HEAVEN AND EARTH Dyaus, Gods, Hymns, Hymn, Father, Mother Not
only as identical with the chief god of the Greeks, but also
from a native Indic point of view, it might have been expected
that Dyaus (Zeus), the 'shining sky,' would play an important
rôle in the Hindu pantheon. But such is not the case. There is
not a single hymn addressed independently to Dyaus, nor is there
any hint of especial preeminence of Dyaus in the half-dozen
hymns that are sung to Heaven and Earth together. The word dyaus
is used hundreds of times, but generally in the meaning sky
(without personification). There is, to be sure, a formal
acknowledgment of the fatherhood of Dyaus (among gods he is
father particularly of Dawn, the Açvins, and Indra), as there is
of the motherhood of Earth, but there is no further exaltation.
No exaggeration—the sign of Hindu enthusiasm—is displayed in the
laudation, and the epithet 'father' is given to half a dozen
Vedic gods, as in Rome Ma(r)spiter stands beside Jup(p)iter.
Certain functions are ascribe