MARUTS

maruts, in hindu mythology, storm-gods. their numbers vary in the different scriptures, usually thrice seven or thrice sixty. in the vedas they are called the sons of rudra. they are the companions of indra, and associated with him in the wielding of thunderbolts, sometimes as his equals, sometimes as his servants. they are armed with golden weapons and lightnings. they split drought (_vritra_) and bring rain, and cause earthquakes. various myths surround their birth. a derivative word, maruti or maroti, is the popular name throughout the deccan for hanuman (q.v.).