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Sarama (Samskrit : सरमा) is the divine Dog Mother, who serves Indra, the leader of devatas. Upon Indra's orders, Sarama, along with the guidance of Angirasa rishis, locate the lost divine cows and with their help Indra releases them from captivity. In this context appears a beautiful description of the discussion between the Panis and Sarama in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda. The legendary episode of Stealing of the divine Cows || गोग्रहणम् by the Panis who are a class of tradesmen with no regard for yagnas or vedic principles is also mentioned in other ancient texts.  

Sarama (Samskrit : सरमा) is the divine Dog Mother, who serves Indra, the leader of devatas. Upon Indra's orders, Sarama, along with the guidance of Angirasa rishis, locate the lost divine cows and with their help Indra releases them from captivity. In this context appears a beautiful description of the discussion between the Panis and Sarama in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda. The legendary episode of stealing of the divine Cows || गोग्रहणम् by the Panis who are a class of tradesmen with no regard for yajnas or vedic principles is also mentioned in other ancient texts.  

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

Panis are basically tradesmen who were prominent class of people along with Dasyus and Asuras, intelligent, powerful having a materialistic outlook. Nirukta describes them as tighfisted, shrewd business-minded people with no regard for yajnas and charity. The conflict between Indra and Panis was mainly due to the refusal of Panis to contribute Dana and Dakshina for Yajna.  Wealth in those days was mainly the strength of cattle and property. RgVeda(10.108) describes the legendary theft of the divine cows, where Panis who were demons, steal and hide them in a cave. Indra sends his dog Sarama in search of the lost divine cows and Sarama comes across Panis, with whom she has an important discussion. This episode describes how Sarama requests Panis to return back the Cows and they in turn try to bribe or tempt her. Their conversation goes thus:

Panis are basically tradesmen who were prominent class of people along with Dasyus and Asuras, intelligent, powerful having a materialistic outlook. Nirukta describes them as tighfisted, shrewd business-minded people with no regard for yajnas and charity. The conflict between Indra and Panis was mainly due to the refusal of Panis to contribute Dana and Dakshina for Yajna.  Wealth in those days was mainly the strength of cattle and property. RgVeda (10.108) describes the legendary theft of the divine cows, where Panis who were demons, steal and hide them in a cave. Indra sends his dog Sarama in search of the lost divine cows and Sarama comes across Panis, with whom she has an important discussion. This episode describes how Sarama requests Panis to return back the Cows and they in turn try to bribe or tempt her. Their conversation goes thus:

Rig (10.108.1 and 2) Panis said: Oh Sarama, what do you want and why have you traveled such a long distance. This is a difficult path and there is the river rasa right in the middle of the road. How did you cross the river and why did you make the effort? Why have you come here?  

Rig (10.108.1 and 2) Panis said: Oh Sarama, what do you want and why have you traveled such a long distance. This is a difficult path and there is the river rasa right in the middle of the road. How did you cross the river and why did you make the effort? Why have you come here?  

This sukta doesn’t continue further with the story, but in Saunaka’s Brihaddevatha chapter 8 and from the other part of Vedas the legend is continued.  

This sukta doesn’t continue further with the story, but in Saunaka’s Brihaddevatha chapter 8 and from the other part of Vedas the legend is continued.  

Legend in Brihaddevatha  

== Legend in Brihaddevatha ==

Sarama after saying that she does not have any relationship with Panis, says that she did not desire any prosperity or money but wanted a little milk from those divine cows that Panis had hid. sabradim naha iccamisasvathavam vadhananiva ide yamthu payastha samgavam yastha niguhathaha|| (8.30). 

Sarama after saying that she does not have any relationship with Panis, says that she did not desire any prosperity or money but wanted a little milk from those divine cows that Panis had hid. sabradim naha iccamisasvathavam vadhananiva ide yamthu payastha samgavam yastha niguhathaha|| (8.30). 

Saramaby her nature not being too strong (svabhavasca laulyasca) was tempted by the offer of cow milk.Sarama was very appreciative of the milk and she crossed the Rasanadi and gave Indra a false report. Indrarealised that Sarama’s report was false and wondered at the reason for the change in the character of Sarama.

Saramaby her nature not being too strong (svabhavasca laulyasca) was tempted by the offer of cow milk.Sarama was very appreciative of the milk and she crossed the Rasanadi and gave Indra a false report. Indrarealised that Sarama’s report was false and wondered at the reason for the change in the character of Sarama.  

Saunaka explained that Sarama changed because of ‘prabhavathasurasthu, that is even though the milk of cows was divine, but because of the Asuric influence, Sarama’s character had changed. Then Indra using his power kicked Sarama to get out the real truth and immediately Sarama vomited all the milk given by demons  

 

||taamjaganpadankruddahaudgiranthu hi payasthatha ha||  

Saunaka explained that Sarama changed because of ‘prabhavathasurasthu, that is even though the milk of cows was divine, but because of the Asuric influence, Sarama’s character had changed. Then Indra using his power kicked Sarama to get out the real truth and immediately Sarama vomited all the milk given by demons || taamjaganpadankruddahaudgiranthu hi payasthatha ha|| Sarama became very fearful and in her fear she walked towards the place of Panis. Indra who had followed Sarama on his Ari vahana killed all the panis and brought back the cows.  

Sarama became very fearful and in her fear she walked towards the place of Panis. Indra who had followed Sarama on his Ari vahana killed all the panis and brought back the cows.  

Sarme after saying that he does not have any relationship with both of you, says that she or he did not desire any prosperity or money but wanted a little milk from those cows that Panis had hid. 

Sarme after saying that he does not have any relationship with both of you, says that she or he did not desire any prosperity or money but wanted a little milk from those cows that Panis had hid.