajni. She enveloped all gods during
their death, sleeping between incarnations.

Banka-Mundi - Hunting Goddess of the Khoud. Merely uttering Her name made
one fearless against jungle beasts.

Bardaichila - Assamese Storm Goddess.

Bentakumari - Assamese Water Goddess. First fish of the season was given to
Her.

Bhasundara - Tibetan Goddess of Prosperity

Bhavani - Common name for Mother Goddess of India. Bestower of Existence.

Evoked by women in labor, who burned perfume to honor Her.

Bisal-Mariamna - Shakti of Sunlight in Mysore. Symbolized by a brass pot full of

water called the Kunna-Kannadi or 'eye mirror'. Into this pot are put pepper
leaves and coconut flowers, a small metal mirror leans against it.

Budhi Pallien - Assamese Forest Goddess, appears as a tiger roving through the
Indian jungle.

Chomo-Lung-Ma - Goddess Mother of the Universe, original name of Mt.

Everest. One of the oldest Indian deities.

Devi - Dearly Beloved Goddess

Durga - the Queen Mother, Warrior Goddess, rode tigers into battle defending
Her children, the gods.

Hudigamma - Hindu Mother Goddess served by eunuch priests dressed in

women's clothes.

Indrani - Queen of the gods.

Ista Devata - Tantric Patroness of the Self. Individual Guardian Angel of the
Enlightened Sage.

Kadru - Serpent Goddess, Mother of the Nagas, or Cobra people.

Kali - Black Earth Mother, Conqueror of Time, Goddess of fertility, death and
regeneration. Dark Mother, Hindu triple Goddess of creation, preservation and
destruction. Birth and Death Mother. Treasure house of Compassion, Giver of
Life to the World. Her mantras brought into being the very things whose names
She spoke for the first time, Originator of the creative word or Logos. A triple
Goddess - Maiden, Mother, Crone. Lady of the Dead. The Ocean of Blood at the
beginning and end of the world. Also known as Jagadamba.

Kauri - Indo-European Swan Goddess. Cowrie shell was sacred to Her.

Khon-Ma - Mother Earth, Ruler of All Spirits emanating from the Earth element.

Kundalini - Serpent Goddess representing the inner power of the human body

Kurukulla - Dravidian Goddess of Caverns.

Lakshmi - Goddess of fortune,wealth and abundance. Portrayed as a golden

skinned woman sitting or standing on a lotus, Her symbol. Hindu Goddess of
Sovereignty. Source of the divine drink Soma. aka Padma, Lady Lotus. Goddess
of Beauty and Good Fortune.

Manasa-Devi - Serpent Goddess of Bengal, identified with the Moon, bearing the
Moons's magic name Mana.

Marici - Buddhist Diamond Sow, Great Goddess seated on a lotus surrounded by

7 pigs. Glorious One. Sun of Happiness.

Maya - Virgin aspect of the triple Hindu Goddess, symbolized by a Spider,

spinner of magic, fate and earthly appearances. The spider's web was likened to
the Wheel of Fate and the spider to the Goddess as a Spinner, sitting at the hub
of Her Wheel. Mother of the Enlightened One, Buddha. Her colors were white,
red and black. Hawthorne, Her tree.

Nanda Devi - Blessed Goddess. Mountain Mother Who gave birth to the Ganges.
Nanda Devi is one of the Holiest Mountains of the Himalayan chain.

Parvati - Maiden aspect of Kali. Daughter of the Mountain. Shiva's bride.

Daughter of Heaven. Also known by Maya, Sati, Durga, Shakti, Privithi. Dark and
colorful, ornate and mysterious. The richness of hues in Her attire as well as Her
jewels symbolize Her power. She lifts Her veil to reveal Her beauty, shining like
the Sun rising over the mountain of Anapurna. The cocoon, butterfly and the
karmic golden wheel reflect Her deep connection with life and death, cause and
effect, and transformation.

Prajnaparamita - Personification of Wisdom

Prakriti - Nature. Sanskrit title of Kali as female Holy Trinity, commanding the
Gunas, the white, red and black threads of Creation, Preservation and
Destruction. She embodied past, present, future; earth, sea, sky; youth, maturity,
age.

Privithi - Very ancient Earth Mother.

Sara Kali - Queen Kali, Mother Goddess of the gypsies. The Mother, the
Woman, the Sister, the Queen, the source of all Romany blood. Queen of
Heaven and Earth.

Sarama - Vedic Bitch Goddess, Mother of the brindled Dogs of Yama. The
Huntress.

Saranyu - Goddess Who gave birth to all animals, Mother of all Creatures. Vedic
Mare Goddess, Mother of the Centaurs.

Sarasvati - White skinned Goddess of poetry, music, science and learning as

well as all creative arts. Inventor of the Sanscrit language. She wears a crescent
moon on her brow and rides a swan or a peacock, or is seated on a lotus. The
Flowing One. Inventor of all the arts of civilization: music, letters, mathematics,
calendars, magic, the Vedas and all other branches of learning. Ancient River
Goddess. Queen of Heaven. Mother of Waters. aka Ganga. Originally a River
Goddess, She originated in the Ocean. Great culinary Goddess, She invented
Soma, or Amrita (drink of bliss). Independent of nature. Goddess of sensual love,
creativity, beauty, art and music. Goddess of learning and teaching

Savitri - Hindu Mother of Civilization, She Who brought forth music and literature,
rhythm, time, measurements, day and night, memory, conquest, victory and
yoga.

Shakti - Tantric title of the Great Goddess. Cosmic Energy. The Tantras say the
female principle antedates and includes the male principle and this female
principle is the Supreme Divinity. Tantric doctrine says mortal women are life
itself, and Goddess-like, because they embody the principle of Shakti. The series
of Universes appear and disappear with the opening and shutting of her eyes.
(from the Lalita Sahasranamam) Final union with Shakti occurred at the moment
of Death, according to Tantric mystics.

Shasti - Bengali Feline Goddess, depicted riding a cat. Goddess of childbirth and
Protectress of Children.

Shitala - Protectress against small pox. Mothers appealed to Her for help for their
children.

Sita - Furrow, the Goddess Earth as the wife of Rama (Krishna).

Smashana-Kali - Kali Ma as the Goddess of cremation grounds and other places

of Death. Her yantra was an 8 petaled lotus with multiple repetitions of the
inverted triangle. The meaning was Rebirth following Death. Her priestesses,
called dakinis, arranged funerals and tended the dying.

Tara - Pre-Vedic Savior Goddess, known from India to Ireland. Indo-European

primal Goddess Earth. An extremely ancient festival held annually at Athens was
named after Her, Taramata (Mother Tara) nicknamed The Rioting because of its
wild orgiastic customs. The sacred grove of Tara in Ireland was the Goddess's
genital shrine. In India, Tara is called The Most Revered of the old pre-vedic
Goddesses. Wine is sacred to Her. Goddess of Compassion, The Diamond Sow.
Diamonds are Her sacred stone. Tibetan Buddhist Great Mother. She is a
Boddhisattva, an enlightened One who has vowed to incarnate until all beings
have attained enlightenment. She also vowed to incarnate only as a female. She
governs the Underworld, the Earth and the Heavens, birth, death and
regeneration, love and war, the seasons, all that lives and grows, the Moon
cycles. Green Tara is Her Nature-related aspect. Typically She is seen as a
slender and beautiful woman of white complexion, long golden hair and blue
eyes. She can also appear as red, black or dark blue. Her animals are the sow,
mare, owl and raven. Goddess of spiritual transformation. When worshiping Tara,
recognize all you see as Her body, made of green light, all you hear is Her divine
speech, and all your thoughts as Her divine wisdom. Every molecule of air is Her
divine energy and when you lie down, your head rests in Her lap. More on Tara

Uma - The Golden Goddess, personifying light and beauty. Daughter of the
Mountains, Patroness of yogic ascetism. Kali's Crone aspect. aka Prisni, Mother
of the Dark Season, Daughter of Heaven. Mother Death.

Ushas - Vedic Goddess of the Dawn.