Rig Ved : ऋग्वेद

The Rig Veda (ऋग्वेद) is one of the oldest and most important texts in the Indian spiritual and philosophical tradition. It is a collection of hymns (suktas) that are dedicated to various deities, reflecting the religious, social, and cultural life of the early Vedic period. The Rig Veda is part of the four Vedas, which are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism. The other three Vedas are the Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.

Historical and Cultural Background

Origins:

  • The Rig Veda is believed to have been composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE, though some scholars suggest even earlier dates. It is the oldest of the Vedas and one of the oldest known texts in any Indo-European language.

Composition:

  • The hymns of the Rig Veda were composed by various sages (rishis) and transmitted orally over generations before being written down. The oral tradition ensured that the hymns were preserved with great accuracy through meticulous memorization techniques.

Language:

  • The Rig Veda is written in Vedic Sanskrit, an ancient form of the Sanskrit language. This archaic language is different from classical Sanskrit, which developed later.

Structure and Content

Organization:

  • The Rig Veda consists of 10 books (mandalas) containing a total of 1,028 hymns (suktas) and about 10,600 verses (riks). Each mandala is further divided into hymns, which are composed of individual verses.

Types of Hymns:

  1. Devotional Hymns:
    • Many hymns are dedicated to specific deities, such as Agni (the fire god), Indra (the king of the gods and god of thunder), Varuna (the god of water and cosmic order), and Soma (associated with a ritual drink). These hymns praise the deities and seek their blessings.
  2. Philosophical Hymns:
    • Some hymns explore profound philosophical questions about the nature of the universe, the origins of creation, and the relationship between humans and the divine.
  3. Ritual Hymns:
    • Several hymns provide instructions for performing rituals and sacrifices, which were central to Vedic religion. These rituals were believed to maintain cosmic order and please the gods.
  4. Cosmic Hymns:
    • These hymns describe the creation of the world and the cosmic order. The Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) in the 10th mandala is a famous example that ponders the origins of the universe.

Key Themes and Teachings

Nature and the Divine:

  • The Rig Veda reflects a deep reverence for nature and its forces, which are often personified as gods and goddesses. The natural elements, such as fire, water, wind, and the sun, are worshipped as manifestations of divine power.

Rituals and Sacrifices:

  • Rituals and sacrifices (yajnas) are central to the Rig Vedic religion. The hymns often describe elaborate sacrificial ceremonies that involve offerings to the gods, aimed at ensuring prosperity, health, and cosmic harmony.

Cosmic Order (Rta):

  • The concept of rta, or cosmic order, is a key theme in the Rig Veda. It represents the principle of natural and moral order that sustains the universe. The gods are seen as upholders of rta, and humans must live in accordance with it to maintain balance and harmony.

Philosophical Inquiry:

  • The Rig Veda contains early expressions of philosophical thought, exploring questions about existence, the nature of the self, and the origins of the cosmos. These ideas laid the groundwork for later Indian philosophical traditions.

Influence and Legacy

Foundation of Hinduism:

  • The Rig Veda is the foundational text of Hinduism, influencing its rituals, beliefs, and practices. Many later Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads and the epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana), draw upon Vedic concepts and hymns.

Cultural Impact:

  • The hymns of the Rig Veda have been integral to Indian culture, shaping its religious ceremonies, music, and literature. The Vedic chants are still recited in various rituals and ceremonies in contemporary Hinduism.

Philosophical Contribution:

  • The philosophical inquiries in the Rig Veda have inspired a rich tradition of Indian philosophy. The text’s exploration of metaphysical questions has influenced the development of various schools of thought, including Vedanta and Yoga.

Conclusion

The Rig Veda is a monumental work in the history of human thought and spirituality. Its hymns offer a profound insight into the religious, cultural, and philosophical life of ancient India. As the oldest of the Vedas, it serves as a cornerstone of Hinduism, continuing to inspire and guide spiritual seekers with its timeless wisdom and poetic beauty. The Rig Veda’s legacy endures, reflecting the enduring power of its hymns and the depth of its teachings.

Hindi Translations and Commentaries

Below are some of the important translations of Rig Veda in Hindi:

  1. Rigved Sanhita bhasha bhashya by Pt. Jaydev Sharma. It comes in seven volumes.
  2. Rigved Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. It is based on Sayana’s bhashya. It comes in four volumes.
  3. Rigveda. Tr by Ganga Sahay Sharma. It presents each Sanskrit verse with its Hindi translation.
  4. Hindi Rigveda by Ramgovind Trivedi. It doesn’t contain verse. It presents the Hindi translation only.

Rig Veda : ऋग्वेद

 

लेखक :unknown
Book Languageहिंदी | Hindi
पुस्तक का साइज़ :
  1. Rigved Sanhita bhasha bhashya by Pt. Jaydev Sharma – Vol 1(26.3 MB), Vol 2(16.9 MB), Vol 3(35.1 MB), Vol 4 (29.4 MB), Vol 5 (26.1 MB), Vol 6 (24.1 MB), Vol 7 (19.5)
  2. Rigved Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya – Vol 1(751.2 MB), Vol 2(763.8 MB), Vol 3(673.5 MB), Vol 4 (856.3 MB)
  3. Rigveda. Tr by Ganga Sahay Sharma (12 MB)
  4. Hindi Rigveda by Ramgovind Trivedi (90 MB)
कुल पृष्ठ :
  1. Rigved Sanhita bhasha bhashya by Pt. Jaydev Sharma – Various number of pages in each volume
  2. Rigved Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya – Vol 1(424 pages), Vol 2(438 pages), Vol 3(490 pages), Vol 4 (492 pages)
  3. Rigveda. Tr by Ganga Sahay Sharma (1853 pages)
  4. Hindi Rigveda by Ramgovind Trivedi (1621 pages)
श्रेणी :धार्मिक / Religious, साहित्य / Literature, हिंदू – Hinduism

Rigveda Sanhita bhashya by Pt. Jaydev Sharma

Vol 1 – 26.3 MB                  

Vol 2 – 16.9 MB                  

Vol 3 – 35 MB                  

Vol 4 – 29.4 MB                 

Vol 5 – 26.1 MB                 

Vol 6 – 24.1 MB                  

Vol 7 – 19.5 MB                 

All 7 volumes zipped – 175 MB                 

Rigveda Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya

Please note that due to the bulky size of the books, these might take longer than usual to download.

Vol 1 – 751.2 MB                 

Vol 2 – 764 MB                  

Vol 3 – 673.5 MB                  

Vol 4 – 856.3 MB                 

Rigveda Tr by Dr. Ganga Sahay Sharma

12 MB                  

Hindi Rigveda by Ramgovind Trivedi

90 MB                  

 

Category:

Author : The authorship of most Vedas is uncertain and unknown.

Category:

The Rig Veda, one of the oldest and most significant texts in Indian literature and spirituality, was composed by various sages (rishis) over a considerable period. These sages were revered as both poets and seers, who received divine inspiration for their hymns. The hymns of the Rig Veda were orally transmitted through generations before being written down, and they reflect the collective wisdom and spiritual insights of numerous authors.

Major Authors of the Rig Veda

1. Vishvamitra:

  • Notable Hymns: Vishvamitra is credited with composing many hymns in the third mandala of the Rig Veda. One of the most famous hymns attributed to him is the Gayatri Mantra (Rig Veda 3.62.10), a highly revered mantra in Hinduism.
  • Background: Vishvamitra was a king who later became a sage. His story of transformation from a warrior to a revered sage is well-known in Indian mythology.

2. Vasishta:

  • Notable Hymns: Vasishta’s hymns are primarily found in the seventh mandala of the Rig Veda. He is known for his deep spiritual insights and hymns dedicated to various deities, including Indra and Varuna.
  • Background: Vasishta is one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages) and is considered a royal sage, often associated with the Solar dynasty. He was also the family priest of King Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama.

3. Gritsamada:

  • Notable Hymns: Gritsamada is credited with composing hymns in the second mandala. His hymns often focus on Agni, the fire god, and other deities, reflecting profound spiritual and philosophical themes.
  • Background: Gritsamada is known for his scholarly and spiritual contributions, and his hymns are noted for their poetic excellence.

4. Atri:

  • Notable Hymns: Atri’s hymns are primarily found in the fifth mandala. He and his descendants (the Atreyas) composed many hymns dedicated to various deities, especially Agni and Indra.
  • Background: Atri is one of the Saptarishis and is highly respected in Vedic literature. His contributions to the Rig Veda are significant, and he is considered a patriarch of an important sage lineage.

5. Bharadvaja:

  • Notable Hymns: Bharadvaja’s hymns are located in the sixth mandala of the Rig Veda. His compositions often emphasize the importance of rituals, prayers, and the praise of gods like Indra and Agni.
  • Background: Bharadvaja was a prominent sage and the father of the famous warrior Dronacharya from the Mahabharata. He is also one of the Saptarishis.

6. Angiras:

  • Notable Hymns: The hymns attributed to Angiras and his descendants (the Angirases) are dispersed throughout various mandalas. These hymns often focus on Agni, Indra, and other deities.
  • Background: Angiras is one of the ancient sages and is often associated with fire worship. His lineage is known for its deep spiritual and ritualistic knowledge.

7. Kanva:

  • Notable Hymns: The hymns of the Kanva family are mainly found in the eighth mandala. They include prayers and praises for different deities, with a particular focus on Indra.
  • Background: The Kanva lineage is known for its devotion and contributions to Vedic literature, with Kanva being a respected sage in the Vedic tradition.

8. Agastya:

  • Notable Hymns: Agastya’s hymns appear in the first mandala of the Rig Veda. His hymns are known for their wisdom and spiritual depth, addressing deities like Indra, Varuna, and Mitra.
  • Background: Agastya is a legendary sage who is credited with spreading Vedic knowledge to South India. He is known for his extensive travels and significant contributions to Vedic and post-Vedic literature.

Contribution and Legacy

Collective Wisdom:

  • The hymns of the Rig Veda are a product of the collective wisdom of these and many other sages. Each rishi contributed their unique perspective and insights, enriching the Vedic tradition.

Spiritual and Philosophical Insights:

  • The authors of the Rig Veda explored various aspects of spirituality, nature, rituals, and the cosmos. Their hymns delve into profound philosophical questions and provide a foundation for later developments in Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

Preservation of Knowledge:

  • The oral transmission of the Rig Veda by these sages and their disciples ensured the preservation of this ancient wisdom. The meticulous memorization and recitation techniques maintained the text’s accuracy and purity over millennia.

Conclusion

The Rig Veda, through the contributions of its many authors, offers a rich tapestry of spiritual and philosophical wisdom. The hymns composed by sages like Vishvamitra, Vasishta, Gritsamada, Atri, Bharadvaja, Angiras, Kanva, and Agastya reflect the depth and diversity of Vedic thought. Their collective legacy continues to inspire and guide spiritual seekers, preserving the ancient wisdom of the Vedic tradition for future generations.

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