Who is Kashyapa
Kashyapa is one of the seven great sages (Saptarishi) and a Prajapati, a progenitor of many beings in Hindu cosmology. His origins are Vedic; the Rigveda (9.114.2) mentions him as a seer and a father figure. According to the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, chapters 14–16) and the Puranas, Kashyapa is the son of Marichi, who is the mind-born son of Brahma. He married thirteen daughters of Daksha, including Aditi, Diti, Kadru, and Vinata.
Through Aditi, he fathered the twelve Adityas, including Indra and Vivasvan, who are the devas. Through Diti, he fathered the Daityas (asuras), such as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Through Kadru, he fathered the nagas (serpents), and through Vinata, he fathered Garuda (the eagle) and Aruna (the charioteer of the sun). Thus, Kashyapa is considered the progenitor of all major classes of beings: devas, asuras, nagas, birds, and humans.
The Skanda Purana (Kashika Khanda) associates him with the Kashmir region, where he is said to have drained the lake Satisar to create the valley of Kashmir. In iconography, Kashyapa is depicted as a bearded sage, often holding a staff and a japa mala, and sometimes shown with his many consorts and offspring. His role in Hindu cosmology is that of a creator and sustainer of lineages, embodying the principle of cosmic procreation. Regional worship traditions include reverence in Kashmir, where the Kashyapa Muni temple is located, and pan-India as a Saptarishi.
His mantra, "Om Kaśyapāya Namaḥ," is chanted for progeny and wisdom.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Depicted as a sage with a beard. Often shown with his many consorts and offspring. Associated with the Kashmir valley.