'Dhatri' literally means 'maker, creator.' The later hymns of the
Rig Veda describe him as responsible for the production of life and the safeguarding of health. He promotes generation, presides over matrimony and domestic life, cures diseases. Dhatri is said to have 'formed the sun, moon, sky, earth, air and heaven as before.' Dhatri is also hailed as one of the
Adityas. Sometimes he is identified with Prajapati or
Brahma the creator. In some versions of mythology, Dhatri is said to be a son of Brahma.