Difference between revisions of "Purusha Sukta (पुरुषसूक्तम्)"
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| − | Purusha Sukta (Samskrit: पुरुषसूक्तम्) is | + | Purusha Sukta (Samskrit: पुरुषसूक्तम्) is one of the famous cosmological suktas, and given in all the four Vedas. The expression of 'Purusha' has been construed by many in the sense of 'man' (a human being) though the Vedas have never employed it so. Purusha has been described as a 'man' with thousand heads, feet and hands etc. Purusha became the causal reason for the origin of this animate and inanimate creation. It is ascribed to the introduction of the Varna system seen in the Bharatiya parampara. People of the four varnas have said to originate from the parts of this Virat Purusha. In this Sukta it was said that Srshti or creation involves the processes of Yajnas. Purusha is said to be everything, the past, present and future of this creation.<ref name=":62">Dvivedi, Kapil Dev. (2000) ''Vaidika Sahitya evam Samskrti (Vedic Literature and Culture).'' Varanasi: Vishvavidyalaya Prakashan. (Pages 53)</ref> Based on the various meanings there are many versions about the identity of [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]]. |
Many discourses and lectures have been given on this topic emphasizing its powerful effects on beings as well as its importance to a seeker of Brahman. | Many discourses and lectures have been given on this topic emphasizing its powerful effects on beings as well as its importance to a seeker of Brahman. | ||
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| + | == Introduction == | ||
| + | First recorded in Rigveda Mandala 10, Sukta 90 it consists of 16 mantras given in Trishtubh chandas. It is the main sukta describing the "[[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]]" or Paramathma (according to one school of thought) or Cosmic Being from whom sprang forth this universe and beings. | ||
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| + | == Etymology == | ||
| + | The expression [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] etymologically signifies at least five meanings. It is derived from the root "पृ Pr" which is used in the sense of पालनपूरणयोः (palana-puranayoh) meaning protecting, pervading, and filling. | ||
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| + | Amarakosha, takes the word Purusha as synonymous with '[[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]]' (3.3.218). Purusha, as the ultimate and unitary cosmological principle as well as the subtlest psychic reality, occurs in Rig Veda, and in the Upanishads. | ||
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| + | In the [[Sankhya Yoga (साङ्ख्ययोगः)|Sankhya]] school of thought, Purusha (masculine gender) is distinguished from prakrti (matter, nature, feminine gender), prakrti evolves, changes and binds; but it is inert and has therefore to depend upon the presence of Purusha, to enliven, impel and vivify. Purusha here corresponds to Savitr in the sense of stimulator or creator of all things. All things in their individual forms are regarded as 'embodied' (viz, having bodies or पुराः puras, which are filled by Atma). We read in Bhagavata (7.14.37): | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
Revision as of 23:40, 13 March 2022
Purusha Sukta (Samskrit: पुरुषसूक्तम्) is one of the famous cosmological suktas, and given in all the four Vedas. The expression of 'Purusha' has been construed by many in the sense of 'man' (a human being) though the Vedas have never employed it so. Purusha has been described as a 'man' with thousand heads, feet and hands etc. Purusha became the causal reason for the origin of this animate and inanimate creation. It is ascribed to the introduction of the Varna system seen in the Bharatiya parampara. People of the four varnas have said to originate from the parts of this Virat Purusha. In this Sukta it was said that Srshti or creation involves the processes of Yajnas. Purusha is said to be everything, the past, present and future of this creation.[1] Based on the various meanings there are many versions about the identity of Purusha.
Many discourses and lectures have been given on this topic emphasizing its powerful effects on beings as well as its importance to a seeker of Brahman.
Introduction
First recorded in Rigveda Mandala 10, Sukta 90 it consists of 16 mantras given in Trishtubh chandas. It is the main sukta describing the "Purusha" or Paramathma (according to one school of thought) or Cosmic Being from whom sprang forth this universe and beings.
Etymology
The expression Purusha etymologically signifies at least five meanings. It is derived from the root "पृ Pr" which is used in the sense of पालनपूरणयोः (palana-puranayoh) meaning protecting, pervading, and filling.
Amarakosha, takes the word Purusha as synonymous with 'Atman' (3.3.218). Purusha, as the ultimate and unitary cosmological principle as well as the subtlest psychic reality, occurs in Rig Veda, and in the Upanishads.
In the Sankhya school of thought, Purusha (masculine gender) is distinguished from prakrti (matter, nature, feminine gender), prakrti evolves, changes and binds; but it is inert and has therefore to depend upon the presence of Purusha, to enliven, impel and vivify. Purusha here corresponds to Savitr in the sense of stimulator or creator of all things. All things in their individual forms are regarded as 'embodied' (viz, having bodies or पुराः puras, which are filled by Atma). We read in Bhagavata (7.14.37):
References
- ↑ Dvivedi, Kapil Dev. (2000) Vaidika Sahitya evam Samskrti (Vedic Literature and Culture). Varanasi: Vishvavidyalaya Prakashan. (Pages 53)