anāyuṣā

 

Anāyuṣā (अनायुषा) is a feminine proper name in Sanskrit, 

referring to one of the daughters of Daksha and a wife of 

Kaśyapa, who is also the mother of Bala and Vṛtra.

Meaning and Etymology

The term Anāyuṣā is derived from Sanskrit as a bahuvrihi compound,

combining an- (a privative) with āyus (life, lifespan) and a feminine 

suffix -ā, forming a name with irregular formation patterns 

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The name has been transliterated into English as Anayusha or 

Anayusa using the IAST scheme 

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Role in Hindu Texts

Anāyuṣā is mentioned in classical Hindu scriptures such as the 

Mahābhārata and Puranas. She is described as:

• A daughter of Daksha, one of the prominent progenitors in
• Hindu mythology 

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• A wife of the sage Kāśyapa, a key figure in Vedic and Puranic 
• genealogies.
• Mother of Bala and Vṛtra, with Vṛtra depicted as a significant 
• demon (asura) in Hindu myth 

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The Mahābhārata (e.g., Book I, Chapter 61) refers to Anāyuṣa in 

genealogical contexts, often in connection with the lineage of gods,

sages, and asuras 

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Cultural and Literary Significance

Anāyuṣā exemplifies the rich genealogical traditions in Vedic and 

Puranic literature, where daughters of Prajapatis like Daksha marry 

sages or immortals such as Kāśyapa, linking human, divine, and 

demonic lineages. Her name appears in lexicons and classical 

Sanskrit dictionaries, including Monier-Williams and Wisdom 

Library resources 

In summary, Anāyuṣā is primarily recognized as a mythological 

figure who bridges divine and asura lineages in Hindu scripture,

representing themes of fertility, ancestry, and the interconnectedness 

of cosmic beings 

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