Mātariśvan (Sanskrit: मातरिश्वन्) is a term found in the Rigveda and later Vedic literature. Etymologically, it is interpreted as "growing in the mother" (from mātari, locative of "mother," and the root śvi, "to swell, grow").
In the Rigveda, Mātariśvan is primarily a name of Agni, the sacrificial fire, or of a divine being closely associated with Agni. The "mother" in which the fire grows is understood to be the fire-stick (araṇi) used to kindle fire by friction. Mātariśvan is described as a messenger of Vivasvat who brought the hidden fire to the Bhṛgu family, making it accessible to humans. This narrative has drawn comparisons to the Prometheus myth in Greek mythology, as both figures involve fire being conveyed to humanity.
The commentator Sāyaṇa identifies Mātariśvan with Vāyu (the wind god) in Rigveda 1.93.6. In the Atharvaveda and later literature, the term also carries the general meaning of "air," "wind," or "breeze."
Beyond its Vedic usage, Mātariśvan is also attested as:
- A name of Śiva.
- The name of a son of Garuḍa (in the Mahābhārata).
- The name of a Ṛṣi (seer).
- A term for bodily wind in Ayurvedic and veterinary texts, such as the Mātaṅgalīlā.
The word occurs 27 times in the Rigveda. In later Hindu philosophical and ritual contexts (e.g., Dharmashastra and Vedanta), Mātariśvan is invoked as a deity associated with wind and breath, and is sometimes identified with the principal Vāyu or cosmic spirit (Sutrātman).
