Ashwin Kumars and the Story of Dadhyak

Ashwini, Aswayuj, Areitis, Al-Sheratan, Leu(Chinese)

Ashwini nakshatra is the first lunar mansion ruled by the planet Ketu (Descending Lunar Node). It belongs to the twins Ashwin Kumars, born of the Sun God. Ashwin Kumars are the proponents of Ayurveda among many other knowledge forms. They are the celestial doctors with a repository of knowledge for treating diseases and maladies including the most revered art of making “Madhu” or “Soma” with powers to give immortality.

A story in Rig Veda gives an interesting account of how they got this power from Dadhyak, the son of great sage Atharvan (of Atharva Veda). 

Dadhyak learned “Madhu Vidya” (Madhu here means elixir of immortality) from Indra with a condition to keep it secret at all cost and if divulged, Indra himself would cut off the head of Dadhyak. As no one else except Dadhyak knew of this most desired knowledge, there were many who wanted to possess this secret.

Ashwin Kumars, being foremost of healers and acclaimed doctors naturally had a keen desire to learn this by any means possible and complete their repertoire of all forms of medicines and treatments. They approached Dadhyak and requested him to teach them the method to prepare “Madhu”. Dadhyak was scared of crossing Indra fearing for his life recalled that he will certainly be decapitated if he reveals it to anyone and so he declined. Ashwin Kumars, being creative and ingenious, proposed a novel method to circumvent this problem. Expert in all kinds of medicines and surgery, they suggested to replace the head of Dadhyak with the head of a horse. They would learn the Madhu Vidya thus and after Indra beheaded Dadhyak (with horse head on him) they will put his own head back thereby circumventing the curse laid upon by Indra. Their plan worked and that is how the story unfolded. Now the twins had learnt “Madhu Vidya” and Dadhyak was survived.

The twins as Horses signify many a things as per the old scriptures. It represents all duality in the “Dwait” philosophy. The nadis Ida and Pingala, Moon and Sun, Water (Soma) and Fire (Agni), fast movement, the prana (apana & udhan vayus). This also reflects the balance brought about by the Ashwin kumars in all life processes through duality which paves the way towards Unity.

As the story goes it also gives important pointers about the Ashwini Nakshatra. It is signified as the Horse head with a range of 0°-13°20” Aries in the zodiac so it corresponds to the head in a person. Ketu being the planetary ruler means all kinds of beginnings or the impulsive instincts like a horse. Just like the healing powers wielded by the twins ashwini kumars, the nakshatra also signifies rejuvenation, coming alive or rising again from the ashes (madhu vidya). Creative powers, taking initiative in any task, making anything possible is the belief. The martian energy infused in this comes from Mars as the lord of Aries/Mesha where the nakshatra is located in zodiac. Sun gains its position of exaltation in this sign and so it also has an independent spirit much like the feeling we get when we look at a horse. Regal poise, a head turner, strength, power, speed and stamina are all the hallmark of Ashwini.

Born with Ascendant, Sun or Moon in Ashwini nakshatra will possess many a traits of this powerful, creative and regal constellation. Rejoice and revel in life with your free spirit and undying attitude.