Seven prominent deities of Rigveda

Seven prominent deities of Rigveda

Introduction

In our previous two introductory series, we had shared introductory write-ups on seven prominent “Rishis” & “Chandas” of Rigveda. This is series, we will share seven prominent deities of Rigveda.

In popular culture, "deity" is a loose translation for "Deva" (देव). 

In Vedic tradition, Deva is derived from the root "divu" (दिवु) which indicates luminous, playful…etc

Rishis experienced these luminous & playful beings and expressed their experiences in Veda mantras.

According to Sri Madhwacharya, Veda should be understood at three levels: (i) physical (relating to matter), (ii) mental (relating to deities) and (iii) fundamental (ultimate truth). 

Sri Aurobindo focused on the esoteric meaning to Vedas in the tradition of Sri Madhwacharya.

There are around 33 major deities in Rigveda and among them 7 are prominent: Agni, Vayu, Aditya, Brihaspati, Varuna, Indra and Vishvedeva.

Vedic Tribe is happy to bring you this introductory series on seven prominent deities of Rigveda.

Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to study Vedic literature and implement them in your day to day life.

All the best

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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1. Agni

The term "Agni" is derived from the root "aj" (आज्) which indicates "that which drives others", "which is a quick mover", "that which shines"...etc.

At the physical level, "Agni" is a combustion reaction that produces flames.

As a deity, "Agni Deva" is Virinchi's son who dwells in "agni loka".

At the fundamental level "Agni" is one of the suggestive names of the almighty. In other words, it is the cosmic consciousness that drives everything.

Sri Aurobindo suggests that "Agni" represents the "divine will".

Around 200 suktas in Rigveda are dedicated to "Agni". The very Rigveda starts with the word "Agni".

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity of Rigveda "Vayu"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

2. Vayu

The term "vayu" is analogous to "vata" (वात) which indicates "that which is blown". 

At the physical level, "vayu" is the air that we breathe and the wind that blows.

As a deity, "Vayu Deva" is "mukhya-prana" highest consciousness next to Virinchi. He is the son of Vishwapurusha (almighty), who is considered to have incarnated as Hanuman, Bheemasena and Madhwacharya

At the fundamental level "vayu / prana" is one of the suggestive names of the almighty. In other words, it is the cosmic consciousness; the life force behind everything.

Sri Aurobindo suggests that "Vata" stands for the force and the will of the consciousness of overmind region whereas "Vayu" is associated rather with knowledge and truth of this consciousness.

Around 12 suktas in Rigveda are dedicated to "Vayu".

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity(s) of Rigveda "Aditya"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

3. Aditya(s)

"Aditya(s)" indicates "of Diti" ie., 12 children of "Aditi". Whereas "daitya" indicates children of "Diti".

At physical level, they represent twelve "masa" (from "mesha" to "Meena" or "chaitra" to "phalguna") and twelve posture of Surya namaskara.

As deities they are Vivasvan, Aryaman, Tvashta, Savitr, Bhaga, Dhata, Mitra, Varuna, Amsa, Pushan, Indra and Vishnu.

At the fundamental level they are twelve dimensions of the almighty - Keshava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusudana, Purushottama, Vamana, Sridhara, Hrishikesha, Padmanabha & Damodara.

Sri Aurobindo suggests that Aditya(s) as higher conscious beings, watch over others and act as protectors of existence.

6 suktas of Rigveda are dedicated to Aditya(s)

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity of Rigveda "Brihaspati"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

4. Brihaspati

Brihaspati may refer to the sage who is "Deva guru" or to the deity of planet Jupiter. However, as a prominent deity, Brihspati is Brahmanaspati in Rigveda (see 18th sukta in 1st mandala).

At the physical level, Brahmanaspati represents the sky that we live under and also our minds.

As a deity we worship it as Ganesha, which puranic stories and tantric iconography suggest as having an elephant-head. 

At the fundamental level, Brahmanaspati is one of the suggestive names of God. It means the one superior to Virinchi. It also indicates the absolute might, power & omnipresence ie., almighty.

Sri Aurobindo suggests that Brahmanaspati represents the light of truth.

6 suktas of Rigveda are dedicated to Brahmanaspati.

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity of Rigveda "Varuna"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

5. Varuna

The term “Varuna” derives from the root “vr” (वृ) indicating “the one who covers”.

At the physical level, Varuna represents earthbound water bodies like oceans. Contrary to popular belief, “Parjanya” is associated with rain in Vedic tradition.

As a deity Varuna is the son of Sage Kashyapa & Aditi. In Ramayana, Varuna does not respond to Lord Rama’s penance and infuriates him. Finally Varuna submits to him, allowing his army to build the bridge over to Lanka.

At the fundamental level, Varuna is one of the suggestive names of Parabrahma. It means the ultimate reality which covers the cosmos & beyond.

According to Sri Aurobindo, Varuna represents cosmic water expressing wideness and peace.

46 suktas of Rigveda are dedicated to Varuna.

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity of Rigveda "Indra"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

6. Indra

The term “Indra” derives from “ind / indu / indh…etc” (इन्द् / इन्दु / इन्ध) indicating “the one who is powerful, bringer of light and raindrops”.

At the physical level, Indra represents lightning, thunder and flow of water from sky to earth & back.

As a deity Indra is the son of Sage Kashyapa & Aditi. In Puranas, as the king of heavens, he becomes a victim of attack from daityas/ asuras and others who either try to usurp his throne or challenge his authority. Later he defeats and protects his throne with the help of Vishnu/ Shiva / Shakti…etc.

At the fundamental level, Indra is one of the suggestive names of the almighty. It means the ultimate reality which is all-powerful and which is the liberator & also invoker of our inherent bliss.

According to Sri Aurobindo, Indra represents knowledge and the omniscient Consciousness with its almighty Will.

250 suktas of Rigveda are dedicated to Indra; the highest among all.

In the next write-up, we will discuss another prominent deity of Rigveda "Vishvedeva"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

— 

7. Vishvedeva(s)

The term “vishvedeva(s)” indicates entirety of deities which are not elsewhere separately & specifically stated.

At the physical level, they represent the entirety of creation not separately identified / named.

As deities they represent the consciousness behind matter which are not separately identified / named in the Vedic spirituality .

At the fundamental level, they suggest the unlimited ways in which the cosmic consciousness interacts with matter and other consciousness bound to the matter.

According to Sri Aurobindo, they represent all nature’s bounties which are otherwise not expressly enumerated in vedas.

Vishvedeva(s) appear in Rigveda around seventy times in many different suktas.

Vedic Tribe is happy to have brought you this introductory series on seven prominent deities of Rigveda. In our previous two introductory series, we had shared introductory write-ups on seven prominent Rishis & Chandas of Rigveda. 

Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to study Vedic literature and implement them in your day to day life.

All the best

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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