Painting: The Bathing Cove by Frederick Arthur Bridgeman
Wathan/Arabian Deities: Dhu’Shara and Ka’ibah.
Dhu’Shara is the “Lord of the Mountain” and Ka’ibah is said to be the virgin mother of Dhu’Shara. There is some speculation that the goddess Ka’ibah did not actually exist and her name was a translating error. I personally believe she is a goddess although she might be a new goddess as opposed to an ancient one. Dhu’Shara, however, did exist and there is clear evidence of this.
Dhu’Shara - Lord of the Mountain / God of Vegetation, Oasis and Freshwater Springs / God of Kingship and Immortality / Protector of the King / The One Who Separates Day and Night / Protector of Tombs
Dhu’Shara had a temple in Petra (modern day Jordan) and was a patron of the city Madain Saleh. His worship also spread to south of Mecca. He was held in high regards alongside Al-Uzza and Al-Lat. He was the brother of Al-Qaum (Shay al-Qawm) possibly by a different mother. Al-Lat was either the consort or mother of Dhu’Shara. Al-Uzza was also possibly his consort as her “virgin” characteristic may have come from the Greeks and Romans associating her with Athena/Minerva and not the ancient Nabataeans.
Dhu’Shara’s worship also spread to Rome in Puteoli, a trading port city. There the Romans called him Dusares. His worship was mostly centered around the Nabataean merchants who traveled to and living in the city.
Ka’ibah - Virgin / Maiden / Mother of Dhu’Shara / Goddess of the Cube (Kaaba)
Ka’ibah is a goddess whose name literally means virgin. Her name comes from the word "ka'abu" which later became the word for "cube in the Arabic language and where we get the word “Kaaba”. She would probably be seen as both a mother goddess and protector of tradition/beliefs.
