Rigveda

The Rigveda (from ṛc “praise” and veda “knowledge”) is the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text and the first of the four sacred Vedas of Hinduism. It is considered a foundational pillar of Indian culture and one of the world’s oldest religious scriptures still in continuous use. 

1. Key Facts and Figures

  • Composition: Estimated between 1500 BCE and 1200 BCE.
  • Structure: Organized into 10 Mandalas (books/circles) containing 1,028 Suktas (hymns) and approximately 10,552 verses.
  • Language: Written in Vedic Sanskrit, an archaic precursor to Classical Sanskrit.
  • Oral Tradition: For centuries, it was preserved through meticulous oral transmission (Shruti) before being written down around 300 BCE. 

2. Core Content and Deities

The Rigveda primarily consists of hymns of praise dedicated to various deities who personify natural forces: 

  • Indra: The most prominent deity, the king of gods and lord of thunder and rain.
  • Agni: The fire god, who serves as a mediator between humans and the divine through sacrificial fire (Yajna).
  • Soma: Both a deity and a sacred ritual drink believed to provide immortality and inspiration.
  • Other Gods: Varuna (cosmic order), Surya (the Sun), and Ushas (the Dawn) are also frequently invoked. 

3. Famous Hymns and Philosophies

  • Gayatri Mantra: Found in the 3rd Mandala, it is one of the most revered prayers in Hinduism.
  • Purusha Sukta: Located in the 10th Mandala, this hymn describes the creation of the universe from a cosmic being (Purusha) and provides the earliest reference to the four social classes (Varnas).
  • Nasadiya Sukta: A profound philosophical hymn in the 10th Mandala that speculates on the origins of the universe, questioning who or what existed before creation. 

4. Global Significance

  • UNESCO Heritage: Recognizing its exceptional value, UNESCO included the Rigveda in the Memory of the World Register in 2007.
  • Linguistic Importance: It is vital for understanding early Indo-European languages and the shared heritage of Indo-Iranian cultures.

You can read complete Rigveda in English Languages

  1. RIGVEDA – VOL – 1
  2. RIGVEDA – VOL – 2
  3. RIGVEDA – VOL – 3
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