Who is “Prajapati”?

In Hinduism, "Prajapati" is a significant deity associated with creation, fertility, and procreation. The term "Prajapati" translates to "Lord of Creatures" or "Protector of Beings" in Sanskrit. Prajapati is considered a cosmic deity and is often identified with the creator aspect of the divine.

Prajapati is mentioned in various Vedic texts, including the Rigveda, where the deity is revered for playing a pivotal role in the creation and sustenance of the universe. In some texts, Prajapati is regarded as the first living being and is associated with the cosmic sacrifice, symbolizing the cyclical nature of creation.

The deity is sometimes depicted as a cosmic person or as a hybrid figure with human and animal attributes. Prajapati is also linked to the concept of the yajna (sacrifice) and the proper order (rita) in the cosmos.

Different Puranas and scriptures may provide variations in the stories and attributes associated with Prajapati, reflecting the diversity within Hindu mythology. Overall, Prajapati represents the cosmic order, fertility, and the generative force that sustains life in the vast tapestry of Hindu cosmology.