| Table of Contents | Words: Alphabetical - Frequency - Inverse - Length - Statistics | Help | IntraText Library |
Vedic Reader (excerpts) IntraText - Concordances (Hapax - words occurring once) |
bold = Main text
Chapter, Paragraph grey = Comment text
1001 15 | Their abode is golden and is located in heaven; it is great,
1002 Intro, 3 | only one stanza, while the longest has fifty-eight. If printed
1003 17 | the morning star comes to look at the daughter of the Sun.
1004 12 | around with a watery car, and loosens the water-skin; he sheds
1005 6 | by causing the latter to lose a wheel of his car. Indra
1006 Intro, 2 | were taken to preserve from loss or corruption the sacred
1007 17 | beautiful, and adorned with lotus-garlands. They are the only gods
1008 14 | them like a young man in lovely maidens; he approaches them
1009 14 | their auspicious fluid like loving mothers. They are most motherly,
1010 7 | them, and to lay others low. He is, however, not purely
1011 8 | lightning form of Agui which lurks in the eloud. For Agni,
1012 Intro, 8 | the flute (vana), and the lute (vina). Singing is also
1013 14 | of violence, cursing, and lying. They also bestow remedies,
1014 Intro, 9 | beauty to the religious lyrics of any other literature.
1015 11 | characteristically bountiful (maghóni).~The name of Usas is derived
1016 1 | evil spirits and hostile magic.~The sacrificial fire was
1017 11 | follows her as a young man a maiden; she meets the god who desires
1018 17 | curing the sick and the maimed. Several legends are mentioned
1019 Intro, 4 | been the authors of the majority of these hymns; their favourite
1020 | make
1021 7 | he is usually regarded as malevolent; for the hymns addressed
1022 7 | but to avert his great malignity and his cow-slaying, man-slaying
1023 Intro, 2 | accompanying the offering of malted butter poured on the fire
1024 19 | MANDUKAS~The ... hymn [vii. 103],
1025 13 | beneficent power of the sun manifested chiefly in its pastoral
1026 Intro, 3 | historical one, indicating the manner in which the collection
1027 18 | steeds. Varuna sits in his mansions looking on all deeds. The
1028 18 | sacrifice. He wears a golden mantle and puts on a shining robe.
1029 3 | They wear garlands, golden mantles, golden ornaments, and golden
1030 6 | golden, tawny, sharp, many-pointed, sometimes spoken of as
1031 Intro, 7 | 83, 84) are addressed to Manyu, 'Wrath', and one (x. 161)
1032 3 | probably derived from the root mar, to shine, thus meaning '
1033 Intro, 6 | divergence from this rule is to mark the conclusion of a hymn
1034 20 | deity by his characteristic marks, leaving his name to be
1035 13 | He is connected with the marriage ceremonial in the wedding
1036 Intro, 7 | or, with the addition of Martanda, eight. One passage (ii.
1037 3 | MARÚTAS~This group of deities is
1038 6 | conflicts. Hence the epithet Marútvant accompanied by the Maruts
1039 Intro, 7 | deft-handed trio, who by their marvellous skill acquired the rank
1040 5 | being often called pitára, matára, jánitri, besides being
1041 Intro, 8 | of animals. Women plaited mats of grass or reeds, sewed,
1042 18 | occult power; the epithet mayín crafty is accordingly used
1043 21 | regarded as a kind of honey mead (Skt. mádhu, Gk. methu,
1044 Intro, 4 | obsolete, while new words and meanings begin to emerge. As to matter,
1045 16 | skin into the waters. He measures the days and prolong life.
1046 Intro, 8 | vegetables, and fruit. Meat was eaten only when animals
1047 Intro, 3 | parts. One, which is purely mechanical, is into Astakas or 'eighths'
1048 21 | on men. It has, moreover, medicinal powers: Soma heals whatever
1049 3 | waters, for the Maruts bestow medicine by raining.~The evidence
1050 21 | Gk. methu, Anglo-Saxon medu).~The name of Soma (= Haoma)
1051 Intro, 2 | in different families by memory, not by writing, which could
1052 18 | sometimes sees him with the mental eye. The righteous hope
1053 Intro, 8 | describes various gods without mentioning their names. More elaborate
1054 Intro, 7 | more insignificant, being mere names formed from those
1055 Intro, 8 | kettles and other vessels of metal. The tanner prepared the
1056 21 | honey mead (Skt. mádhu, Gk. methu, Anglo-Saxon medu).~The
1057 21 | evening pressing, Indra to the midday one, which is his exclusively,
1058 7 | and gods, He is bountiful (midhváms), easily invoked and auspicious (
1059 Intro, 7 | of as immortal, unaging, mightier than heaven, they are besought
1060 Intro, 1 | separation of the Indians, their migration to India, and the commencement
1061 Intro, 10| internal evidence by the minute comparison of all words
1062 Intro, 8 | which a gambler laments the misery he has brought on himself
1063 5 | protect from disgrace and misfortune. They are sufficiently personified
1064 9 | MITRÁ~The association of Mitra
1065 15 | MITRÁ-VARUNA~This is the pair most frequently
1066 14 | associated with honey. They mix their milk with honey. Their
1067 Intro, 1 | thus rest content with the moderate estimate of the thirteenth
1068 18 | earth, and air, and to moisten the ground.~Varuna's ordinances
1069 6 | non-existent into the existent in a moment. Sometimes the separation
1070 15 | are kings and universal monarchs. They are also called Asuras,
1071 Intro, 7 | however, never developed into monotheism, for none of the regular
1072 Intro, 8 | the year with its twelve months and 360 days and 360 nights.~
1073 Intro, 1 | undoubtedly the oldest literary monument of the Indo-European languages.
1074 Intro, 7 | demons and destruction. The Mortar and Pestle used in pounding
1075 | mostly
1076 14 | loving mothers. They are most motherly, the producers of all that
1077 15 | glistening garments. They mount their car in the highest
1078 17 | chose and whose car she mounts. Surya's companionship on
1079 1 | three times a day. He is the mouth by which the gods eat the
1080 21 | it is sweetened. The verb mrj cleanse is used with reference
1081 Intro, 8 | The people were fond of music, the instruments used being
1082 Intro, 5 | of ancient Greek, is of a musical nature, depending on the
1083 Intro, 10| obscure, unmeaning, and mutually contradictory.~In the earlier
1084 21 | the RV. Soma begins to be mystically identified with the moon;
1085 Intro, 9 | conceits and obscured by mysticism. Nevertheless the RV. contains
1086 26 | safety. Under the name of nákta n., combined with usás,
1087 Intro, 7 | sometimes conceived as a narrower group associated with others
1088 Intro, 1 | deities Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Nasatya, in an inscription of about
1089 17 | epithets are dasrá wondrous and násatya true.~They are more closely
1090 Intro, 10| Aurnavabha, interprets nasatyau, an epithet of the Asvins,
1091 Intro, 10| it may mean 'nose-born' (nasika-prabhavau)! Yaska, moreover, mentions
1092 6 | for he is the favourite national god of the Vedic people.
1093 Intro, 9 | merit in different hymns naturally varies a good deal, but
1094 1 | be comes to be termed the nearest kinsman of men. He is oftenest
1095 Intro, 1 | Vedic periods renders it necessary to postulate the lapse of
1096 7 | ornaments, and wears a glorious necklace (niská). He drives in a
1097 Intro, 8 | wool. Bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and earrings were worn
1098 7 | thunderstorm, and partly on the negative action of sparing those
1099 15 | afflict with disease those who neglect their worship.~The dual
1100 11 | birds, fly up from their nests and men seek nourishment.
1101 Intro, 7 | Tratr, the Protector', and Netr, the 'Leader'. The only
1102 | Nevertheless
1103 Intro, 7 | of demons are the Panis ('niggards'), primarily foes of Indra,
1104 | nine
1105 Intro, 10| about the, middle of the nineteenth century, the traditional
1106 | ninety
1107 Intro, 7 | Asuniti, 'Spirit-life', and Nirrti, 'Decease', occur only in
1108 Intro, 10| Yaska, the author of the Nirukta, the oldest extant commentary (
1109 7 | wears a glorious necklace (niská). He drives in a car. His
1110 Intro, 9 | much beautiful and even noble imagery. The degree of literary
1111 Intro, 5 | Its case-forms both in nominal and pronominal inflexion
1112 Intro, 8 | themselves by calling them non-sacrificers and unbelievers, as well
1113 17 | the morning, but also at noon and sunset. They dispel
1114 Intro, 10| himself thinks it may mean 'nose-born' (nasika-prabhavau)! Yaska,
1115 Intro, 7 | by Indra and his allies, notably the Angirases. Other demon
1116 Intro, 10| described. It is important to note that the critical scholar
1117 Intro, 8 | post-Vedic literature is noted.~Riddles.--Two of the hymns
1118 Intro, 10| student will find in the notes of the Reader many exemplifications
1119 Intro, 8 | of India. One of the most noteworthy of them is the long wedding
1120 Intro, 9 | allusions. This is especially noticeable in the hymns addressed to
1121 10 | member is the genitive of a noun brh, from the same root
1122 Intro, 7 | personifications of abstract nouns. There are seven or eight
1123 8 | waters which surround and nourish him. Clothed in lightning,
1124 1 | his beverage; and he is nourished three times a day. He is
1125 12 | degree the producer and nourisher of vegetation. He also produces
1126 11 | their nests and men seek nourishment. Day by day appearing at
1127 Intro, 4 | probable that they formed the nucleus of the RV., which gradually
1128 18 | apart from Mitra) is small, numbering hardly a dozen.~His face,
1129 24 | aksás) consisted of the nuts of a large tree called vibhidaka (
1130 Intro, 8 | Puraravas and the celestial nymph Urvasi, who is on the point
1131 16 | described as an inanimate object: he is a gem of the sky,
1132 1 | gods and by men to be an 'oblation-bearer'.~As the centre of the sacrifice
1133 Intro, 10| large proportion of the obscurities and difficulties that still
1134 18 | sit down around him; they observe the two worlds; they stimulate
1135 13 | of Surya. He moves onward observing the universe, and makes
1136 Intro, 4 | forms and words growing obsolete, while new words and meanings
1137 Intro, 8 | references to rivers as obstacles to advance. Though divided
1138 15 | are fixed and cannot be obstructed even by the immortal gods.
1139 Intro, 7 | seem to have been meant.~Occasional mention is made in the RV.
1140 Intro, 8 | grain, was used on ordinary occasions.~Occupations.--One of the
1141 Intro, 8 | the hymns were composed occupied the territory roughly corresponding
1142 2 | god. In nearly half its occurrences the name is accompanied
1143 Intro, 3 | Samhita text would fill an octavo volume of about 600 pages
1144 1 | invoking priest (hótr), also officiating priest (adhvaryú) and playing
1145 1 | Agni (Lat. igni-s, Slavonic ogni) is Indo-European, and may
1146 18 | is all-knowing, and his omniscience is typical. He knows the
1147 6 | is invoked alone in about one-fourth of the hymns of the RV.,
1148 Intro, 10| evidence and by avoiding one-sidedness in its application, will
1149 3 | thus meaning 'the shining ones'.~
1150 Intro, 9 | lightning, and the mighty onset of the wind. One hymn to
1151 13 | messenger of Surya. He moves onward observing the universe,
1152 Intro, 7 | the Indo-European period onwards, in all probability furnished
1153 11 | associated with the Sun. She has opened paths for Surya to travel;
1154 Intro, 10| shown by the divergences of opinion among his predecessors as
1155 Intro, 8 | and the 'Dasa colour' as opposed to the 'Aryan colour'.~Incidental
1156 16 | the name designates the, orb of the sun as well as the
1157 11 | she never infringes the ordinance of nature and of the gods.
1158 Intro, 8 | combined. The smith melted ore in a forge, and made kettles
1159 1 | sometimes said to have two origins, and indeed exclusively
1160 | our
1161 18 | identical with the Greek ouranos sky. In any case, the word
1162 Intro, 7 | origin to Indra, be was ousted by the latter at an early
1163 Intro, 7 | figures are indefinite in outline and deficient in individuality.
1164 Intro, 10| connexion with Sanskrit or the outside evidence derived from the
1165 6 | lord of the cows; when be overcame Vrtra he made visible the
1166 6 | the victorious Aryan in overcoming his aboriginal foes.~His
1167 21 | barhís). These processes are overlaid with confused and mystical
1168 Intro, 4 | some reason they had been overlooked while, the other collections
1169 28 | the bond of Varuna. The owl (úluka) and the pigeon (
1170 28 | of Yama. His foot-fetter (pádbisa) is spoken of as parallel
1171 Intro, 8 | dogs. Boats propelled by paddles were employed, as it seems
1172 Intro, 3 | octavo volume of about 600 pages of thirty-three lines each.
1173 Intro, 9 | hymn to Parjanya (v. 83) paints the devastating effects
1174 Intro, 7 | practice of invoking deities in pairs-a practice making both gods
1175 Intro, 5 | between final n and a hard palatal or dental is in the RV.
1176 Intro, 8 | praises of gifts'. These are panegyrics of liberal patrons on behalf
1177 Intro, 5 | stereotyped by the grammar of Panini at the end of the fourth
1178 Intro, 7 | This brings us to that pantheism which became characteristic
1179 28 | the RV. that of a heavenly paradise.~
1180 6 | called the 'fort-destroyer' (parbhíd). But the chief and specific
1181 12 | PARJÁNYA~This deity occupies quite
1182 Intro, 7 | they come in their cars to partake of on the strew of grass
1183 Intro, 4 | the family books; but its partial resemblance to them caused
1184 Intro, 5 | more numerous. It has more participles and gerunds. It is, however,
1185 Intro, 8 | non-existent (a-sat), is particularly interesting as the starting-point
1186 6 | clouds are the mountains (párvata, girí), on which the demons
1187 18 | severely punishes. The fetters (pásas) with which he binds sinners
1188 22 | the body of the husband. Passing along by the path trodden
1189 6 | monarch of the RV., who wields passive and peaceful sway, who uniformly
1190 13 | manifested chiefly in its pastoral aspect.~
1191 15 | streaming waters. They bedew the pastures with ghee (= rain) and the
1192 Intro, 9 | 34) is a fine specimen of pathetic poetry. One of the funeral
1193 Intro, 7 | and prosperity. Ksetrasya pati, 'Lord of the Field', is
1194 Intro, 8 | are panegyrics of liberal patrons on behalf of whom the seers
1195 21 | s wool is usually called pávamana or punaná flowing clear.
1196 16 | and rain, or their felly (paví), or a brilliant car placed
1197 Intro, 7 | to what god should we pay worship with oblation?'
1198 9 | men together appears to be peculiarly his. Savitr (i. 35) is identified
1199 18 | Varuna is gracious to the penitent. He removes sin as if untying
1200 6 | and sets free the waters pent up like imprisoned cows.
1201 28 | and wander about among the peoples as Yama's messengers. They
1202 1 | possession of the wood as a bird perches on a tree.~Wood or ghee
1203 16 | mortals. He arouses men to perform their activities. He is
1204 Intro, 1 | phases of these two Vedic periods renders it necessary to
1205 2 | such a way as to form a perpetual play on the name of the
1206 9 | corroborated by the Avesta and by Persian religion in general, where
1207 Intro, 1 | when the Indians and the Persians were still one people. The
1208 Intro, 7 | destruction. The Mortar and Pestle used in pounding the Soma
1209 Intro, 1 | found in Asia Minor. For the phonetic form in which these names
1210 7 | remedies, and is the greatest physician of physicians. In this connexion
1211 6 | constantly renewed, is that he pierces the mountain and sets free
1212 28 | The owl (úluka) and the pigeon (kapóta) are mentioned as
1213 Intro, 7 | the later Vedas, are the Pisacas, eaters of raw flesh or
1214 5 | parents, being often called pitára, matára, jánitri, besides
1215 23 | PITÁRAS~Two hymns (x. 15 and 54)
1216 Intro, 5 | nature, depending on the pitch of the voice, and is marked
1217 23 | trodden by the Fathers (pitryána) is different from that
1218 6 | the quaking mountains and plains. He stretches out heaven
1219 Intro, 8 | skins of animals. Women plaited mats of grass or reeds,
1220 3 | terrible like lions, but also playful like children or calves.~
1221 Intro, 8 | fields were furrowed with a plough drawn by bulls; corn was
1222 3 | being mentioned in the plural only. Their number is thrice
1223 Intro, 4 | some hymns quite as old and poetic as the average of those
1224 Intro, 9 | remarkably high. The most poetical hymns are those addressed
1225 Intro, 8 | nymph Urvasi, who is on the point of forsaking him. It is
1226 Intro, 7 | spells directed against poisonous vermin (i. 191) or disease (
1227 2 | to him. His car and its pole are golden. It is drawn
1228 Intro, 1 | religious, social, and political, that this literature displays.
1229 Intro, 7 | It is thus essentially a polytheistic religion, which assumes
1230 Intro, 8 | the favourite. The most popular social recreation was playing
1231 25 | parts when cut up becoming portions of the universe. Both its
1232 Intro, 10| methods of research, but also possesses over and above many valuable
1233 7 | cooling, and jálasa-bhesaja, possessing cooling remedies.~The physical
1234 1 | is winged, and he takes possession of the wood as a bird perches
1235 Intro, 1 | On the other hand, the possibility of such extreme antiquity
1236 Intro, 1 | renders it necessary to postulate the lapse of seven or eight
1237 Intro, 7 | nature and vanquish the potent powers of evil. They hold
1238 21 | while the stalks are being pounded by stones, the juice passes
1239 Intro, 7 | Mortar and Pestle used in pounding the Soma plant are also
1240 Intro, 7 | book, deal with magical practices, which properly belong to
1241 Intro, 10| leaders of truth' (satyasya pranetarau), while Yaska himself thinks
1242 15 | frequently thought of and prayed to as bestowers of rain.
1243 6 | features.~The name of Indra is pre-Indian; for it occurs in the Avesta
1244 18 | and the term ásura are predominantly applicable to him. His divine
1245 5 | pairs one of the two greatly predominates.~
1246 Intro, 4 | a different author, was prefixed to the family books, the
1247 21 | commonplace.~We know that the preparation and the offering of Soma (
1248 3 | darkness, produce light, and prepare a path for the sun.~They
1249 14 | Elsewhere the Waters used in preparing the terrestrial Soma seem
1250 22 | gods, especially in the presence of the two kings Yama and
1251 7 | like a demon. He not only preserves from calamity, but bestows
1252 10 | Agni, as a divine priest, presiding over devotion, an aspect
1253 21 | from the root su (= Av. hu) press.~
1254 Intro, 4 | Atharvaveda, is here found to prevail.~
1255 Intro, 2 | certain rules of Sandhi which prevailed in their time, and by which,
1256 Intro, 4 | hymns to Agni and in the prevalence of the strophic metre called
1257 23 | identical in name with the priestly families associated by tradition
1258 Intro, 9 | accompany a ritual no longer primitive, their poetry is often impaired
1259 Intro, 6 | as the Avesta shows, the principle is the number of syllables
1260 Intro, 3 | longest has fifty-eight. If printed continuously like prose
1261 22 | his portion. During the process of cremation Agni and Soma
1262 21 | sacred grass (barhís). These processes are overlaid with confused
1263 Intro, 7 | induce sleep (v. 55), or to procure offspring (x. 183); while
1264 12 | in a special degree the producer and nourisher of vegetation.
1265 14 | They are most motherly, the producers of all that is fixed and
1266 Intro, 1 | 1300 B.C. But, according to Prof. Jacobi, the separation
1267 Intro, 8 | whether they ever did so professionally is uncertain.~Amusements.--
1268 17 | as an eagle. They possess profound wisdom and occult power.
1269 5 | individual gods. One of them is a prolific bull, the other a variegated
1270 29 | Rudra he wafts healing and prolongs life; for he has the treasure
1271 5 | them. They are wise and promote righteousness. As father
1272 Intro, 5 | case-forms both in nominal and pronominal inflexion are more numerous.
1273 Intro, 5 | the RV. a is nearly always pronounced, while in Sanskrit it is
1274 Intro, 8 | with the aid of dogs. Boats propelled by paddles were employed,
1275 Intro, 7 | reference to their healing properties. Sacrificial implements,
1276 Intro, 2 | these ancient hymns was to propitiate the gods by praises accompanying
1277 Intro, 8 | connected with the sun, are propounded in mystical and symbolic
1278 Intro, 3 | printed continuously like prose in Roman characters, the
1279 13 | epithets. The name means 'prosperer', as derived from pus, cause
1280 1 | benefactor of his worshippers, protecting and delivering them, and
1281 Intro, 7 | deceitful', being friends and protectors of the honest and righteous,
1282 6 | fought in aid of individual protégés, such as king Sudas, against
1283 10 | he seems to have been the prototype of Brahma, the chief of
1284 Intro, 10| adequate. It has since been proved that, though the native
1285 Intro, 8 | the north-west Frontier Province, and the Panjab of to-day.
1286 3 | increasing his strength and prowess with their prayers, hymns,
1287 5 | addressed alone in any hymn, and Prthiv in only one of three stanzas.
1288 21 | usually called pávamana or punaná flowing clear. This purified (
1289 15 | which they dispel, hate, and punish. They afflict with disease
1290 18 | ordinances, which he severely punishes. The fetters (pásas) with
1291 Intro, 7 | honest and righteous, but punishing sin and guilt. Since in
1292 19 | of the rains like Brahmin pupils repeating the lessons of
1293 Intro, 8 | between a mortal lover Puraravas and the celestial nymph
1294 6 | appear as the fortresses (púras) of the aerial demons, being
1295 14 | fixed and that moves. They purify, carrying away defilement.
1296 7 | partly on the fertilizing and purifying action of the thunderstorm,
1297 25 | PÚRUSA~There are six or seven hymns
1298 25 | following one, the well-known Purusa-sukta or hymn of Man, the gods
1299 13 | prosperer', as derived from pus, cause to thrive. The evidence,
1300 13 | PUSÁN~This god is celebrated in
1301 17 | of the Asvins has been a puzzle from the time of the earliest
1302 3 | They cause the mountains to quake and the two worlds to tremble;
1303 6 | to Indra. He settled the quaking mountains and plains. He
1304 5 | dominion. Sometimes moral qualities are attributed to them.
1305 Intro, 6 | metres except two, have a, quantitative rhythm in which short and
1306 Intro, 6 | which is called Pada, ('quarter') and forms the metrical
1307 12 | described as a bull that quickens the plants and the earth.
1308 Intro, 7 | sometimes deified: armour, bow, quiver, arrows, and drum being
1309 Intro, 10| among his predecessors as quoted by him. Thus one of these,
1310 Intro, 10| stanzas of the RV.; for he quotes one of his predecessors,
1311 Intro, 3 | Scholars in referring to or quoting from the Rigveda.~
1312 21 | wise seer, and he knows the races of the gods.~The intoxicating
1313 Intro, 8 | conscious of religious and racial unity, contrasting the aborigines
1314 6 | word is doubtful, but its radical portion ind may be connected
1315 3 | Maruts bestow medicine by raining.~The evidence of the RV.
1316 19 | the commencement of the rains like Brahmin pupils repeating
1317 15 | honey. They control the rainy skies and the streaming
1318 19 | kettles, and are described as raising their voices together at
1319 6 | destroying demons in general, the Raksases or the Asuras.~With the
1320 23 | in their thousands they range themselves on the sacrificial
1321 Intro, 7 | marvellous skill acquired the rank of deities. Among their
1322 Intro, 7 | compound in form, are of rare and late occurrence. The
1323 Intro, 6 | same type; but some of the rarer kinds of stanza are formed
1324 17 | buffaloes, or by a single asa (rásabha). It passes over the five
1325 | rather
1326 6 | hári), he is a car-fighter (rathesthá). Both his car and his steeds
1327 Intro, 7 | are the Pisacas, eaters of raw flesh or of corpses.~Not
1328 15 | young. Their eye is the sun. Reaching out they drive with the
1329 Intro, 10| tradition. On the other hand, a reaction arose which, in emphasizing
1330 Intro, 10| able to understand their real sense, considering that
1331 22 | the dead man goes to the realm of light, and meets with
1332 21 | comes to the sacrifice and receives offerings on the sacred
1333 | recent
1334 Intro, 7 | grass prepared for their reception. Their favourite drink is
1335 28 | Yama dwells in the remote recess of the sky. In his abode,
1336 Intro, 4 | priest. The diction and recondite allusions in the hymns of
1337 6 | the thunderstorm, and the recovery of the sun from the darkness
1338 Intro, 8 | The most popular social recreation was playing with dice (cp.
1339 Intro, 8 | plaited mats of grass or reeds, sewed, and especially wove,
1340 Intro, 3 | followed by Western Scholars in referring to or quoting from the Rigveda.~
1341 Intro, 7 | deity of this type. The refrain of a late hymn of the RV. (
1342 Intro, 7 | demons. The conflict is regularly one between a single god
1343 Intro, 7 | as great and mighty. They regulate the order of nature and
1344 9 | statements indicating that Mitra regulates the course of the sun. Agni,
1345 18 | and by night. He is also a regulator of the waters. He caused
1346 18 | Yama, the two kings who reign in bliss.~The original conception
1347 10 | the light. As regards his relation to his worshippers, he is
1348 6 | the sun alone, as found, released, or won by Indra, are here
1349 6 | When he had slain Vrtra, releasing the waters for man, he placed
1350 Intro, 10| down to us as an isolated relic from the remotest period
1351 Intro, 10| RV. is clear, but of the remainder many hymns and a great many
1352 Intro, 1 | and the Indian languages remained practically unchanged for
1353 Intro, 9 | hymns are composed with a remarkable degree of metrical skill
1354 Intro, 9 | deal, but the average is remarkably high. The most poetical
1355 Intro, 10| isolated relic from the remotest period of Indian literature?
1356 Intro, 4 | hymns to Soma Pavamana were removed from Books i to viii, in
1357 3 | worlds to tremble; they rend trees, and, like wild elephants,
1358 Intro, 10| divine being', is variously rendered by him as 'expeller of foes', '
1359 10 | Accompanied by his singing host he rends Vala with a roar, and drives
1360 6 | regarded as being constantly renewed, is that he pierces the
1361 Intro, 7 | exhibited their skill in renewing the youth of their parents,
1362 11 | and long life. She confers renown and glory on all liberal
1363 3 | exploits alone. Thus they rent Vrtra joint from joint,
1364 19 | rains like Brahmin pupils repeating the lessons of their teacher.~
1365 Intro, 10| of Indian literature? The reply, stated generally, is that,
1366 1 | kindler. Owing to the force required to kindle Agni he is often
1367 17 | Dioskouroi and the Asvins) are rescuers from the ocean, delivering
1368 17 | in general. The various rescues they effect are of a peaceful
1369 Intro, 10| and historical methods of research, but also possesses over
1370 Intro, 4 | family books; but its partial resemblance to them caused it to be
1371 1 | with various animals: he resembles a bull that bellows, and
1372 6 | Indo-Iranian period a god resembling the Vrtra-slaying Indra
1373 18 | the rock. The wind which resounds through the air is Varuna'
1374 Intro, 4 | Book i (1-50) is in several respects like Book viii: Kanvas seem
1375 11 | unveils her charms. Rising resplendent as from a bath she comes
1376 6 | a confusion between the restoration of the sun after the darkness
1377 17 | mentioned about those whom they restored to youth, cured of various
1378 17 | diseases with their remedies, restoring sight, curing the sick and
1379 Intro, 5 | or dental is in the RV. restricted to cases where it is historically
1380 21 | connexion with the waters, resulting from the admixture, is expressed
1381 Intro, 10| reason to hope from the results already achieved that steady
1382 13 | and earth; he goes to and returns from both the beloved abodes.
1383 16 | bays.~The Dawn or Dawns reveal or produce Surya; he shines
1384 23 | They are invoked to give riches, children, and long life
1385 Intro, 5 | forms that its comparative richness is most apparent. Thus the
1386 17 | Lettic God's sons who come riding on their steeds to woo the
1387 13 | scanty. His foot and his right band are mentioned; he wears
1388 5 | They are wise and promote righteousness. As father and mother they
1389 Intro, 6 | cadence) of the line that is rigidly determined, and the lines
1390 1 | of heaven. His red smoke rises up to the firmament; like
1391 Intro, 7 | or enemies (x. 166), or rival wives (x. 145). A few are
1392 Intro, 7 | of the goddess with the river is never lost sight of in
1393 13 | Fathers. He is a guardian of roads, removing dangers out of
1394 Intro, 8 | Various crimes are mentioned, robbery, especially of cattle, apparently
1395 3 | three heavens. The goddess Rodasi is always mentioned in connexion
1396 5 | Earth are also mentioned as ródasi the two worlds more than
1397 16 | dispels the darkness, which he rolls up like a skin, or which
1398 Intro, 3 | continuously like prose in Roman characters, the Samhita
1399 18 | removes sin as if untying a rope. He releases even from the
1400 Intro, 8 | composed occupied the territory roughly corresponding to the north-west
1401 3 | lightning, as their epithet rsti-vidyut lightning-speared shows.
1402 1 | is often called priest (rtvíj, vípra) domestic priest (
1403 7 | the usual derivation from rud cry.~
1404 7 | RUDRÁ~This god occupies a subordinate
1405 24 | of the dice, deplores the ruin to which he has brought
1406 15 | cloud and rain. They are rulers and guardians of the whole
1407 Intro, 9 | they were produced by a sacerdotal class and were generally
1408 6 | sákrá and sácivant mighty, sácipáti lord of might, satákratu
1409 6 | epithets such as sákrá and sácivant mighty, sácipáti lord of
1410 1 | young; at the same time no sacrificer is older than Agni, for
1411 Intro, 7 | for none of the regular sacrifices in the Vedic period were
1412 21 | drink. The three abodes (sadhástha) of Soma which are mentioned
1413 26 | the thief, guiding them to safety. Under the name of nákta
1414 1 | called 'son of strength' (sáhasah sunúh). Being produced every
1415 6 | various epithets such as sákrá and sácivant mighty, sácipáti
1416 1 | His priesthood is the most salient feature of his character;
1417 18 | especially a universal monarch (samráj) The attribute of sovereignty (
1418 3 | he slew the dragon, they sang a song and pressed Soma.
1419 28 | brindled dogs, sons of Sarama (sarameyáu) are his regular emissaries.
1420 17 | Vivasvant and Tvastr's daughter Saranyú (probably the rising Sun
1421 3 | They form a troop (ganá, sárdhas), being mentioned in the
1422 Intro, 8 | development of the existent (sat) from the non-existent (
1423 27 | evolution of the existent (sát) from the non-existent (
1424 6 | sácipáti lord of might, satákratu having a hundred powers,
1425 Intro, 10| texts of the Brahmanas and Satras, with the atmosphere of
1426 Intro, 10| as 'leaders of truth' (satyasya pranetarau), while Yaska
1427 17 | that of Bhujyu, whom they saved from the ocean in a ship.~
1428 2 | This is the celebrated Savitri stanza which has been a
1429 Intro, 10| predecessors, Kautsa, as saying that the Vedic hymns we
1430 9 | iii. 59). Owing to the scantiness of the information supplied
1431 13 | anthropomorphic traits are scanty. His foot and his right
1432 Intro, 10| unknown to the traditional school--the Avesta, Comparative
1433 Intro, 10| mentions several different schools of interpretation, each
1434 Intro, 8 | Secular hymns.--Hardly a score of the hymns are secular
1435 5 | sacrifice and to be conceived as seating themselves around the offering;
1436 6 | or wing the light. He is secondarily the god of battle who aids
1437 18 | far-travelling wind beholding all the secret things that have been or
1438 21 | sick, making the blind to see and the lame to walk. Soma
1439 5 | cow, being both rich in seed. They never grow old. They
1440 2 | moves in his golden car, seeing all creatures, on a downward
1441 11 | from their nests and men seek nourishment. Day by day
1442 Intro, 7 | both Trita and Indra, who seize his cows; and Svarbhanu,
1443 8 | steeds, and is said to have seized the brightness in the depth
1444 3 | they are also spoken of as self-born. They are brothers equal
1445 3 | shine like fires, and are self-luminous. They are very often associated
1446 Intro, 8 | in the Sankhya system.~A semi-historical character attaches to one
1447 Intro, 2 | contracted or changed into semi-vowels, and a is often dropped
1448 6 | mankind, but at the same time sensual and immoral in various ways,
1449 Intro, 8 | x. 117), anticipate the sententious poetry for which post-Vedic
1450 11 | the gods. She renders good service to the gods by awakening
1451 6 | attributed to Indra. He settled the quaking mountains and
1452 Intro, 4 | third sixty-two, the sixth seventy-five, and the seventh one hundred
1453 18 | his ordinances, which he severely punishes. The fetters (pásas)
1454 Intro, 8 | mats of grass or reeds, sewed, and especially wove, but
1455 7 | express fear of his terrible shafts and deprecation of his wrath.
1456 Intro, 7 | practice making both gods share characteristics properly
1457 10 | vajrin welder of the bolt he shares. He has thus been drawn
1458 10 | features are few: he is sharp-horned and blue-backed; golden-coloured
1459 1 | and has horns which he sharpens; when born he is often called
1460 6 | passages he is described as shattering the car of Usas, goddess
1461 Intro, 8 | grew beards, but sometimes shaved. Food mainly consisted of
1462 1 | invades the forests and shaves the earth as a barber a
1463 12 | plants and the earth. The shedding of rain is his most prominent
1464 12 | loosens the water-skin; he sheds rain-water as our divine (
1465 Intro, 5 | a stress accent, but has shifted its position as depending
1466 17 | saved from the ocean in a ship.~The physical basis of the
1467 21 | pressing stones with which the shoot (amsú) is crushed are called
1468 Intro, 3 | stanzas to each hymn. The shortest hymn has only one stanza,
1469 Intro, 5 | Thus the insertion of a sibilant between final n and a hard
1470 Intro, 8 | bulls; corn was cut with sickles, being then threshed and
1471 16 | prolong life. He drives away sickness, disease, and evil dreams.
1472 Intro, 7 | invoked in the RV. Thus the Sindhu (Indus) s celebrated as
1473 3 | the singers of heaven they sing a song; for Indra when he
1474 18 | pásas) with which he binds sinners are often mentioned, and
1475 14 | cleanse from moral guilt, the sins of violence, cursing, and
1476 21 | they are his mothers or his sisters; he is lord and king of
1477 18 | sometimes referred to: they sit down around him; they observe
1478 Intro, 7 | horses and to confer welfare. Sita, the 'Furrow', is once invoked
1479 Intro, 9 | dialogues set forth the situation with much beauty of language;
1480 Intro, 4 | hymns begins with one of sixteen stanzas and ends with one
1481 Intro, 4 | has forty-three, the third sixty-two, the sixth seventy-five,
1482 6 | Visnu.~Indra is of vast size; thus it is said that he
1483 15 | They control the rainy skies and the streaming waters.
1484 Intro, 7 | addressed to him. He is the most skilful of workmen, having among
1485 Intro, 8 | The tanner prepared the skins of animals. Women plaited
1486 6 | warlike deeds; thus for the slaughter of Vrtra he is said to have
1487 1 | name of Agni (Lat. igni-s, Slavonic ogni) is Indo-European,
1488 10 | drawn by ruddy steeds, which slays the goblins, bursts open
1489 Intro, 7 | x. 58. 60), or to induce sleep (v. 55), or to procure offspring (
1490 3 | song; for Indra when he slew the dragon, they sang a
1491 11 | The personification is but slight, the physical phenomenon
1492 Intro, 6 | Sanskrit, in which (except the sloka) the quantity of every single
1493 Intro, 8 | carpenter were, combined. The smith melted ore in a forge, and
1494 1 | the sky with his smoke. 'Smoke-bannered' (dhuma-ketu) is his frequent
1495 Intro, 8 | animals were trapped and snared, or hunted with bows and
1496 Intro, 8 | its head, was the basis of society, and that women held a freer
1497 Intro, 9 | language of impressive and solemn beauty. One of the cosmogonic
1498 21 | SÓMA~As the Soma sacrifice formed
1499 6 | gods, the common epithet 'Soma-drinker' (Somapá) is characteristic
1500 6 | epithet 'Soma-drinker' (Somapá) is characteristic of him.