Introduction
Rig Vedic religion, practiced during the Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BCE) in ancient India, was polytheistic and centered around the worship of various deities depicted in the Rigveda. It encompassed rituals, sacrifices, and hymns dedicated to gods associated with natural forces and cosmic phenomena.
Key Characteristics
- Worshiping: The Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain, and thunder, primarily through yajnas. [UPSC 2012]
- A distinct characteristic was Henotheism or Kathenotheism, where each hymn elevated a specific deity to supreme status temporarily.
- Distinctive aspect of Fire Cult was associated with both Indo-Aryans and Indo-Iranians.
- Magic and omens were not prevalent.
- Meat consumption and sacrificial killing of animals were found, except for cows deemed Aghnya (not to be killed).
- This period saw recognition of various deities, demigods, and other spiritual entities in their religious observances.
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Some Important Deities
| Deities |
Characteristics |
| Indra |
- The greatest god of the Aryans, 250 hymns are attributed to him.
- Known as Purandhar (Breaker of forts), Urvarajit (winner of fertile fields), Maghavan (bounteous), and Vritrahan (Slayer of Vritra, chaos).
|
| Agni |
- 2nd most important god, the god of fire, 200 hymns are attributed to him.
- Serves as an intermediary between gods and men.
|
| Varuna |
- 3rd most important god, the god of water, responsible for maintaining cosmic order (Rita).
|
| Soma |
- God of plants. Soma is also seen as the deity who inspires poets to compose hymns.
- The entire 11th mandala of the Rig Veda is dedicated to him.
|
- Other Gods mentioned are Rudra (God of Destruction, Later merged with Shiva in later Vedic Phase), Yama (Lord of death), Pushan (God of Sudras, Look after cattle), Surya (Son of Dyaus), Vishnu (Benevolent and Gentle God), Maruts (God of Storms), Ashvinis (Twin Gods of war and fertility).
- Goddesses mentioned are Savitri (Solar deity, famous Gayatri Mantra is attributed to her in the 3rd mandala of Rigveda), Aditi (Goddess of Eternity, Mother of Gods), Usha (Goddess of Dawn), Sinivali (Goddess of Fertility).
|
Demi-gods
- Gandharvas (Divine musicians)
- Vishwa Devas (Intermediate deities)
- Apasaras (Mistress of Gods)
- Aryaman (Guardian of compacts and marriages)
|
Conclusion
- Rig Vedic religion served as the foundation of early Hinduism, shaping the spiritual beliefs and practices of ancient Indian society.
- It laid the groundwork for the evolution of complex religious philosophies and the emergence of diverse sectarian traditions in later periods, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
April 20, 2024
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