Sahajanyaसहजन्या

Dance During Ashadha

For Ashadha, the solar account names Varuna, the presiding deity; Vashishtha, the sage; Huhu, the Gandharva musician; Sahajanya; Rathachitra, the Yaksha; a serpent called Naga; and Budha, the Rakshasa. The assigned categories distinguish these similarly familiar names within this one retinue.

Each attendant contributes a different action. The sage praises, Huhu sings and Sahajanya dances before the Sun; the serpent, Yaksha and Rakshasa have duties associated with the horses and movement of the chariot. The Purana links the monthly retinues with the proper arrival of heat, cold and rain. Sahajanya’s presence therefore belongs to the Sun’s yearly service as well as to the music of Kubera’s court.