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Rigveda Devatas (ऋग्वेदे देवताविचारः) (view source)
Revision as of 16:40, 19 January 2022
, 16:40, 19 January 2022→Devata of a Mantra: added hyperlinks
Devata (Samskrit: देवता) or [[Deva (देवः)]] refers to a supernatural entity having the capability to grant desired boons to other beings, such as humans. They are all-powerful superior beings who are invoked and praised with stutis. The concept of Devas has been present since the earliest times. However, since the earliest texts, namely Rigveda to the Upanishads, Puranas and Itihasas, their characteristics, importance and legends have undergone various changes.
Devata (Samskrit: देवता) or [[Deva (देवः)]] refers to a supernatural entity having the capability to grant desired boons to other beings, such as humans. They are all-powerful superior beings who are invoked and praised with stutis. The concept of [[Deva (देवः)|Devas]] has been present since the earliest times. However, since the earliest texts, namely [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] to the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]], [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]] and Itihasas, their characteristics, importance and legends have undergone various changes.
In the present context, we discuss the features and nature of deities with reference to Rigveda.
In the present context, we discuss the features and nature of deities with reference to Rigveda.
=== उषस् ॥ Ushas (Usha) ===
=== उषस् ॥ Ushas (Usha) ===
{{Main|Ushas (उषस्)}}In Vaidika vangmaya, Usha is one deity who is most poetically described. Everyday early in the morning, on the eastern horizon, Usha arises bringing in freshness, enthusiasm, alertness and delight. Usha is described as a freshly purified and bathed young lady.
{{Main|Ushas (उषस्)}}In Vaidika vangmaya, Usha is one deity who inspired poetic metaphors in Rigvedic seers. Everyday early in the morning, on the eastern horizon, Usha arises bringing in freshness, enthusiasm, alertness and delight. She is described as a fresh purified young lady decked in ornaments, with sparkling with grace. She is picturized as a smiling lady, throwing away the robe of darkness, anxious and longing for her union with her husband Surya. Following divine order, she maintains her time everyday, hence she is called Rtaavari.<ref name=":62" />
The deity Usha is lauded in about twenty suktas of the Rig Veda. She is also prominently mentioned in the ten apri Suktas and other Suktas. A careful reading of all these Suktas indicates that many of the functions and characteristics attributed to the deity do not make sense if we simply interpret her as the physical dawn as expressed by many scholars. Usha signifies the dawn of Divine Consciousness in the individual. She elevates all persons to the full force of light and pours, the 'ananda' and Soma into the mental and bodily existence. The physical dawn which we see every morning is a physical symbol of this divinity. The onset of the Divine Consciousness indicates the existence of the higher worlds of bliss and perfection which are beyond the pale of our ordinary consciousness.<ref name=":1" />
=== पूषन् ॥ Pushan ===
{{Main|Pushan (पूषन्)}}Pushan is one of the twelve [[Adityas (आदित्याः)|Adityas]]. He nourishes both the yajamana and the Earth. He supports and nourishes Mother Earth, in so doing he makes her ready for the manifestation of Usha, the Dawn of higher consciousness. Pushan aids in the effort of the yajamana to reach the suryaloka, even while living (10.17.4). In the Rigveda, there are eight suktas pertaining to Pusha. He is worshiped early in the morning. He purifies the minds of the people and increases Satva or pious nature in them. He increases the power, capability and nourishes both minds and bodies, hence he is called Pusha. He protects the people who strayed from their paths. He protects the cattle from stealers.<ref name=":62" /><ref name=":1" />
== References ==
== References ==