Pushan is also known as Puchan and is the astral God. Pushan is a protector and multiplier of cattle and of human possessions in general. As a cowherd, Pushan carries an ox-goad, and he is drawn by goats. He leads his adherents towards rich meadows and wealth. He always carried a golden hack that symbolized activity. His name denotes someone who is the reason of the people to prosper. He is invoked by the newly married couples to give good luck on the journey of their life.
In character, Pushan is a solar deity, beholds the entire universe, and is a guide on roads and journeys, and to the other world. He assists in the revolutions of day and night and shares with Soma the guardianship of living creatures. He is invoked along with the most various deities, but most frequently with Indra.
Pushan is the lord of all things moving and stationary. He is the inspirer of the soul, an unconquerable protector and defender, and is being sought to give increase of wealth. He is said to regard and to observe clearly and at once all creatures. Pushan is not only the tutelary god of travelers but also, like Savitri and Agni conducts departed spirits on their way to the other world.
Many hymns are addressed to Pushan. Pushan is praised in eight hymns in the Rig Veda. Some of these hymns or songs appeal to him to guard livestock and find lost livestock. Goats pull his chariots. At times he is considered as motivating the Sun in its path across the sky. It appears that Sun is represented by him as the protector of herd and flocks.
The single or detached verses of other hymns in which Pushan is mentioned are numerous. He is mentioned as abounding in wealth, as bringing blessings, as most bountiful, distinguished by all divine attributes. Pushan is related with Savitri, and is described as moving onward under his impulse, and as knowing and perceiving all creatures. In some other hymns Pushan is connected with the marriage ceremonial, being besought to take the bride`s hand and lead her away, and to bless her in her conjugal relation.
In the Hindu mythology, Pushan is describing as one of the twelve Aditi`s sons. Aditi`s twelve sons as narrated in Purana`s are Surya, Aryama, Pushan, Tvashta, Savita, Bhaga, Dhata, Vidhata, Varuna, Mitra, Indra, and Lord Vamana. He leads souls to other world. He protected travelers from being subjugated by other men. He acted like a supportive guide. He is portrayed as having no teeth which was the result of a fight with Lord Shiva. Therefore, he is offered gruels.
