Name some of the gods worshipped during the Early Vedic period.
Answers
Answer:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna,Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra.
Answer:
Explanation:
Major Gods
Vishnu: Vishnu is the highest dynamism in Vedas whose abode is described as ‘Parampadam’ or Supreme Destination. The name Vishnu means ‘the one who pervades everywhere.’ Satapata Brahmana says that ‘Vishnu is highest among all and Agni is lowest and remaining reserve the places in between.’ He is also affiliated to be the Lord of Adityas. Vishnu is full of six opulences which are described in Vedas as ‘Bhúman.’ Because Smriti texts describe these as ‘Bhaga', He is known as Bhagavān. A whole Sukta named ‘Narayana' is dedicated to Vishnu.
Rudra (Shiva): Though Rudra is not frequently mentioned in Vedas, later traditions accepted Him as the foundation for their expanse. Satapata Brahmana mentions that Rudra was born from the incest between Prajapati and his daughter Ushas. It is said ‘sa vai ruròdat' or ‘he cried.’ Therefore, His name became Rudra. Taittariya Aranyaka 1.10.1 also affirms that Rudra is the son of Ushas described as Bhumi and Dyus or Prajapati. Satapata Brahmana also mentions that when Rudra cried, thousands for Rudras were born out of his tears.
Prajapati (Brahma): Prajapati is considered a co-creator of the heavens and earth, father of Rudra, companion of Vāk, the goddess of speech. He is also described as ‘Hiranygarbha', or one who is born from the cosmic golden lotus. In Vedas, creationism is gradual and rather being done all at once, it is executed in layers.
Indra: Samhita portions of Vedas aim towards elevation to the heavenly planets. As Indra is king of heavens, to pacify him, he is extensively glorified in Samhitas. On the other hand, in Brahmanas and Upanishads Brahman or Narāyaña is glorified. Manier times, Indra is described as the slayer of Vritrasura and Nahushasura. He is one of the Adityas and also lord of thunderstorm and rains and one who causes rivers to flow. Vritra is the cause of extreme winters in north Asia and holds the rains but Indra is the one who brings the rains back. He is worshipped for progeny, abundant milk, for overcoming winter forces and for removing obstacles.
Soma: The word ‘Soma' means ‘to sprinkle.’ It's affiliated to the moon god who sprinkles the nectar into the flowers and transforms them into fruits. Soma is also affiliated to an intoxicating and divine drink which has rejuvenating properties. It could also be some medicinal herb as Vedas speak of men being healed after its intake. Soma is not widely narrated but as ninth Mandala of Rig Veda is entirely dedicated to Soma, I've included him in this list
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