Essentials of Hinduism

Essentials of Hinduism

Rig Veda

MANDALA 7

1)VASTOSPATI:

Deity presiding over the House. There is a Sukta addressed to the Vastospati. The word Vastu means House and Vastospati is the God of the Household. “O guardian of the House! Afford us a comfortable sojourn (stay) freedom from the disease. Give us what we seek of you. O Vastospati! may you look upon us as your own. You are the one who increases our prosperity. May we not suffer from Old Age. May you look upon us as friends. May we attain happiness and beauty through your Blessings. Protect all our riches and ensure our Welfare.”

2) TRYAMBAKA:

Prayer for Long Life and safety from premature death, from illness etc.; recited with special oblations in fire on one’s birthdays or at times of one’s serious illness; hence adored as the death conquering Mrityumjaya Mantra. We adore the fragrant Tryambaka, the Augmentor of Growth; may I be freed from death as a cucumber gets freed from its stalk, but not from immortality.

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3) SOMA:

The Deity Soma, and Truth and falsehood – to him who knows, it is easy to understand that the word that is true and that is false mutually contend (contradict); of the two, that which is True and Straight Forward, that soma cherishes; the false, he destroys.

4) VASISHTA:

Several Hymns are ascribed to the Sage Vasishta. Those who belong to the Vasishta’s Family are the intelligent ones and perform Righteous Actions. The brave Indra comes from far away to drink the soma juice that is offered and he prefers being offered by Vasishta. Great is the joy that Vasishta and his Family have brought me and do not wish to be separated from them – there is an interpretation that the above words are being uttered by Indra. Vasishta is well versed in all his Knowledge. “O Vasishta! Your energy flashed out like a streak of lightning. When you appeared from the lightning, that was like a Birth; Mitra and Varuna witnessed your Birth.The Sage Agastya introduced you to Mankind. Vasishta is believed to be Agastya’s younger brother. O Vasishta! You are the son of Mitra and Varuna. O Brahmana! You were mothered by the celestial nymph (fairy) Urvashi. When you were born, Divine Hymns were chanted and the gods showered down their benediction (Blessing). Vasishta is acquainted with all the Knowledge of Heaven and Earth. He is the one who gives a thousand forms of alms (Charity). He is the One who donates Everything. Vasishta is the one who spreads out Knowledge. Vasishta will be the Leader in chanting of Sacred Hymns.”

5) Water:

A Sukta is addressed to Water. “O Water! You will enable us to obtain Divinity. Soma herbs have been obtained from the Ground, thanks to the generosity of Water. The Water that comes from Rain is pure and free of sin. May Agni protect the Water and the soma juice.” Indra and Vasus are pleased when they drink this soma juice. We wish to become like the Gods themselves. Divine Water performs purification in a hundred ways. It grants pleasure through the provision of foodgrains. Divine Water is used in the sacrifices of the Gods. This is the water that preserves all of Indra’s Actions. With its rays, the Surya spreads the Water in all the Directions. Indra himself dug the routes along which the Water could travel. “O Water of the Rivers! May your flow grant us the best of foodgrains and riches. May water always protect us and ensure our Welfare.” A good person goes to the Heaven after death. Even in Heaven, there is Water as stated in this Rig Veda Sukta:

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Idam vapuhu nijavachanam janaasaha

Charattiyat natyaha tastuhu apaha.

Nearly in 30 Rig Suktas, it is mentioned in Rig Statements known as “Apaam Napaat” that Agni is the son of Water. Agni by himself is strong – Agni is where the Strength lies, because, he is the son of Water that is known for Strength.

6) VISHNU:

In the Vedas, Vishnu seems to have been a manifestation of Surya. There is a Sukta addressed to Vishnu. “O Vishnu! Your Superior Form is one that expands. No one is capable of fathoming (understanding) your Greatness. I know of the two Worlds, Heaven and Earth, that you inhabit. But O God! There is also a World above all these that you inhabit. O Vishnu! The furthest extremities of your greatness remain unknown. It is you who have established the Heaven above. That is a beautiful sight. You have held aloft (up) Heaven and Earth. With mountain ranges, you have made the Earth firm. You have given birth to Surya, Usha and Agni. This Hymn of praise is indeed lofty. It is a Hymn that has been composed in praise of the strong and valiant Vishnu. O Vishnu! You are the energetic one. Accept the offerings that I have made.

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This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.