Rig Veda in English
Introduction to Rig Veda (Rig Veda in Hindi)
Definition and Importance
Rig Veda, which means ‘Status and Knowledge’, is the first and oldest of the four Vedas. It is mainly poetic and is considered the initial source of Sanatan Dharma. Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda also originated from Rig Veda. This Veda is composed in verses, while Yajurveda is in prose form and Samaveda is based on songs and music.
Rig Veda is believed to have been composed in northwestern India between 1500 and 1000 BC. Its mantras and hymns have been composed by different sages in different periods. It also gives information about the political tradition and history of the Aryans.
Structure and Division
Rig Veda has 10 mandalas, 1028 suktas and about 10,580 mantras.
The first and tenth mandalas are the largest, each containing 191 suktas.
The second to seventh mandalas are considered the best part of the Rig Veda.
Description of medicines and deities
The tenth mandalas describe 125 medicines, which are found in 107 places.
Som medicine gets special mention.
There are about 400 hymns in the Rig Veda dedicated to deities like Surya, Indra, Agni, Varuna, Rudra and Savita.
Key facts
The definition of Rig Veda is ‘status and knowledge’.
It is the first and main source of Sanatan Dharma.
It has 10 mandalas, 1028 suktas and a total of 10,580 mantras.
It describes 33 crore deities and goddesses like Surya, Usha, Aditi.
Indra is considered the most powerful deity, whose praise has 250 mantras.
The first and last mandalas are equally large, each having 191 suktas.
Vedavyas divided the Rigveda into Ashtaka order and Mandala order.
Divisions and branches
Two divisions of Rigveda:
Ashtaka order:
It has eight ashtakas, and each ashtak is divided into eight chapters.
The total number of sections is 2006.
Mandala order:
It contains 10 mandalas, 85 anuvakas, 1028 suktas and 11 Balakhilya suktas.
Major branches:
The Rigveda mentions 21 branches, of which 5 are the main branches:
Shakal
Vashkal
Ashwalayana
Shankhayana
Mandukayana
Important Suktas and Mantras
The tenth mandal contains descriptions of Purushasukta, Nasadiya Sukta, Vivaah Sukta and Devi Sukta.
The seventh mandal contains mention of Gayatri Mantra.
According to Shatapath Brahmana and other texts, special care was taken to count the words and letters of the Rig Veda.
Features
The Rig Veda is the main source of the early knowledge, culture and tradition of human civilization. Its mantras are helpful not only in religious rituals but also in spiritual and scientific thoughts. The Shakal Samhita currently available has 10,552 mantras.