Vedas - Holy books of Hindus
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| Hymns of Rig Veda |
Unlike Bhagvad gita and the Ramayana, the Vedas have always remained an unknown entity, an enigma to Indians. Indians read Bhagvad gita and the Ramayana but no one have any copy of four Vedas. This is so because Bhagvad gita is accepted in the Hindu society as the summary of Vedas. Lord Krishna preached Bhagvad gita to Arjuna in Neolithic age during the Battle of Mahabharat.
Vedas were written in ancient Sanskrit language.
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| Indian sage during meditation |
Vedas means Knowledge. This knowledge Indian sages acquired during meditative stage in meditation and one other way to say this is that the Divine power(Ishvara) passed this ultimate knowledge to Indian sages.
Calculating starting of the religion Sanatan Dharma(Hinduism) is not possible because it is eternal. But while studying astrophysics, Indian scientists have tried reaching how and when Vedas came into existence ?
There deep study of astronomy lead them to Neolithic age (10,000 ybp). The knowledge of Vedas existed in Neolithic age. But that time writing was not invented so Veda were flourishing through oral tradition. Oral Vedic tradition was practiced that time. Indian teachers (Rishi & Muni) used to teach this knowledge orally to students.
Although first time Veda were written on birch bark and palm leaves in 1700 BCE. Veda are large and there original copies are kept at Banaras university and the Pune university. Read more
There are four Vedas - Rig Veda
Yazur Veda
Sama Veda
Atharva Veda
Rig Veda
Rig Veda is the oldest religious text in the world. It is collection of hymns for use at the sacrifices. By reading those hymns and performing ritual sacrifices Indian sages expected boons from Ishvara.
Rig Veda is largely personification of the power of nature. That is why it is said that the concept of Hinduism is based on "minimum loss to nature". Rig Veda contains hymns addressed to most of demigods which are named on natural powers. Natural powers like rain, wind, river , dawn, dusk are accepted as demigods and demigoddess. Rig Veda explains detailed introductions describing their characters in the words.
Atmospheric demigods are Indra, Rudra,the Maruts, Vayu and parjanya.
Terrestrial deities are prithvi(earth), Agni(fire), Soma(purified drink)
Sindhu(Indus) river is celebrated as Goddess in one hymn.
Hiranyagarbh (DNA) is called the golden germ by which human species came into existence.
The Demons are called Asura and Danava.
Shukracharya was the spiritual teacher of Danava (Demons).
Guru Bhrashpati was the spiritual teacher of Demigods.
Rig Veda hymns throw direct light on the earliest thought and civilization of India.
Long wedding hymns are written.
Five funeral hymns
Cosmogony hymns which explains evolution theory. Sankhya philosophy evaluated from it.
Occupation -
( i) Warfare
They fought either on foot or from a chariot.
Weapons were bows & arrows, spears and axes
(ii) Cattle breeding
Cattle breeding was main source of livelihood. This was the time when cow was also announced holy.
(iii) Agriculture
plow drawn by bulls was used for farming.
Corn was cut by sickles then threshed & winnowed.
Trade
Trade was known only in form of barter, the cow represented the unit of value in exchange.
Crafts
Smith melted ore in a forge made kattles and other vessels of metal.
The Tanner prepared the skins of animals.
Amusement
Chariot racing
Playing with dice
Dancing
Music (flute, the lute(vina), drum (dun dubhi)
Singing
Further reading -
Notes & References -
Vedas by Max Muller
Different Internet sites
Newspapers
Books on Vedas
India Tour Leader
Agra Tour Guide
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