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==== Shakalya (शाकल्यः) ====

==== Shakalya (शाकल्यः) ====

Padapatha of Rgveda samhita was given by Shakalya (शाकल्यः). In the Brhdaranyaka Upanishad (Adhyaya 4) we find a debate between Shakalya and Yajnavalkya in Janaka's sabha. According to the Puranic evidences, it was this same Shakalya who composed the Rgveda Padapatha. In the Brahmanda Purana we find the following<blockquote>शाकल्यः प्रथमस्तेषां तस्मादन्यो रथीतरः ।। बाष्कलिश्च भरद्वाज इति शाखाप्रवर्त्तकाः ।। ३४.३२ ।।

Padapatha of Rgveda samhita was given by Shakalya (शाकल्यः). In the Brhdaranyaka Upanishad (Adhyaya 4) we find a debate between Shakalya and Yajnavalkya in Janaka's sabha. According to the Puranic evidences, it was this same Shakalya who composed the Rgveda Padapatha. In the Brahmanda Purana we find the following<blockquote>शाकल्यः प्रथमस्तेषां तस्मादन्यो रथीतरः ।। बाष्कलिश्च भरद्वाज इति शाखाप्रवर्त्तकाः ।। ३४.३२ ।। देवमित्रस्तु शाकल्यो ज्ञानाहंकारगर्वितः ।। जनकस्य स यज्ञे वै विनाशामगमद्द्विजाः ।। ३४.३३ ।। (Brahmanda. Pura. Purv. 2.34.32-33)<ref>Brahmanda Purana (Purvabhaga, Pada 2, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4% Adhyaya 34])</ref></blockquote>Reference to Shakalya has also been found in Nirukta and Rk-Pratisakhya. It has been shown that Shakalya's padapatha has not been accepted by Yaska in his Nirukta. For example in Nirukta (5.21) "अरुणो मासकृद् वृकः" has been mentioned. Yaska interpreted मासकृत् as one word in the sense of "मासो का कर्ता" or one who makes a month. Shakalya considered it as two padas or words as मा and सकृत्. Thus we see how Yaska and Shakalya differed in their interpretations.<ref>Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''Vaidik Sahitya for M.A. Students''. Kashi: Sharada Mandir. (Pages 41-42)</ref>

 

देवमित्रस्तु शाकल्यो ज्ञानाहंकारगर्वितः ।। जनकस्य स यज्ञे वै विनाशामगमद्द्विजाः ।। ३४.३३ ।। (Brahmanda. Pura. Purv. 2.34.32-33)<ref>Brahmanda Purana (Purvabhaga, Pada 2, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4% Adhyaya 34])</ref></blockquote>Reference to Shakalya has also been found in Nirukta and Rk-Pratisakhya. It has been shown that Shakalya's padapatha has not been accepted by Yaska in his Nirukta. For example in Nirukta (5.21) "अरुणो मासकृद् वृकः" has been mentioned. Yaska interpreted मासकृत् as one word in the sense of "मासो का कर्ता" or one who makes a month. Shakalya considered it as two padas or words as मा and सकृत्. Thus we see how Yaska and Shakalya differed in their interpretations.<ref>Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''Vaidik Sahitya for M.A. Students''. Kashi: Sharada Mandir. (Pages 41-42)</ref>

== विषयविवेचन ॥ Contents of Rgveda ==

== विषयविवेचन ॥ Contents of Rgveda ==

The tenth mandala includes mantras of miscellaneous character that covers a wide range of topics from cosmology, philosophical speculations,  burial rites, samvada suktas, weddings to spells and incantations.  

The tenth mandala includes mantras of miscellaneous character that covers a wide range of topics from cosmology, philosophical speculations,  burial rites, samvada suktas, weddings to spells and incantations.  

Thus, we have many topics discussed in the Rgveda, however, some are debated in the recent centuries. One such topic is the geographical point concerning Bharatavarsha that is surrounded by four oceans or very large water bodies. The other being the river Sarasvati. This has been clearly mentioned only in the Bharatiya vaidika sahitya and rarely discussed in other ancient world literatures. Many scholars, both western and the traditional scholars have given their perspectives interpreting those Rgvedic mantras relating them to the "Aryan settlements" along the banks of the rivers in the northwestern region of India. With the myth of the Aryan Invasion debunked, we see much research evolving lately regarding the geographic aspects given in the Rgveda.<ref name=":7">Das, A. C. (1920) ''Rgvedic India, Cultural History of India as depicted in the Rgveda.'' New Delhi: Cosmo Publications (Page 10 - )</ref>  

Thus, we have many topics discussed in the Rgveda, however, some are debated in the recent centuries. One such topic is the geographical point concerning Bharatavarsha that is surrounded by four oceans or very large water bodies. The other being the river Sarasvati. The presence of four seas has been clearly mentioned only in the Bharatiya vaidika sahitya and rarely discussed in other ancient world literatures. Many scholars, both western and the traditional scholars have given their perspectives interpreting those Rgvedic mantras relating them to the "Aryan settlements" along the banks of the rivers in the northwestern region of India. With the myth of the Aryan Invasion debunked, we see much research evolving lately regarding the geographic aspects given in the Rgveda.<ref name=":7">Das, A. C. (1920) ''Rgvedic India, Cultural History of India as depicted in the Rgveda.'' New Delhi: Cosmo Publications (Page 10 - )</ref>  

=== चतुःसमुद्राः ॥ Four seas ===

=== चतुःसमुद्राः ॥ Four seas ===

स्वायुधं स्ववसं सुनीथं । चतुःसमुद्रं धरुणं रयीणाम् ॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.47.2)

स्वायुधं स्ववसं सुनीथं । चतुःसमुद्रं धरुणं रयीणाम् ॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.47.2)

वात॒स्याश्वो॑ वा॒योः सखाथो॑ दे॒वेषि॑तो॒ मुनि॑: । उ॒भौ स॑मु॒द्रावा क्षे॑ति॒ यश्च॒ पूर्व॑ उ॒ताप॑रः ॥५॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.136.5)</blockquote>The Muni referred to here is identified with Keshi or Sun whose rays are like the golden hairs of an ascetic. The Sun is also compared to a horse in the Rgveda. Keshi or Sun dwells both in the Eastern and Western seas, because he is seen to rise from the Eastern sea and sink down into the Western sea. Now this Eastern sea could be none other than the sea that washed the eastern shores of Sapta Sindhu. It is over this sea that the Ashvini devatas preceded and heralded the Dawn. Further it was from the depth of these waters that the Sun was seen, from the shores of Sapta Sindhu, to emerge and ascend the sky (Rg. Veda. 3.55.1).<ref name=":7" />

वात॒स्याश्वो॑ वा॒योः सखाथो॑ दे॒वेषि॑तो॒ मुनि॑: । उ॒भौ स॑मु॒द्रावा क्षे॑ति॒ यश्च॒ पूर्व॑ उ॒ताप॑रः ॥५॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.136.5)</blockquote>The Muni referred to here is identified with Keshi or Sun whose rays are like the golden hairs of an ascetic. The Sun is also compared to a horse in the Rgveda. Keshi or Sun dwells both in the Eastern and Western seas, because he is seen to rise from the Eastern sea and sink down into the Western sea. Now this Eastern sea could be none other than the sea that washed the eastern shores of Sapta Sindhu. It is over this sea that the Ashvini devatas preceded and heralded the Dawn. Further it was from the depth of these waters that the Sun was seen, from the shores of Sapta Sindhu, to emerge and ascend the sky (Rg. Veda. 3.55.1).<ref name=":7" /> Of these four seas, the Rgveda mentions about two, the 'पूर्व (purva)' and 'अपर (apara)' samudras. The Purva (or अवर-Avara) samudra also called as Arvavat (अर्वावत्) is where the sunrises and the Apara (or पर - Para) samudra also called as Paraavat (परावत्) is where the sun sets. The Arabian sea is the Paraavat sea where the Sindhu and its tributaries drain into. It however, ran up the present lower valley of the Indus along the foot of the Western Range, and covered a large portion of the present province of Sindh. However, scholars opine that the Purva (Apara or Arvaavat) sea is not the same as the Bay of Bengal as this bay is very far from where the Saptasindhu rivers were flowing. It has been proposed that land areas that are now known to be Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, i.e., the gangetic plains were we find the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, were once areas of a sea (in the Pleistocene era) which got filled with the sands brought down by the rivers and became plains.<ref name=":4" /> The third sea, is discussed separately under the '''Sarasvati river''' given under the heading [[Rivers in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे नदीनां विवेचनम्)|Rivers in Rigveda]].<ref name=":02">S. K. Acharya, Kunal Gosh, and Amal Kar (2020) ''Saraswati: The River par Excellence.'' Kolkata: The Asiatic Society (Pages 217-234)</ref> Ancient Indians were explorers; thus shipping, marine travels, and trade-routes were well established. Many mantras are mentioned as reference for the Rgvedic merchants who navigated the four seas in quest of wealth. Geological evidence goes on to show that there were actually three seas on the three sides of Sapta Sindhu, i.e., the Eastern, the Western and the Southern and the fourth sea logically must have been somewhere on the north beyond the Himalayas. There is a mention that a deep trough (sea) did exist at the foot of the Himalayan range in ancient geological times as per Mr. Wadia (in his Geology of India book). This trough or sea lasted through long ages during which it was gradually filled up with alluvium into which were embedded the remains of a rich varied fauna "of herbivores, carnivores, rodents and of primates, the highest order of the mammals," brought down by the rivers and streams.<blockquote>ये अ॑स्या आ॒चर॑णेषु दध्रि॒रे स॑मु॒द्रे न श्र॑व॒स्यव॑: ॥३॥ (Rg. Veda. 1.48.3)<ref>Rgveda ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-048/ Mandala 1 Sukta 48])</ref></blockquote>According to Dr. A. C. Das, geological evidence proves that such a sea did actually exist in ancient times, stretching from below the highlands of modern Turkestan towards Siberia on one side, and from the confines of Mongolia to the Black Sea, on the other, covering an immense area. This sea disappeared in comparatively recent geological times, leaving the Black Sea, the Sea of Aral, Lake Balkash, and an extensive depression low, dry and converted into steppes, as its remnants. The Black Sea was not at that time connected with the Mediterranean, and its western shores formed the Isthmus of Bosphorus linking Europe with Asia. On the confines of East Turkestan also there was in ancient times another immense Asiatic Mediterranean Sea, of which Lake Lobnor is the remnant. These stern geological facts are corroborated in Rgvedic mantras. We can see the effects of climate change reflected in the mantras and the disappearance of one of the four seas around the Sapta Sindhu, and the upheaval of a vast tract of arid desert in the South. Dr. Das's discussion about various geological evidences <blockquote>''"clearly proved the existence of the four seas mentioned in the Rgveda, round about the region, inhabited by the ancient Aryans, which included Sapta-sindhu on the south, Bactriana and Eastern Turkestan on the north, Gandhara on the west and the upper valleys of the Ganga and Yamuna on the east. The age of the Rgveda, therefore, must be as old as the existence of these four seas in ancient times."'' <ref name=":7" /></blockquote>It is time we delve deeper into the geological testimony which supports the vast antiquity of Rgveda stretching back to times immemorial.<ref name=":7" />

 

Of these four seas, the Rgveda mentions about two, the 'पूर्व (purva)' and 'अपर (apara)' samudras. The Purva (or अवर-Avara) samudra also called as Arvavat (अर्वावत्) is where the sunrises and the Apara (or पर - Para) samudra also called as Paraavat (परावत्) is where the sun sets. The Arabian sea is the Paraavat sea where the Sindhu and its tributaries drain into. It however, ran up the present lower valley of the Indus along the foot of the Western Range, and covered a large portion of the present province of Sindh. However, scholars opine that the Purva (Apara or Arvaavat) sea is not the same as the Bay of Bengal as this bay is very far from where the Saptasindhu rivers were flowing. It has been proposed that land areas that are now known to be Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, i.e., the gangetic plains were we find the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, were once areas of a sea (in the Pleistocene era) which got filled with the sands brought down by the rivers and became plains.<ref name=":4" /> The third sea, is discussed separately under the '''Sarasvati river''' given under the heading [[Rivers in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे नदीनां विवेचनम्)|Rivers in Rigveda]].<ref name=":02">S. K. Acharya, Kunal Gosh, and Amal Kar (2020) ''Saraswati: The River par Excellence.'' Kolkata: The Asiatic Society (Pages 217-234)</ref> Many mantras are mentioned as reference for the Rgvedic merchants who navigated the four seas in quest of wealth. Geological evidence goes on to show that there were actually three seas on the three sides of Sapta Sindhu, i.e., the Eastern, the Western and the Southern and the fourth sea logically must have been somewhere on the north beyond the Himalayas. There is a mention that a deep trough (sea) did exist at the foot of the Himalayan range in ancient geological times as per Mr. Wadia (in his Geology of India book). This trough or sea lasted through long ages during which it was gradually filled up with alluvium into which were embedded the remains of a rich varied fauna "of herbivores, carnivores, rodents and of primates, the highest order of the mammals," brought down by the rivers and streams.<blockquote>ये अ॑स्या आ॒चर॑णेषु दध्रि॒रे स॑मु॒द्रे न श्र॑व॒स्यव॑: ॥३॥ (Rg. Veda. 1.48.3)<ref>Rgveda ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-048/ Mandala 1 Sukta 48])</ref></blockquote>According to Dr. A. C. Das, geological evidence proves that such a sea did actually exist in ancient times, stretching from below the highlands of modern Turkestan towards Siberia on one side, and from the confines of Mongolia to the Black Sea, on the other, covering an immense area. This sea disappeared in comparatively recent geological times, leaving the Black Sea, the Sea of Aral, Lake Balkash, and an extensive depression low, dry and converted into steppes, as its remnants. The Black Sea was not at that time connected with the Mediterranean, and its western shores formed the Isthmus of Bosphorus linking Europe with Asia. On the confines of East Turkestan also there was in ancient times another immense Asiatic Mediterranean Sea, of which Lake Lobnor is the remnant. These stern geological facts are corroborated in Rgvedic mantras. We can see the effects of climate change reflected in the mantras and the disappearance of one of the four seas around the Sapta Sindhu, and the upheaval of a vast tract of arid desert in the South. Dr. Das's discussion about various geological evidences <blockquote>''"clearly proved the existence of the four seas mentioned in the Rgveda, round about the region, inhabited by the ancient Aryans, which included Sapta-sindhu on the south, Bactriana and Eastern Turkestan on the north, Gandhara on the west and the upper valleys of the Ganga and Yamuna on the east. The age of the Rgveda, therefore, must be as old as the existence of these four seas in ancient times."'' <ref name=":7" /></blockquote>It is time we delve deeper into the geological testimony which supports the vast antiquity of Rgveda stretching back to times immemorial.<ref name=":7" />

=== Astronomical aspects ===

=== Astronomical aspects ===

=== Geology ===

=== Geology ===

According to Dr. Kapil Dev Dwivedi<ref name=":3">Dwivedi, Kapil Dev. (2004 Second Edition) ''Vedon mein Vijnana (Positive Sciences in the Vedas).'' Jnanpur (Bhadohi): Vishvabharati Anusandhan Parishad. (Pages 283-294)</ref> many interesting geological aspects are revealed during the study of Rgveda. It was long known to ancient people that the '''earth has 7 strata''' (Rgveda 1.22.16), and that the movements within both the earth and in the paramanus (atoma) are regulated by Vishnu.   

According to Dr. Kapil Dev Dwivedi<ref name=":3">Dwivedi, Kapil Dev. (2004 Second Edition) ''Vedon mein Vijnana (Positive Sciences in the Vedas).'' Jnanpur (Bhadohi): Vishvabharati Anusandhan Parishad. (Pages 283-294)</ref> many interesting geological aspects are revealed during the study of Rgveda. It was long known to ancient people that the '''earth has 7 strata''' (Rgveda 1.22.16), and that the movements within both the earth and in the paramanus (atoms) are regulated by Vishnu.   

Rgveda (10.1.6) states that the '''core of the earth is filled with Agni''' covered by a brilliant cloak. <blockquote>स तु वस्राण्यध पेशनानि वसानो अग्निर्नाभा पृथिव्याः ॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.1.6)</blockquote>The concept of fire and its tejas (तेजोमय वस्त्र) the brilliant cloak or garment is expressed in many mantras. Yajurveda also states that prthvi or earth is the center (yoni) of agni and it is due to this central Agni that causes the movement of the earth. Atharvaveda states that Agni is present in the Earth, अग्निवासाः पृथ्विवी (Atha. Veda. 12.1.21) and hence prthvi is called Agnivaasas (अग्निवासस्). That the '''rivers and ocean waters contain Agni''' is also expressed in the Rgveda. Agni is present in all living beings and the same is said to spread into the waters of rivers and oceans. <blockquote>यो अग्निः सप्तमानुषाः श्रितो विश्वेषु सिन्धुषु ॥ (Rg. Veda. 8.39.8)</blockquote>In the above mantra Sindu (सिन्धु) indicates both the rivers and oceans. It is said that Agni exists in the waters and it is well known that by the '''churning of the river water electricity is generated'''. Rgveda clearly mentions the '''presence of Ratnas (gems) and treasures''' of gold etc which are the cause of prosperity, in the earth. <blockquote>रियं त इन्द्र पृथिवी बिभर्ति ॥ (Rg. Veda. 3.55.22) पुरू वसूनि पृथिवी बिभर्ति ॥ (Rg. Veda. 3.51.5)</blockquote>

Rgveda (10.1.6) states that the '''core of the earth is filled with Agni''' covered by a brilliant cloak. <blockquote>स तु वस्राण्यध पेशनानि वसानो अग्निर्नाभा पृथिव्याः ॥ (Rg. Veda. 10.1.6)</blockquote>The concept of fire and its tejas (तेजोमय वस्त्र) the brilliant cloak or garment is expressed in many mantras. Yajurveda also states that prthvi or earth is the center (yoni) of agni and it is due to this central Agni that causes the movement of the earth. Atharvaveda states that Agni is present in the Earth, अग्निवासाः पृथ्विवी (Atha. Veda. 12.1.21) and hence prthvi is called Agnivaasas (अग्निवासस्). That the '''rivers and ocean waters contain Agni''' is also expressed in the Rgveda. Agni is present in all living beings and the same is said to spread into the waters of rivers and oceans. <blockquote>यो अग्निः सप्तमानुषाः श्रितो विश्वेषु सिन्धुषु ॥ (Rg. Veda. 8.39.8)</blockquote>In the above mantra Sindhu (सिन्धु) indicates both the rivers and oceans. It is said that Agni exists in the waters and it is well known that by the '''churning of the river water electricity is generated'''. Rgveda clearly mentions the '''presence of Ratnas (gems) and treasures''' of gold etc which are the cause of prosperity, in the earth. <blockquote>रियं त इन्द्र पृथिवी बिभर्ति ॥ (Rg. Veda. 3.55.22)  

=== Geographical Aspects in Rgveda ===

 

The geographical information in the Rigveda, to put it in a nutshell, more or less pertains to the area in the northern belt from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, the easternmost river mentioned in the text being the Ganga, and the westernmost being the western tributaries of the Indus rivers.<ref>Talageri. Shrikant. G, (2000) The Rigveda - A Historical Analysis (Pages </ref>

पुरू वसूनि पृथिवी बिभर्ति ॥ (Rg. Veda. 3.51.5)</blockquote>

=== Geographical Aspects in Rgveda ===

The Rgveda is treated as the storehouse of recorded valuable geographical information. It contains references to places, rivers, mountains, forests and oceans. To put it in a nutshell, more or less pertains to the area in the northern belt from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, the easternmost river mentioned in the text being the Ganga, and the westernmost being the western tributaries of the Indus rivers.<ref>Talageri. Shrikant. G, (2000) The Rigveda - A Historical Analysis (Pages </ref>

==== Mountains ====

==== Mountains ====

Rgvedic mantras give us a detailed account of how the earth was once full of mountains that could "move" around and how Indra made them firm and immovable (2.12.1). Kanva samhita and Maitrayani samhita both support the puranic version that in the very remote past mountains had 'wings' and they could travel to any place they chose. Indra cut those wings off and protected the people on earth from loss of life and property. The factual basis is debated yet the legend has a significant place in many texts.  

Mountains are referred to using the terms, parvata, giri (Rg. Veda. 1.37.7) and adri (Rg. Veda. 8.88.3). Just as the oceans, mountains are also alluded to as treasure houses (Rg.Veda 10.69.6). Rgvedic mantras give us a detailed account of how the earth was once full of mountains that could "move" around and how Indra made them firm and immovable (2.12.1). Kanva samhita and Maitrayani samhita both support the puranic version that in the very remote past mountains had 'wings' and they could travel to any place they chose. Indra cut those wings off and protected the people on earth from loss of life and property. The factual basis is debated yet the legend has a significant place in many texts.<ref name=":4" />

 

 

In these texts there is a mention about 'Himavanta' (Himalayas) however, their dimensions are not given. Rgveda (10.34.1) refers to a specific mountain called Moojavat on which grows the Somalata. In the Nirukta, it has been referred to as a mountain, while its location is known from the Atharva samhita. Atharva samhita (5.22) mentions that Moojavat is a mountain located in the far North-western region of Gandhaar or Balhik country. This mountain is verily the '''native habitat of Somalata hence it is called Moujavat''', from where it was brought for use in yajnas. सोम॑स्येव मौजव॒तस्य॑ भ॒क्षो..... (Rg. Veda. 10.34.1). As the people of those times moved to and settled in the eastern plains, bringing soma became difficult and commercial trade began. [[Mountains in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे पर्वतानां विवेचनम्)]] throw light on various aspects of geography.<ref name=":4" />  

Rgveda (10.34.1) refers to a specific mountain peak called Moojavat on which grows the Somalata. In the Nirukta, it has been referred to as a mountain, while its location is known from the Atharva samhita. Atharva samhita (5.22) mentions that Moojavat is a mountain located in the far North-western region of Gandhaar or Balhik country. This mountain is verily the '''native habitat of Somalata hence it is called Moujavat''', from where it was brought for use in yajnas. सोम॑स्येव मौजव॒तस्य॑ भ॒क्षो..... (Rg. Veda. 10.34.1). As the people of those times moved to and settled in the eastern plains, bringing soma became difficult and commercial trade began. [[Mountains in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे पर्वतानां विवेचनम्)]] throw light on various aspects of geography.<ref name=":4" />  

In the Taittriya Aranyaka (1.31) we find a mention of Krauncha, Mainaka, and Sudarshana parvatas. In the same Aranyaka (1.7) there is a clear mention of Mahameru. That these mountains are also rich in '''treasures (minerals and natural ores)''' is clearly mentioned in the Rigveda <blockquote>

In the Taittriya Aranyaka (1.31) we find a mention of Krauncha, Mainaka, and Sudarshana parvatas. In the same Aranyaka (1.7) there is a clear mention of Mahameru. That these mountains are also rich in '''treasures (minerals and natural ores)''' is clearly mentioned in the Rigveda <blockquote>

==== Oceans and Rivers ====

==== Oceans and Rivers ====

Rgveda offers good information about oceans and seas. People were well aware about the vast waterbodies and trade via the seas was prevalent. The terms Samudra and Arnava (अर्णव) have been used for ocean or a sea. We also find references to sea travel using boats or ships (Rgveda 1.25.7) for whom the direction is given by Varuna (by his winds). Some important findings include the following   

Rgveda offers good information about oceans and seas. People were well aware about the vast waterbodies and trade via the seas was prevalent.   The terms Samudra and Arnava (अर्णव) have been used for ocean or a sea. We also find references to sea travel using boats or ships (Rgveda 1.25.7) for whom the direction is given by Varuna (by his winds). Some important findings include the following   

* '''Thar Desert was once a sea (Rgveda 7.95.2):''' In the present day Rajasthan where a desert stands now, the ancient texts have indicated the presence of a sea in the same area.<ref name=":4">Pt. Upadhyaya, Baldev. (2012 Second Edition) ''Samskrit Vangmay ke Brihad Itihas, Vol 1, Veda.'' Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthan. (Pages 515-531)</ref>   

* '''Thar Desert was once a sea (Rgveda 7.95.2):''' In the present day Rajasthan where a desert stands now, the ancient texts have indicated the presence of a sea in the same area.<ref name=":4">Pt. Upadhyaya, Baldev. (2012 Second Edition) ''Samskrit Vangmay ke Brihad Itihas, Vol 1, Veda.'' Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthan. (Pages 515-531)</ref>   

* It is in these seas that treasure is said to be available, namely gems and precious stones (Rgveda 1.47.6, 7.6.7, 9.92.44 etc).<ref name=":3" />   

* It is in these seas that treasure is said to be available, namely gems and precious stones (Rgveda 1.47.6, 7.6.7, 9.92.44 etc).<ref name=":3" />   

* That the '''huge waves in the seas''' are caused by the air circulation was mentioned in Rgveda (1.19.7 and 8, 1.119.4 etc). Other mantras describe that a hurricane can destroy the ships in the sea.   

* That the '''huge waves in the seas''' are caused by the air circulation was mentioned in Rgveda (1.19.7 and 8, 1.119.4 etc). Other mantras describe that a hurricane can destroy the ships in the sea.   

* Presence of '''Natural Gases in oceans''' is discussed in Rigveda (Rgveda 8.102.4)<ref name=":3" /> It is termed as पुरीष्य अग्निः। This is so called because it has the ability to light up and spreads across in various places of the ocean bed.

* Presence of n'''atural Gases in oceans''' is discussed in Rigveda (Rgveda 8.102.4)<ref name=":3" /> It is termed as पुरीष्य अग्निः। This is so called because it has the ability to light up and spreads across in various places of the ocean bed.

* '''Medicinal substances and food items''' from the oceans, rivers and mountains is well explained in this Veda (Rg. Veda. 8.20.25).<ref name=":3" />

* '''Medicinal substances and food items''' from the oceans, rivers and mountains is well explained in this Veda (Rg. Veda. 8.20.25).<ref name=":3" />

* There are at least '''nineteen rivers''' mentioned in the Rg veda, with the Sarasvati and Indus rivers (along with it's tributaries) gaining a lot of attention. [[Rivers in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे नदीनां विवेचनम्)]] drew a great attention in the past few centuries with the Sarasvati (सरस्वती), though long lost, has occupied the media but generally for the wrong reasons. Dr. Michel Danino diligently summed up the issues and debates associated with Sarasvati backed with the latest research and archeological evidences.<ref name=":02" />

* There are at least '''nineteen rivers''' mentioned in the Rg veda, with the Sarasvati and Indus rivers (along with it's tributaries) gaining a lot of attention. [[Rivers in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे नदीनां विवेचनम्)]] drew a great attention in the past few centuries with the Sarasvati (सरस्वती), though long lost, has occupied the media but generally for the wrong reasons. Dr. Michel Danino meticulously summed up the issues and debates associated with Sarasvati backed with the latest research and archeological evidences.<ref name=":02" />

==== Nature in Rgveda ====

==== Nature in Rgveda ====

=== Darshanika Tattva ===

=== Darshanika Tattva ===

In the 10th mandala of Rgveda we find many suktas portraying darshanika aspects of Indian tattvajnana. In fact they are seen as the precursor to the siddhantas laid out in the[[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Shad Darshanas]]. The darshanika aspect, according to some scholars, also supports the fact that the 10th mandala is a more recent addition to the Rgveda as it is very contrary to the stuti-presentation given in the rest of the mandalas. The two most important references are the [[Nasadiya Sukta (नासदीयसूक्तम्)|Nasadiya Sukta]] and [[Purusha Sukta]]. Purusha sukta propounds Sarveshvara-vada (the all-pervading characteristic) which is considered as a modern thought process, a concept which discusses an all-permeating image or form (Saakara, aakruti) of the Supreme Self in the universe. According to some western scholars, spiritual development has the following course - Bahudevata-vada, Ekadevata-vada and Sarveshvara-vada. The oldest times witness worship of many deities, which later led to worship of one deity (Prajapati or Hiranyagarbha). This further led to development of faith in all-pervading deity, a more recent concept.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>अयँ लोक ऋग्वेदः। (Shad. Brah. 1.5)<ref>Shadvimsha Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>According to Shadvimsha Brahmana, Rgveda is said to be the bhuloka and Agni is the important devata. In the same Brahmana, Yajurveda is said to have Vayu as the important devata (of the Antariksha loka) while Surya is the important deity of Samaveda (of Dyuloka).<ref name=":6" /> Manusmrti reinforces that <blockquote>अग्निवायुरविभ्यस्तु त्र्यं ब्रह्म सनातनम। दुदोह यज्ञसिध्यर्थमृग्यजुः सामलक्षणम्॥ (Manu. Smrt. 1.13)<ref>Manu Smriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>From Agni, Vayu and Surya, was milked the eternal Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda respectively for the performance of yajnas. Rgveda involves the Vaktattva or speech aspects (including knowledge and contemplation), Yajurveda involves Manastattva or psychological aspects (personality, action, nature), and Samaveda includes Pranatattava or energy balance aspects (strength, cooperation). A coordination of the three tattavatas leads a person to attain Brahman. <blockquote>ब्रह्म वा ऋक् । अमृतं वा ऋक् । (Kous. Brah. 7.10) प्राणो वा ऋक्। (Jaim. Brah. 1.112)</blockquote>Above such references in various brahmanas portray the darshanik aspects (philosophical) of Rgveda. We find information about [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]], [[Vak (वाक्)|Vak (Speech)]], Prana (energy), Amruta (eternity), Veerya (propagation) etc. Thus, we find the description about attaining Brahman, the shabda Brahman (vaktattva), Prana or the energy, means to attain Amaratva (eternity), and magnificence by practicing Brahmacharya.<ref name=":6" />

In the 10th mandala of Rgveda we find many suktas portraying darshanika aspects of Indian tattvajnana. In fact they are seen as the precursor to the siddhantas laid out in the [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Shad Darshanas]]. The darshanika aspect, according to some scholars, also supports the fact that the 10th mandala is a more recent addition to the Rgveda as it is very contrary to the stuti-presentation given in the rest of the mandalas. The two most important references are the [[Nasadiya Sukta (नासदीयसूक्तम्)|Nasadiya Sukta]] and [[Purusha Sukta]]. Purusha sukta propounds Sarveshvara-vada (the all-pervading characteristic) which is considered as a modern thought process, a concept which discusses an all-permeating image or form (Saakara, aakruti) of the Supreme Self in the universe. According to some western scholars, spiritual development has the following course - Bahudevata-vada, Ekadevata-vada and Sarveshvara-vada. The oldest times witness worship of many deities, which later led to worship of one deity (Prajapati or Hiranyagarbha). This further led to development of faith in all-pervading deity, a more recent concept.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>अयँ लोक ऋग्वेदः। (Shad. Brah. 1.5)<ref>Shadvimsha Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>According to Shadvimsha Brahmana, Rgveda is said to be the bhuloka and Agni is the important devata. In the same Brahmana, Yajurveda is said to have Vayu as the important devata (of the Antariksha loka) while Surya is the important deity of Samaveda (of Dyuloka).<ref name=":6" /> Manusmrti reinforces that <blockquote>अग्निवायुरविभ्यस्तु त्र्यं ब्रह्म सनातनम। दुदोह यज्ञसिध्यर्थमृग्यजुः सामलक्षणम्॥ (Manu. Smrt. 1.13)<ref>Manu Smriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>From Agni, Vayu and Surya, was milked the eternal Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda respectively for the performance of yajnas. Rgveda involves the Vaktattva or speech aspects (including knowledge and contemplation), Yajurveda involves Manastattva or psychological aspects (personality, action, nature), and Samaveda includes Pranatattava or energy balance aspects (strength, cooperation). A coordination of the three tattavatas leads a person to attain Brahman. <blockquote>ब्रह्म वा ऋक् । अमृतं वा ऋक् । (Kous. Brah. 7.10) प्राणो वा ऋक्। (Jaim. Brah. 1.112)</blockquote>Above such references in various brahmanas portray the darshanik aspects (philosophical) of Rgveda. We find information about [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]], [[Vak (वाक्)|Vak (Speech)]], Prana (energy), Amruta (eternity), Veerya (propagation) etc. Thus, we find the description about attaining Brahman, the shabda Brahman (vaktattva), Prana or the energy, means to attain Amaratva (eternity), and magnificence by practicing Brahmacharya.<ref name=":6" />

Apart from the darshanik aspects, we find many [[Socio-economic Aspects of Rg Veda (ऋग्वेदे सामाजिक-आर्थिक-विषयाश्च)]] that are relevant even in the present society.  

Apart from the darshanik aspects, we find many [[Socio-economic Aspects of Rg Veda (ऋग्वेदे सामाजिक-आर्थिक-विषयाश्च)]] that are relevant even in the present society.