Rigveda (ऋग्वेद)

Introduction

The Rigveda (ऋग्वेद) is one of the oldest and most important texts of Hinduism and one of the foundational texts of ancient sanatan hindu civilization. It is the first of the four Vedas, which also include the Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. The Rigveda consists of hymns, or "suktas," primarily composed to invoke the Vedic deities for blessings, protection, and prosperity. It is considered the most ancient literary work of humanity, with origins dating back to as early as 1500 BCE.

The Rigveda holds a central position in the Vedic tradition. It provides insight into the early vedic civilization, the social, religious, and philosophical beliefs of the time, and the development of language, culture, and spirituality.

The Origin of the Rigveda

The Rigveda is traditionally regarded as śruti (that which is heard), implying that it was revealed to the ancient Rishis (sages) through divine inspiration. The text was passed down orally from generation to generation through precise recitation and memorization before being written down. It is unclear as to when the Rigveda was first written down.

The earliest written manuscripts of the Rigveda date to the 11th century CE; however, its composition as oral tradition is significantly older, with estimates ranging from 1200–1500 BCE or earlier. Linguistically, the language of the Rigveda belongs to early Vedic Sanskrit, which is an archaic form of Sanskrit, predating classical Sanskrit. The oldest surviving manuscripts have been discovered in Nepal and date to 1040 CE.

The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune, India, houses some of the oldest manuscripts of the Rigveda. These manuscripts are invaluable for scholars studying the early transmission of the text and its interpretation.

Meaning of Rigveda

The word Rigveda is a compound of two Sanskrit words:
- "Rik" or "Rig": This means a "hymn" or "praise." The hymns of the Rigveda are composed in poetic meters and are used for worshipping the deities.
- "Veda": This means "knowledge" or "wisdom." The Vedas are the repositories of knowledge and are considered the ultimate scriptural authority in Hindu tradition.
Thus, Rigveda can be understood as the "Knowledge of the Hymns of Praise."

Structure and Chapters

The Rigveda consists of 10 books, known as mandalas (मण्डल). Each mandala contains hymns (called "suktas") which are further divided into individual verses known as "r̥c" (or "riks"). The Rigveda contains a total of 1,028 hymns and approximately 10,552 verses.

The mandalas of the Rigveda are organized as follows:
1. Mandalas 2 to 7: Known as the "family books," they are the oldest part of the Rigveda and are attributed to specific Rishi families. These books are dedicated to individual deities, with hymns largely composed for ritualistic purposes.
2. Mandala 1 and Mandala 10: These are the latest additions to the Rigveda and contain philosophical hymns and more universal themes such as cosmology, metaphysics, and moral laws.
3. Mandalas 8 and 9: These have distinct content, focusing primarily on hymns dedicated to **Soma**, the sacred ritual drink.

Associated Sages (Rishis)

Each hymn or collection of hymns in the Rigveda is attributed to a specific **Rishi** (sage), who is considered the composer of the hymn. These sages received the hymns through divine revelation and passed them down orally. Some of the prominent sages associated with the Rigveda include:
- Vishwamitra: Often associated with Mandala 3, he is one of the most revered sages and is credited with the composition of the famous **Gayatri Mantra** (3.62.10).
- Vasishtha: Associated with Mandala 7, he is known for his hymns to the deity **Agni** and other Vedic gods.
- Atri: Credited with hymns in Mandala 5.
- Angiras: Many hymns, particularly in the earlier books, are attributed to the Angiras family.
- Bhrigu: A group of Rishis often associated with fire worship (Agni).
These sages were the torchbearers of the Vedic tradition, ensuring the Rigveda was transmitted with precise accuracy.

Notable Deities and Themes

The Rigveda is primarily devoted to various deities of the Vedic pantheon, who are personifications of natural forces and cosmic principles. Some of the key deities worshipped in the Rigveda are:
- Agni (Fire God): Agni is the mediator between gods and humans, carrying offerings to the gods during sacrificial rituals.
- Indra (God of Thunder and War): Indra is the most frequently mentioned deity in the Rigveda. He is portrayed as a heroic god who leads the Aryan tribes into victory, notably in his battle against **Vritra**, the dragon who held back the waters.
- Soma: Soma is both the sacred ritual drink and a god associated with the intoxicating nectar offered to the gods.
- Varuna: Varuna is the god of cosmic order (Ṛta), law, and morality.
- Surya (Sun God): Surya is invoked in hymns related to light, vision, and cosmic order.
Other important deities include **Mitra, Rudra, Ushas** (dawn), and **Yama** (lord of death).

Philosophy and Cosmology in the Rigveda

While the Rigveda is primarily composed of hymns of praise, it also delves into philosophical and cosmological questions. Some of the most profound hymns include:
1. Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) – Mandala 10.129: This hymn ponders the origins of the universe and the nature of existence. It asks whether anyone, even the gods, knows how the world came into being.

2. Purusha Sukta (Hymn of the Cosmic Man) – Mandala 10.90: This hymn describes the creation of the universe from the body of a primordial being, 'Purusha', whose body was sacrificed to form the cosmos and social order.

3. Gayatri Mantra (3.62.10): One of the most famous hymns from the Rigveda, it is a prayer for divine guidance and enlightenment. It is dedicated to 'Savitr', a solar deity, and asks for wisdom and clarity of mind.

Language and Poetic Form

The Rigveda is composed in an archaic form of Sanskrit, known as 'Vedic Sanskrit', which predates classical Sanskrit. The hymns are highly metrical and poetic, with a sophisticated use of imagery and symbolism. The 'Chandas' (metrical patterns) used in the Rigveda vary, with the 'Gayatri meter' (three-line stanza) being particularly important.

Selected Hymns (Slokas) for Discussion

1. Rigveda 1.1.1 (To Agni)

```
अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम्।
होतारं रत्नधातमम्॥
```
Translation: "I glorify Agni, the household priest, the divine priest of the sacrifice, the one who invokes, the bestower of treasures."
Explanation: This is the opening verse of the Rigveda, where the priest invokes **Agni**, the fire god, to mediate between the gods and humans during the sacrificial ritual. Agni is praised as the one who bestows wealth and blessings.

2. Rigveda 3.62.10 (Gayatri Mantra)
```
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः।
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
```
Translation: "We meditate upon the adorable glory of the radiant Savitr. May he inspire our intellect."
Explanation: This famous mantra is a prayer to 'Savitr', a solar deity, asking for spiritual wisdom and clarity. It is one of the most widely chanted mantras in Hinduism, revered for its power to bring enlightenment.

3. Rigveda 10.90.1 (Purusha Sukta)
```
सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात्।
स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वात्यतिष्ठद्दशाङुलम्॥
```
Translation: "The Purusha (Cosmic Man) has a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet. Encompassing the earth, He transcended it by ten fingers' breadth."
Explanation: This hymn describes the universe as an extension of the cosmic being, **Purusha**, whose body is sacrificed to create the world.
4. Rigveda 10.90.1 (Purusha Sukta)

```
सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात्।
स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वात्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम्॥
```
Translation: "The Cosmic Being (Purusha) has a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet. He pervades the earth on all sides and extends beyond it by ten fingers' breadth."
Explanation: This hymn highlights the universality of **Purusha**, the primal cosmic entity whose sacrifice by the gods is said to have brought the universe into being. The imagery in this hymn illustrates how the divine is present in every aspect of creation and transcends it.
5. Rigveda 1.164.46 (Riddle of the Universe)

```
एकं सद् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति।
अग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानमाहुः॥
```
Translation: "The truth is one, but the sages speak of it in many ways; they call it Agni, Yama, Matarishvan."
Explanation: This verse is one of the most famous lines in the Rigveda and is often quoted to show the Vedic vision of 'universal truth'. Though the divine may appear under different names or forms (Agni, Yama, etc.), it is ultimately one reality that sages perceive and express in various ways. This verse illustrates the Rigveda's broad and inclusive approach to understanding the divine.

Philosophy and Cosmology in the Rigveda

In addition to hymns of praise, the Rigveda contains philosophical and metaphysical speculation on the nature of the universe. Some of these include:

Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) – Rigveda 10.129: This hymn contemplates the origins of the universe and raises profound questions about the unknown mysteries of creation, including whether anyone, even the gods, can understand the origin of everything.

Hymn to Cosmic Order (Ṛta) – Rigveda 1.164: The concept of 'Ṛta', cosmic order or law, is frequently invoked in the Rigveda. It governs both the physical and moral universe. This principle is fundamental in maintaining balance in the cosmos and society.

Conclusion

The Rigveda, as the oldest of the Vedas, is not only a religious text but also a historical and cultural document that provides insight into the earliest known period of Vedic civilization. Its hymns cover a wide range of topics from the praise of natural forces and deities to philosophical inquiry into the origins of the cosmos. Its profound influence on Indian spiritual thought and philosophy is evident in its continued reverence and study.

In terms of language, structure, and themes, the Rigveda sets the foundation for the subsequent Vedic literature, especially the later Upanishads and the various schools of Hindu philosophy. As we dive into the hymns and explore their meanings, it becomes clear why the Rigveda is regarded not just as a religious text but also a timeless repository of knowledge, wisdom, and universal truths.

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Litterateur

Page article "Rigveda (ऋग्वेद)" -by Dr. Kalinkaar Dipendra

References

• The development of the vedic canon and its schools: The social and political milieu, Michael Witzel, Harvard University.URL: Click here

Last updated on

October 1, 2024

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