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Angirasa (Sanskrit : अङ्गिरसः) or Angira (Sanskrit : अङ्गिरः) is associated with several vedic and puranic individuals. Descendants of Angirasa are called Aangirasa (आङ्गिरसः), who are credited with the darshana of many Rig vedic mantras.    

Angirasa (Sanskrit : अङ्गिरसः) or Angira (Sanskrit : अङ्गिरः) is associated with several vedic and puranic individuals. Descendants of Angirasa are called Aangirasa (आङ्गिरसः), who are credited with the darshana of many Rig vedic mantras.

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

* Angirasa is the son of Ulmuka and younger brother of Anga who is a King. It is said that Anga married Suneedha while Angirasa got married to Smriti, the daughter of Daksha prajapati.   

* Angirasa is the son of Ulmuka and younger brother of Anga who is a King. It is said that Anga married Suneedha while Angirasa got married to Smriti, the daughter of Daksha prajapati.   

* Angirasa is closely associated with Agni, being born from sacrificial fire of Varuna: "Varunasya Rutoujatahpawakadity nah shrutam" (Mahabharata 1.5.8).   

* Angirasa is closely associated with Agni, being born from sacrificial fire of Varuna: "Varunasya Rutoujatahpawakadity nah shrutam" (Mahabharata 1.5.8).   

* Angirasa is identified with Agni:  

* Angirasa is identified with Agni: <blockquote>"यदङग दाशुषे त्वमग्ने भद्रं करिष्यसि । तवेत् सत्यमङ्गिरः॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.1.6) </blockquote><blockquote>"yadaṅaga dāśuṣe tvamagne bhadraṁ kariṣyasi । tavet satyamaṅgiraḥ॥(Rig. Veda. 1.1.6)</blockquote>Meaning: To your worshipper, Agni bring forth all prosperity, you are the Angirasa. (Angirasa is associated with bringing the prosperity of cows)

<blockquote>"यदङग दाशुषे त्वमग्ने भद्रं करिष्यसि । तवेत् सत्यमङ्गिरः॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.1.6) </blockquote>

* Angirasa is identified with Indra also :<blockquote>"सो अङगिरोभिरङगिरस्तमो भूद वृषा वृषभिः सखिभिः सखा सन् | ऋग्मिभिर्ऋग्मी गातुभिर्ज्येष्ठो मरुत्वान नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती ||  (Rig. Veda. 1.100.4)</blockquote><blockquote>"so aṅagirobhiraṅagirastamo bhūda vr̥ṣā vr̥ṣabhiḥ sakhibhiḥ sakhā san | r̥gmibhirr̥gmī gātubhirjyeṣṭho marutvāna no bhavatvindra ūtī || </blockquote>Meaning : Oh Indra, You are the chief among the Angirasas, friend among friends, mightiest among the mighty, foremost among the singers, surrounded by Maruts may you protect us.

<blockquote>"yadaṅaga dāśuṣe tvamagne bhadraṁ kariṣyasi । tavet satyamaṅgiraḥ॥(Rig. Veda. 1.1.6)</blockquote>Meaning: To your worshipper, Agni bring forth all prosperity, you are the Angirasa. (Angirasa is associated with bringing the prosperity of cows)

* Angirasa is identified with Indra also :

<blockquote>"सो अङगिरोभिरङगिरस्तमो भूद वृषा वृषभिः सखिभिः सखा सन् | ऋग्मिभिर्ऋग्मी गातुभिर्ज्येष्ठो मरुत्वान नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती ||  (Rig. Veda. 1.100.4)</blockquote><blockquote>"so aṅagirobhiraṅagirastamo bhūda vr̥ṣā vr̥ṣabhiḥ sakhibhiḥ sakhā san | r̥gmibhirr̥gmī gātubhirjyeṣṭho marutvāna no bhavatvindra ūtī || </blockquote>Meaning : Oh Indra, You are the chief among the Angirasas, friend among friends, mightiest among the mighty, foremost among the singers, surrounded by Maruts may you protect us.

* References to [[Kutsa Angirasa (कुत्स अङ्गिरसः)|Kutsa Angirasa]], [[Sapta Angirasa (सप्त अङ्गिरसः)|Sapta Angirasa]], Uru Angirasa and Prabhavasu Angirasas are seen in different mantras of Rig veda as mantra drasthas.     

* References to [[Kutsa Angirasa (कुत्स अङ्गिरसः)|Kutsa Angirasa]], [[Sapta Angirasa (सप्त अङ्गिरसः)|Sapta Angirasa]], Uru Angirasa and Prabhavasu Angirasas are seen in different mantras of Rig veda as mantra drasthas.     

* As mentioned in the Rig-Veda (10.108), Angirasa is the one to whom Indra presents all the cows after freeing them from the captivation of Asura named Vala and several other asuras called the Panis.   

* As mentioned in the Rig-Veda (10.108), Angirasa is the one to whom Indra presents all the cows after freeing them from the captivation of Asura named Vala and several other asuras called the Panis.   

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

* '''Rig Veda''': [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sri Sayanacharya's]] explanation refers to  Angirasa as one who traverses with great speed.   

* '''Rig Veda''': [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sri Sayanacharya's]] explanation refers to  Angirasa as one who traverses with great speed.   <blockquote>"unganthi gachanthi ittangiraso ganthara"</blockquote>

<blockquote>"unganthi gachanthi ittangiraso ganthara"</blockquote>

* '''Nirukta''' : Yaskacharya's explanation is connected to the appearance of Angirasa.   <blockquote>"“angaresu angiraha angaraha ankanaha anchanaha (Nirukta  3.17)"</blockquote>He was born from the “retas or the semen of Brahma and it was blazing like cinder and then first Aditya appeared and then Angirasa. Even for agni there is a word called "Angaraha" meaning one which creates an impression “anka or sign. Similarly Angirasa also means: one who creates a lasting impression in others.   

* '''Nirukta''' : Yaskacharya's explanation is connected to the appearance of Angirasa.   

* '''Brahmana''' : Taitriya Brahmana explains Angirasa as those who are like the cinder or agni.   <blockquote>"ye angara asanthe angiraso abhavan" (Taitriya Brahmana 3.34)</blockquote>

<blockquote>"“angaresu angiraha angaraha ankanaha anchanaha (Nirukta  3.17)"</blockquote>He was born from the “retas or the semen of Brahma and it was blazing like cinder and then first Aditya appeared and then Angirasa. Even for agni there is a word called "Angaraha" meaning one which creates an impression “anka or sign. Similarly Angirasa also means: one who creates a lasting impression in others.   

* '''Upanishad''' :  Chandogya Upanishad explains as below that because all the limbs of the body are controlled by “prana that “mukya prana itself has become anga rasa or angirasa.   <blockquote>"तँहाङ्गिरा उद्गीथमुपासांचक्र एतमु एवाऽऽङ्गिरसं मन्यन्तेऽङ्गानां यद्रसः ||" (Chan. Upan. 1.2.10)</blockquote><blockquote>"tam̐hāṅgirā udgīthamupāsāṁcakra etamu evā<nowiki>''</nowiki>ṅgirasaṁ manyante'ṅgānāṁ yadrasaḥ ||" (Chan. Upan. 1.2.10)</blockquote>

* '''Brahmana''' : Taitriya Brahmana explains Angirasa as those who are like the cinder or agni.   

* In the Upanayanam kriya (thread ceremony) the Initiator, prays "let my medha shakti, the wisdom power, increase like Angirasa.   <blockquote>"''“medham mayyam angiraso medhagam sapta rushayo daduhu medham mayyam prajapathihi medhaamagnir dadathu me“ ('''Mampra 2.4.6''')''"</blockquote>Plentiful are such references in the vedangas. The mention of Angirasa in various scriptures and the significance of Angirasa's knowledge of the characteristics of cows is also noteworthy as evident from the Rg Veda 10th mandala mantras.   

<blockquote>"ye angara asanthe angiraso abhavan" (Taitriya Brahmana 3.34)</blockquote>

* '''Upanishad''' :  Chandogya Upanishad explains as below that because all the limbs of the body are controlled by “prana that “mukya prana itself has become anga rasa or angirasa.   

<blockquote>"तँहाङ्गिरा उद्गीथमुपासांचक्र एतमु एवाऽऽङ्गिरसं मन्यन्तेऽङ्गानां यद्रसः ||" (Chan. Upan. 1.2.10)</blockquote><blockquote>"tam̐hāṅgirā udgīthamupāsāṁcakra etamu evā<nowiki>''</nowiki>ṅgirasaṁ manyante'ṅgānāṁ yadrasaḥ ||" (Chan. Upan. 1.2.10)</blockquote>

* In the Upanayanam kriya (thread ceremony) the Initiator, prays "let my medha shakti, the wisdom power, increase like Angirasa.   

<blockquote>"''“medham mayyam angiraso medhagam sapta rushayo daduhu medham mayyam prajapathihi medhaamagnir dadathu me“ ('''Mampra 2.4.6''')''"</blockquote>Plentiful are such references in the vedangas. The mention of Angirasa in various scriptures and the significance of Angirasa's knowledge of the characteristics of cows is also noteworthy as evident from the Rg Veda 10th mandala mantras.   

 

== Angirasa and Gograhana ==

== Angirasa and Gograhana ==

In the '''Rg Veda  (10.108)''', there is a story of Angirasa in connection with the cows. This particular legend of stealing of Cows or गोग्रहणम्॥ Gograhanam has been described vividly in Rig Veda 3.31, and 10.108, including a reference in 8.14. Again, a description on the family of Angirasa is given in the Mandala 6 of the Rig-Veda.   

In the '''Rig Veda  (10.108)''', there is a story of Angirasa in connection with the cows. This particular legend of stealing of Cows or गोग्रहणम्॥ Gograhanam has been described vividly in Rig Veda 3.31, and 10.108, including a reference in 8.14. Again, a description on the family of Angirasa is given in the Mandala 6 of the Rig-Veda.   

The legend goes that Panis were the demons who stole the cows

The legend goes that Panis were the demons who stole the cows

that search, an important discussion between the Panis and Sarama occurs.  Angirasa rushi then helped Indra to locate the Panis who stole the cows.   

that search, an important discussion between the Panis and Sarama occurs.  Angirasa rushi then helped Indra to locate the Panis who stole the cows.   

The '''Rg Mantra 97.36''' explains how Angirasa assisted Indra.  <blockquote>"''“yena naha purve pitaraha padjna svarvido abhigha adrimushnan'' "</blockquote><blockquote>"''"In our family and ancestors, the pitris, there is Angirasa who, a sarvajna, knowledgeable about the para loka, brought back the stolen cows which were identified by their foot marks (characteristics) from mountains".''"</blockquote>This reference is also found in the '''Jaimineeya Brahmana, II.440-442.''' Here, the cows are clearly referred to as the cows of the Gods stolen by the Panis.  This time, the Gods first send SuparNa, the eagle or the Sun-bird.  However, the PaNis bribe him into silence, and he accepts their gifts and returns without any information.  The enraged Gods strangle him, and he vomits out the curds, etc. received from the PaNis. Then the Gods send SaramA.  She crosses the river RasA and approaches the PaNis.  She is also offered bribes, but (as in the Rigveda) she refuses their blandishments and returns to Indra with the information that the cows are hidden inside the RasA.  She and her descendants are then blessed by a grateful Indra.

The '''Rig Mantra 9.97.39''' explains how Angirasa assisted Indra in securing the cows stolen by Panis and hidden in the mountains.  <blockquote>"येना नः पूर्वे पितरः पदज्ञाः स्वर्विदो अभि गा अद्रिमुष्णन् ||" (Rig Veda. 9.97.39)</blockquote><blockquote>''“''yenā naḥ pūrve pitaraḥ padajñāḥ svarvido abhi gā adrimuṣṇan ||" (Rig Veda. 9.97.39)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : In our family and pitris (ancestors), there is Angirasa who, a sarvajna,( knowledgeable about the paraloka), brought back the stolen cows which were identified by their foot marks (characteristics) from mountains"</blockquote>This reference is also found in the '''Jaimineeya Brahmana, II.440-442.''' Here, the cows are clearly referred to as the cows of the Gods stolen by the Panis.  This time, the Gods first send SuparNa, the eagle or the Sun-bird.  However, the PaNis bribe him into silence, and he accepts their gifts and returns without any information.  The enraged Gods strangle him, and he vomits out the curds, etc. received from the PaNis. Then the Gods send SaramA.  She crosses the river RasA and approaches the PaNis.  She is also offered bribes, but (as in the Rigveda) she refuses their blandishments and returns to Indra with the information that the cows are hidden inside the RasA.  She and her descendants are then blessed by a grateful Indra.

In the '''Brhaddevata, viii 24-36''' the same sequence of events takes place, but this time SaramA accepts the bribe of the PaNis, and apparently transfers her loyalties to them.  When she returns to Indra and refuses to disclose the hideout of the cows, Indra kicks her in a rage.  She vomits out the milk received as a bribe, and then goes back to trace the PaNis.

In the '''Brhaddevata, viii 24-36''' the same sequence of events takes place, but this time SaramA accepts the bribe of the PaNis, and apparently transfers her loyalties to them.  When she returns to Indra and refuses to disclose the hideout of the cows, Indra kicks her in a rage.  She vomits out the milk received as a bribe, and then goes back to trace the PaNis.

== सम्वाद || Discussion  ==

== सम्वाद || Discussion  ==

As seen in the story of Angirasa protecting the cows, there is a historical and legendary perspective to it.  If historically Panis are considered Dravidians and Angirasa a brahamana,some questions arise,  

As seen in the story of Angirasa protecting the cows, there is a historical and legendary perspective to it.  If historically Panis are considered Dravidians and Angirasa a brahamana,some questions arise,  

# ''What does that mean by stealing cows?''   

# ''What does that mean by stealing cows?''   

So this esoteric knowledge has been deliberately misused by the Indologists to create a wrong notion of shastras and create oppositional categories to suit their colonial agenda.  

So this esoteric knowledge has been deliberately misused by the Indologists to create a wrong notion of shastras and create oppositional categories to suit their colonial agenda.  

====== Explanation ======

====== Explanation ======

Here “go means the “'''adhyatma vidya (spiritual knowledge)''' that is endorsed in Vedas and the foot marks of cows (characteristics) means actually explaining the meaning of the Vedic words which are esoteric which are to be deciphered properly. And those who understand this knowledge are called '''padajna''' (having the knowledge of the Veda).  The 4 legs of this Kamadhenu the Vedas are dharma, artha, kama, moksha – which are the purusharthas.

Here “go means the “'''adhyatma vidya (spiritual knowledge)''' that is endorsed in Vedas and the foot marks of cows (characteristics) means actually explaining the meaning of the Vedic words which are esoteric which are to be deciphered properly. And those who understand this knowledge are called '''padajna''' (having the knowledge of the Veda).  The 4 legs of this Kamadhenu the Vedas are dharma, artha, kama, moksha – which are the purusharthas.

Therefore which mantras provide for which purushartha was known very well to Angirasa rushi.  As he was knowledgeable in mantras which leads one to the “parama pada or the highest abode he was the '''sarvavidaha or sarvajna''' as explained in Rk Samhita 1.164.45 :<blockquote>"''चत्वारिवाक परिमितापदानितानि विदुर्ब्राह्मणाये मनीषिणः|'' "</blockquote><blockquote>"''गुहा तरीणि निहिता नेङगयन्ति तुरीयं वाचो मनुष्या वदन्ति || (The Rig Veda 1.164.45)''"</blockquote><blockquote>"''catvarivak parimitapadanitani vidurbrahmana ye minishinah |''"</blockquote><blockquote>"''guha tarini nihita neengayanti turiyam vaco manushyavadanti ||''"</blockquote>These “'''paraha''' (), “'''pasyanthi''' (), “'''madhyama''' () and “'''vaikhari''' () are the 4 ways of speech . Those who understand the meaning of these words or “padas are called '''padajna''' (knower of those speech) or “svarvida (these four paadas(legs) or padas (the sentences). The '''purusharthas''' which are called “chatvari-sringa, are known as the 4 horns of the “agni purusha or fire personified and the relationship they have with each other can only be understood by the process of yoga (upasana).

Therefore which mantras provide for which purushartha was known very well to Angirasa rushi.  As he was knowledgeable in mantras which leads one to the “parama pada or the highest abode he was the '''sarvavidaha or sarvajna''' as explained in Rk Samhita 1.164.45 :<blockquote>"''चत्वारिवाक परिमितापदानितानि विदुर्ब्राह्मणाये मनीषिणः|'' "</blockquote><blockquote>"''गुहा तरीणि निहिता नेङगयन्ति तुरीयं वाचो मनुष्या वदन्ति || (The Rig Veda 1.164.45)''"</blockquote><blockquote>"''catvarivak parimitapadanitani vidurbrahmana ye minishinah |''"</blockquote><blockquote>"''guha tarini nihita neengayanti turiyam vaco manushyavadanti ||''"</blockquote>These “'''paraha''' (), “'''pasyanthi''' (), “'''madhyama''' () and “'''vaikhari''' () are the 4 ways of speech . Those who understand the meaning of these words or “padas are called '''padajna''' (knower of those speech) or “svarvida (these four paadas(legs) or padas (the sentences). The '''purusharthas''' which are called “chatvari-sringa, are known as the 4 horns of the “agni purusha or fire personified and the relationship they have with each other can only be understood by the process of yoga (upasana).

====== Esoteric Understanding of Angirasa bringing the cows ======

====== Esoteric Understanding of Angirasa bringing the cows ======

The esoteric meaning of bringing down the cows (synonymous to the Vedas) from the mountain top is very significant. The panis have common knowledge, who cannot assimilate the high standard of Vedic knowledge.  Their carrying away the cows symbolises that even if they take it away they do not get any benefit or they will not understand the esoteric meaning. And the “go (cows) or the Vedic words were not damaged. The knowledgeable who had faith in these cows, were inconvenienced. Those who do not understand the meaning of Vedas, such people may be in disguise and steal the words of Vedas, but they won’t get the benefit of the Vedas.  

The esoteric meaning of bringing down the cows (synonymous to the Vedas) from the mountain top is very significant. The panis have common knowledge, who cannot assimilate the high standard of Vedic knowledge.  Their carrying away the cows symbolises that even if they take it away they do not get any benefit or they will not understand the esoteric meaning. And the “go (cows) or the Vedic words were not damaged. The knowledgeable who had faith in these cows, were inconvenienced. Those who do not understand the meaning of Vedas, such people may be in disguise and steal the words of Vedas, but they won’t get the benefit of the Vedas.  

In the name of the Vedas those who study vedas and then criticize the Vedic concept, the researchers and in the name of research, the Christian missionaries, those who follow their path—our own people, the leftists, and those people those who have given up the Sanatana values and spreading destructive life systems and those who are practicing atheistic concepts, the modern lokayuthas and those who have accepted the transformation of the Vedas in wrong way, these are all Panis. Therefore to protect DHarma from these disturbing elements and thought processes, people like Angirasa were committed to fight them and thus their work is significant.

In the name of the Vedas those who study vedas and then criticize the Vedic concept, the researchers and in the name of research, the Christian missionaries, those who follow their path—our own people, the leftists, and those people those who have given up the Sanatana values and spreading destructive life systems and those who are practicing atheistic concepts, the modern lokayuthas and those who have accepted the transformation of the Vedas in wrong way, these are all Panis. Therefore to protect DHarma from these disturbing elements and thought processes, people like Angirasa were committed to fight them and thus their work is significant.

== References ==

== References ==

# SaramA and the PaNis: A Mythological Theme in the Rigveda from the site http://voiceofdharma.org/books/rig/ch10.htm

# SaramA and the PaNis: A Mythological Theme in the Rigveda from the site http://voiceofdharma.org/books/rig/ch10.htm