Essentials of Hinduism

Essentials of Hinduism

Rig Veda

MANDALA 8

1) ADITI AND THE ADITYAS:

Adityas signify all Gods but in a specific sense they are manifestations of the Sun Gods. Aditi is the Mother of Adityas. There are Suktas addressed to the Adityas and ascribed to sage Kanva. From disease, from foes who intends evils for us, from sin, “O Adityas, keep us safe.

Keep us away from the injurious and the unmindful, O All Knowing Gods! keep hate away from us. Your aids are harmless and good aids. It is certain that a Man who worships the Adityas and follows the rules indicated by them, will obtain the riches and happiness that have never been obtained before. The path followed by the Adityas is a straight one and this is the Path that should be followed by Mankind. It is the Path that leads to happiness.

O Mother Aditi! You nourish us along the path that is blessed with the best of qualities. That Path is full of love. You are the immortal goddess. Come to us with all the Gods. Your great sons perform the best of deeds. Please protect us from sins. O Adityas! may disease not come close to us. May we not fall prey to evil thoughts. Protect us from all types of sins.

You are the ones who possess all the wisdom that there is. Grant us happiness and ensure our welfare. The chanting of your names will protect us from all sins. May you look upon us with favor.”

2) VASUS:

There is Sukta addressed to the Vasus. “O Vasus! You are Gods of mature Knowledge. You know well the secret of men’s hearts and know the honest Man.”

MANDALA 9

1) PAVAMANA SOMA:

Soma is the personification of the soma juice (soma bhana) and is also identified with the moon-god. Pavamana signifies purification. This refers to the purification of the extracted soma juice, being strained through strainers. There are Suktas addressed to the pavamana soma that is ascribed to the Sage Visvamitra. “O soma! may you be pleasing to the palate (taste).

You are the one who grant riches. Sacrifices are being performed to the great Gods. May soma juice be offered at these sacrifices, together with food grains. May soma juice grant us foodgrains and riches. O soma! We serve you well. That is our desire everyday.

It is to you that we express all our wishes. Soma juice is extracted from the soma herbs. It is then purified. It is poured through a piece of cloth that is spread out. It is Surya’s daughter shraddha who performs the act of straining, an act of purification. Shraddha means respect.

The implication is that soma juice is strained most respectfully, with faith and devotion in one’s heart. Sweet is the juice and there are three types of power in it – the powers to purify the Body, Mind and Intellect. Soma juice prevents all sorts of misery. Soma juice is a special offering for Indra. It is the valiant Indra who grants riches.”

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.