WATCH THIS '' RIG VEDA '' MANTRAS - OOOMM
Essentially the Rig Veda is dominated by hymns praising the Aryan gods for giving them victories and wealth plundered from the local Dasas through warfare. The Aryans apparently used their advances in weaponry and skill in fighting to conquer the agricultural and tribal peoples of the fading Harappan culture. Numerous hymns refer to the use of horses and chariots with spokes which must have given their warriors a tremendous advantage. Spears, bows, arrows, and iron weapons are also mentioned. As a nomadic and pastoral culture glorifying war they established a new social structure of patriarchal families dominated by warriors and, eventually with the power of the Vedas themselves, by priests also.
Generally the hymns of the Rig Veda praise the gods and ask them for worldly benefits such as wealth, health, long life, protection, and victory over the Dasa people.
He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant, brought low the dear head of the wicked Dasas.
Indra the Vritra-slayer, Fort-destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness.
For men hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.
To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of battle.
When in his arms they laid the bolt, he slaughtered the Dasyus
and cast down their forts of iron.
The Rigveda Richas comprises mainly of the praises of God. Other than this it also has incantations containing thoughts which are evolved by the sages through their minute observation, contemplation and analysis. Every element of nature was an issue to contemplate upon for the sages. In this process they have randomly even spoken about the mysteries of the universe, which are not only worth reading but also for practical usage.
Rigveda is a Veda in form of Sukti's, which mean 'beautiful statements'. A collection of very beautifully composed incantations itself is a Sukta. The Sukta is also synonymous to Richas. 'Rit' means - an incantation that contains praises and Veda means knowledge. The knowledge of the Richas or Suktas itself is the literal meaning of Rigveda.
The Rigveda Richas comprises mainly of the praises of God. Other than this it also has incantations containing thoughts which are evolved by the sages through their minute observation, contemplation and analysis. Every element of nature was an issue to contemplate upon for the sages. In this process they have randomly even spoken about the mysteries of the universe, which are not only worth reading but also for practical usage.
Rigveda is the oldest Veda. It comprises of 10 Mandals, 102 Suktas and containing 10,552 mantras. These mantras are filed with good thoughts and they have the ability to inspire us greatly. The ultimate aim of all these mantras is to purify the human mind through knowledge. Darkness is symbol of lack of knowledge or illusionary living, which makes us devoid of justness and sagacity.
The Rigveda is divided into 2 parts-
(i) Mandal, Anuvak and Sukta
(ii) Ashtak, Adhgaya and Sukta
According to the first division, the Rigveda consist of 10 Mandalas. There are Suktas that comprise the Mandalas. In every Sukta there are mantras or Richas. The quantity of Suktas is 1017 and the other additional Suktas account to 11. In this way, the total number is unequal. There seem to be maximum Suktas in the 1st and 10th Mandala and there are very few Suktas in the 2nd Mandala. It comprises of 10 Mandals, 102 Suktas and containing 10,552 mantras. These mantras are filed with good thoughts and they have the ability to inspire us greatly. The ultimate aim of all these mantras is to purify the human mind through knowledge. Darkness is symbol of lack of knowledge or illusionary living, which makes us devoid of justness and sagacity.
The Rigveda is divided into 2 parts-
(i) Mandal, Anuvak and Sukta
(ii) Ashtak, Adhgaya and Sukta
According to the first division, the Rigveda consist of 10 Mandalas. There are Suktas that comprise the Mandalas. In every Sukta there are mantras or Richas. The quantity of Suktas is 1017 and the other additional Suktas account to 11. In this way, the total number is unequal. There seem to be maximum Suktas in the 1st and 10th Mandala and there are very few Suktas in the 2nd Mandala.
The following tables show the no. of Suktas and mantras in every Mandala :
| Mandala | Sukta | Number of Mantras |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 191 | 2006 |
| 2 | 43 | 429 |
| 3 | 62 | 617s |
| 4 | 58 | 589 |
| 5 | 87 | 727 |
| 6 | 75 | 765 |
| 7 | 104 | 841 |
| 8 | 103 | 1716 |
| 9 | 114 | 1108 |
| 10 | 191 | 1754 |
| 10 | 1028 | 10,552 |
Inclusively in 10 Mandalas there are 1028 Suktas which in turn comprise of 10,552 mantras.
The Brahmanas stand second to the Vedas. The ultimate aim of these books is procedures of performing Yagya and rituals. The Brahmanas are divided into 3 parts.
(i) Brahmana,
(ii) Aranyaka,
(iii) Upanishad
There are 2 Rigveda Brahmin texts i.e. Kausheetki and Aitereya. These 2 texts share a very intimate relation. In both these texts critical appreciation is done of the same subject and the meaning of the mantras is surprisingly contradictory. These Brahmana speak about the Soma and Rajasuya Yagya.
A big portion of the Upanishads seems to have been taken in the Aranyaka. The Aitereya and Kausheetki are the 2 Aranyakas of the Rigveda.
There are 5 texts of the Aitereya and each of these is known as Aranyaka. The 2nd and 3rd are independent Upanishads. In the 2nd half of the last 4 paragraphs are counted as Vedanta texts that is why they are referred to Aitereya Upanishads. There are 3 parts of the Kausheetki Aranyaka. The 2 parts of this Aranyaka are filled with rituals. The 3rd part is referred to as Kausheetki Upanishad.
MORE EXPLANATION OF '' RIGVEDA '' :
Rigveda
The voluminous vedas were edited into four parts by the intellectual colossus Maharshi Veda Vyaasa. The European scholars due to their lack of proper understanding of Aarshavidya, have attempted to bind the timeless in time
The present limited form of the vedas that are available are merely the observations of great seers that they experienced in their samaadhi. Any attempt to lend a chronological order to this eternal source of knowledge. Can only be termed as quite audacious. Yet all the scholars unanimously agree that the Rgveda is the oldest available literature.
The structure/form of Rigveda: The Rgveda is hymn-oriented. The Rgveda mantras are called Rcha because they are hymns, praising various devaas. The group/collection of such Rchaas is known as a sukta. Therefore, Rgveda is essentially the suktas compiled together.
Branches of Rigveda: The various mantras such as the Rchas in the form of the Rgveda etc are for the Ritwiks’ use to perform different sacrificial activities. The compilation of the rchas in the Rgvedic form is for the facility of Hotr (Hota), the supreme among the Rtwicks. The composition of Rchas neither took place at a single period of time or place. We must, however, always remember that by the word ‘composition’ it is meant the flashes of realisation achieved by the Rshis during their samaadhi. Thus, the composition or the compilation of the Rchas was achieved by various masters teaching their pupil and the Hotas performing sacrifices hailing from different families and races. The result was that different editions of rchas evolved commonly called the Rgveda either independently or collectively. Thus, there were various branches of Rgveda based on its study, teaching and use in the sacrifices. Ekavimshathi bahufruchyam. According Mahabhashya, the commentary on Maharshi Paanini’s Ashtaadyaayi, by Bhagawan Patanjali, there were TWENTY ONE branches of Rgveda. The number of branches varies as stated by other texts. The Charanavyuha mentions Shaakalaa, Vaashklaa Aashvatayanee, Shaankhaayanee and Maandukaayanee as the most prominent branches of Rgveda. Each branch had its own samhitaa section and therefore it can be safely declared that there were as many samhitas as the branches. Unfortunately, only one branch of Rgveda is available today. Following the ancient tradition it is also known by it name as Shaakalaasamitaa. Whatever information perception and understanding we have Rgveda is based solely on this branch.
Branches of Rigveda: The various mantras such as the Rchas in the form of the Rgveda etc are for the Ritwiks’ use to perform different sacrificial activities. The compilation of the rchas in the Rgvedic form is for the facility of Hotr (Hota), the supreme among the Rtwicks. The composition of Rchas neither took place at a single period of time or place. We must, however, always remember that by the word ‘composition’ it is meant the flashes of realisation achieved by the Rshis during their samaadhi. Thus, the composition or the compilation of the Rchas was achieved by various masters teaching their pupil and the Hotas performing sacrifices hailing from different families and races. The result was that different editions of rchas evolved commonly called the Rgveda either independently or collectively. Thus, there were various branches of Rgveda based on its study, teaching and use in the sacrifices. Ekavimshathi bahufruchyam. According Mahabhashya, the commentary on Maharshi Paanini’s Ashtaadyaayi, by Bhagawan Patanjali, there were TWENTY ONE branches of Rgveda. The number of branches varies as stated by other texts. The Charanavyuha mentions Shaakalaa, Vaashklaa Aashvatayanee, Shaankhaayanee and Maandukaayanee as the most prominent branches of Rgveda. Each branch had its own samhitaa section and therefore it can be safely declared that there were as many samhitas as the branches. Unfortunately, only one branch of Rgveda is available today. Following the ancient tradition it is also known by it name as Shaakalaasamitaa. Whatever information perception and understanding we have Rgveda is based solely on this branch.
A collection of rchas is knowns as a sukta. There are 1028 suktaas in Rgveda. If the smallest sukta contains one rcha then the largest contains 58 rchas. In all there are about 10,600 rchas in all the suktas.
The Rgveda is classified in two ways.
- The whole Rgveda is divided into 8 parts known as Ashtakaani. Each ashtakam is further divided into eight parts known as adhyaaya. There are an indeterminate number of vargas in these adhyaayas that are a collection of about five or six rchas. Thus, there are eight ashtakas and 64 adhyaayas in Rgveda. This classification did not gain much following as it was hypothetical. Second one is a more authentic and natural classification. A sukta is the most genuine and smallest unit of Rgveda that conveys its own individual point. The 1028 suktas are divided into 10 mandalas. This classification is also historical in nature 20 divided that each mandala of six of the ten is attributed to either one of rshis hailing from the same gotra (Mandalas 2-7). The rshis of these mandalas in order are Grtsamada, Vishwamitra, Vaamadeva, Atri, Bharadwaaja and Vasishta along with their descendents. The fact that these mandalas are ascribed only to one family each and their sequential classification confirm them to be the oldest. The ninth mandala is also known as Pavamaanamandala.
- Singing the glory and worship of various deities is the fundamental subject matter of Rgveda. This veda is a vast collection of hymn in praise of the deities. The chief deities eulogised in this veda are Agni, Indra, Varuna, Vishnu, Savitaa, Marut, Mitra, etc. The hymns in praise of individual deva is known as suktas. The description of different factors related to the devaas also throws sufficient light on the social, historical, political and geographical conditions of those times. There are suktas devoted to other independent subjects other than the deities. Some describe a conversation, some preach ethics through the description of a game of dice. Others discuss social life and get others enumerate philosophical thoughts.
Rigveda
Rgveda is the oldest available literature of the mankind. The ancient most picture of the Aryan of Hindu race in its completeness is provided here. All aspects of Vedic civilisation and culture are available in this. There is vivid description of the religious, political, cultural, literacy,
social and scientific thought of the Hindu race and their development in Rgveda.
Rgvaidic Dharma: Aryans or Hindus consider the Veda as the root source of their Dharma. Today Hindu Dharma has undergone tremendous change. Some worship the almighty as one with attributes and some without any form. Some believe in many Gods and some only in one. Various schools of philosophy like Advaita, Vishistaadvaita, Dwaita and Traita, where all owe their roots to the vedas. The basic Dharma of Rgveda is the worship of deities. This worship could be in the form of propitiating many deities or one single supreme consciousness.
a) The Worship of Many deities: On the surface, worship of many deities does seem to be the fundamental Dharma of Rgveda. 33 deities figure prominently in Rgveda. On being worshipped these Devas or gods bestow on man with various powers and wealth. Maharshi Yaska classified these Devas into three categories. Prithvi sthaaneeya, Antariksha sthaaneeya and Dyusthaaneeya ie., terrestial, those belonging to space and those belonging to heaven.
b) Single God theory: The hidden meaning of Vaidic mantras indicate toward one single Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent Lord. The vaidic sages worshipped one single supreme consciousness. This supreme consciousness is Paramaatman, Eeshwara, Purusha or Bhrahman. The various deities are merely the expression of his various powers and characteristics. There are many mantras that support this fact.
Indram mitram Varunamagniraahuryo divyassuparno garutmaanEkam sad Vipraa bahudhaa vadantyagnim yamam maatraarishwaanamaahuhu(Rgveda - 1.644.6)
Though one, the supreme consciousness is called by many names suchas - Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, Divya, Suparna, Garutmaan, Agni, Yama and Maataarishwa by the wise.
Yaskacharya too echoes the same theory.
Mahaabhaagyad devataaya Eka Eva aatmaa bahudhaa stuy
The soul of all the Devas is one. It is glorified in many ways.
Rishi Dayananda through irrefutable arguments has proved the same.
c) Sacrifice: The vaidic dharma is known as the Dharma of sacrifies. But the exact meaning of the word Yagna is not clear. Many sages have defined Yagna as acts of selfless service. No matter what the meaning be, Rgveda endorses it.
Philosophical thought evolution in Rgveda.
The philosophical thought evolution of the Hindus has its seeds in Rgveda. Atman - Paramaatman, creation - genesis, death, rebirth and salvation etc have been deeply and exhaustively discussed in Rgveda.
a) Eswara, Jeeva - Prakriti : The Hindus accept three factors responsible for the creation and administration of the universe. They are Eeshwara, Jeeva and Prakriti. Creation comes into being with the union of Jeeva and Prakriti. Eeshwara is the regulator and administrator of creation. The Jeeva is bound and is caught in vicious circle of birth and death by Prakriti i.e., nature. He attains freedom from this bondage having realised from true self and achieves absolute emancipation and becomes ever blissful. Many mantras in Rgveda endorse this three-factor point.
b) Creation: There about 6 to 7 suktaas in Rgveda regarding the genesis of this Universe. The Naasadiya, Hiranyagarbha and Purusha suktaas are the most famous. Naasadiya sukta (10.129) describes the condition before the creation, and evolution of the Universe.
In the beginning there was nothing. There were neither worlds nor sky, neither momentum nor pace, neither birth nor death nor immortality, neither day nor night. Only the Omnipotent, supreme consciousness, existed in dormant form. Desire was born in His heart and the seed of creation was born, where from He Himself was born or his creation, whether the devas were born before the creation or after ? Who has ever understood? The supreme consciousness, the supreme Lord is the only Lord of this creation and he alone should known and understood. The Hiranyagarbha sukta too describes the process of creation. In the beginning the Hirayagarbha Parmaatman alone existed. He was the sole lord of all created being. He bears on his person the earth and celestial worlds.
GODS OF RIGVEDA
Each sookta of Rgveda has its own Deva, where in that particular Deva is worshipped through hymns in his praise. Yaaska the Niruktakaara defines Deva as – Devo daanaad dyotanaad deepanaad vaa
Deva is the one who bestows things, or who shines or who illuminates. There are 33 Devas in Rgveda. Yaaska has classified Devas into three categories. Prithvi sthaneeya, antariksa sthaneeya and Dyusthaneeya – i.e, terrestial deities, deities of space and deities of heaven. The following are the prominent Devas of Rgveda.
Indra: Indra is the greatest of all Devas in Rgveda. Indra has been extolled in 1028 suktas of Rigveda. He is the racial as well as the national deity of the Aryan race due to his virtues. He is the king of all Devas. According to Rgveda Indra is endowed with three special characteristics – a) The accomplisher of great feats, b) master of unparalleled might and c) The vanquisher of the Asuraas. Indra’s favourite weapon is the thunderbolt – Vajra. Twashta designed this deadly weapon for Indra. Indra is also known as Shakra. Shachipat, Shachivaan. Shatakratu etc., Dyou is Indra’s father. Agni and Pusha are his brothers and Indraani (Shachi Devi) is his wife.
Agni: Agni is the second most important deity in Rgveda on the basis of his influence and magnitude. 200 hymns are devoted to Agni. Just as Indra is the lord of seasons and war Agni is the lord of household activities. No religious activity is possible without Agni.
Varuna: After Indra and Agni Varuna enjoys the third place among Devas in Rgveda in terms of importance. He is praised only in 12 suktaas. Yet he is the ruler and administrator of the world. He makes people follow the law.
Marut: Marut is not a single deity but a group of deities and therefore they are always addressed in plural. The Marutas are the object of glorification in 42 suktaas. They are known as the sons of Rudra and Prushni.
Vishnu: Vishnu’s glories are sung in 152 suktas belonging to the 1st mandala. Though a minor deity in Rgveda Vishnu attained great importance later. Actually Vishnu means the Sun.
Surya: According to the description in Rgveda the physical Sun itself is Surya Deva. Thus we find the description of physical attributes of Surya.
Savitaa: Though there is much similarity in Surya and Savitaa, Savita has been described differently. Savita is the lord of day and night. The sacred Gayatri mantra glorifies Savita.
Mitra: Mitra is a close friend of Varuna. He is very compassionate and mighty.
Ushas: The Rgvedic poets have exhibited exemplary poetic skills in describing Ushas. 20 suktas are devoted to Ushas. She is the presiding deity of beauty, grace and charm.
Soma: Soma is an important diety of Rgveda. Nearly the complete Ninth mandala is devoted to Soma. There are 120 hymns in his praise.
Pushan: Pushan is mentioned is 8 sukta of Rgveda. 5 of these appear in the sixth mandala. Pushan is described as the lord of all animate and inanimate living beings and the protector of the paths.
Vaata: Vaata is the deity of air. He has been praised in two short suktas of the Rgveda. He is considered as the inspirer and soul of Vaayu. Vaata is the respiration of the Devas like Rudra, Vaata cures diseases and enhances the life span. His speed is awesome. He is only heard and cannot be seen.
Vaastoshpati: Though described in only one sukta, Vaastoshpati is mentioned seven times in Rgveda. He bears similarity to soma in characteristics. The Vaastoshpati sukta is employed during house-warming ceremony. According to Rgveda the blessings of Vaastoshpati should be sought by householders seeking all the necessary objects essential to run a household.
Vaak: The Rgveda describes Vaak as the presiding deity of speech. She is praised as a great power born of Brahma. Vaak is essentially another form of Brahma. She is the motivator of the Gods and helps them discharge their duties properly. Through here brilliance she transforms her devotees into Rishis, Brahmana and erudite. One should recite the Vaak sukta to attain great oratory skills.
Rudra: Rudra is described only in a few rchas yet as a very powerful Devata. In Rgveda, Rudra is described as the father and master of the Marutas. He is the most powerful among the powerful and indomitable. He supervises the world. Rudra is known as Aadi Deva; the first deity. Rudra is the deity of health and medicinal plants as well.
Yama: Yama is the God of life and shows the path to the dead. The fourteenth to eighteenth sukta of the tenth mandala of Rgveda deals with the spiritual science of death, life after death and similar topics. According to the vedic mantras Vivasvan and Sarayu the daughter of Twashta are the parents of Yama. The word Yama is derived from the root `Yam’ and means the controller of all beings. The suktas related to Yama are recited during the last rites of a man - burning the dead body on/in a pyre.
Rigveda(Conclusion)
O Supreme Lord! may we never suffer and perish and always enjoy your
benign grace.
The one Supreme Lord is known by various names by the learned.
He is the sole master of the universe.
What use are the vedas for the one, who does not know the brahman.
Walk unitedly. Speak unitedly.
Be pure and clean and lead a philonthrophic life.
Men expounded the truth and practiced it.
He is not a true friend who does not help a friend in need.
Wrong-doers cannot cross the path of righteousness.
Generous persons attain immortality.
May your minds unite.
Even the devas do not befriend persons why shy away from hardwork.
Serve your motherland.
Let us always strive for our sovereignty.
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