Who is Vata mentioned in this Sama Veda Verse?

Question

While reading the translation of Sama Veda, I came across this verse dedicated to Vata in Part 2 Book 9 Chapter 2:

1. May Vata breathe his balm on us, healthful, delightful to our heart: May he prolong our days of life!

2. Thou art our father, Vata, yea, thou art our brother and our friend: So give us strength that we may live!

3. The store of Amrit that laid away yonder, O Vata, in thine home-- Give us strength that we may live!

I am not really sure to whom this hymn is addressed. Is this related to the three doshas mentioned in Ayurveda - Vata, Pitta, Kapha? Is there any detailed description with meaning of this or any other Vedic verse on Vata that can understand who or what it is?

Answer 1

Vaata is wind God Vayu.

Same mantra occurs in the Rigveda and there is a clear indication of the devatas.

Rigveda Mandala 10 Sukta 186:

1. FILLING our hearts with health and joy, may Vāta breathe his balm on us May he prolong our days of life.

2. Thou art our Father, Vāta, yea, thou art a Brother and a friend, So give us strength that we may live.

3. The store of Amṛta laid away yonder, O Vāta, in thine home,— Give us thereof that we may live.

The devata of the above sukta as described in the Anukramani of Rigveda is Vayu and rishi is Vatsa Vaataayana

Further, Hanuman, who is the son of Vayu, is worshipped as follows:

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं
जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं
श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।

1: Who is Swift as the Mind and Fast as the Wind,
2: Who is the Master of the Senses, and Honoured for His Excellent Intelligence, Learning and Wisdom,
3: Who is Son of the Wind God and Chief among the Vanaras (Who were part of the Devas incarnated in the species of the monkeys to serve Sri Rama during His Incarnation),
4: To that Messenger of Sri Rama, I take Refuge (by prostrating before him).

Translation from greenmesg.org

Vata is another name used synonymous to Vayu.

Monier Williams gives many other meanings but Vayu is closer as devatas like Indra, Savitar are praised in the hymn.