Key Deities and their Attributes:
- Ashvins (Verses 1-4): The twin deities are depicted as masters of motion, knowledge, and technology. They are invoked for enlightenment, success in yajna (ritual sacrifice), and for overcoming obstacles. Notably, their association with the celestial chariot signifies their power over cosmic movement.
"Ashvins, twin masters of the science of motion, come early morning to this yajna of ours and enlighten us… Come for the enjoyment, protection and promotion of our yajnic creations." (Verse 1)
- Savita (Verses 5-8): The deity is described as the golden-handed creator, energiser, and giver of knowledge. Savita represents the life-giving power of the sun, and the verses emphasise the importance of worshipping him for protection, progress, and understanding the universal laws.
"For protection, love and progress, we invoke the golden-handed Savita, creator, energiser, omniscient giver of knowledge and awareness, light of the universe and the supreme destination." (Verse 5)
- Agni (Verses 9-10): Agni, the fire god, is invoked for bringing home the divine energies, warmth, and light. His role in fostering life, learning, and promoting the beautiful aspects of nature is highlighted.
"Agni, lord of light and life and evolution, bring home to us here those generous energies of heat and light which warmly and profusely feed and promote the life and joy of the earth…" (Verse 9)
- Devatahs (Verses 11): This verse speaks to the power of divine feminine energy, invoking the blessings of noble women for happy homes, security, and peace.
"May noble and generous women of brilliance, supporters and sustainers of their men, bless us with great and comfortable happy homes and the wealth of security, peace and progress." (Verse 12)
- Indrani-Varunani-Agnayya (Verse 12): This verse continues the theme of feminine energy, invoking specific female deities associated with the sun, water, and fire for blessings and prosperity.
- Dyava Prthivi (Verses 13-14): The celestial pair, heaven and earth, are lauded for their role in nurturing life and sustaining the yajna. Their gravitational forces and life-giving properties are highlighted.
"May the high heavens with their light and energy, and the dark green earths with their sustenance and gravitation feed and accomplish this holy scientific yajna of ours…" (Verse 13)
- Prthivi (Verse 15): The earth is praised as a beautiful, nurturing, and comforting haven for all beings.
- Vishnu (Verses 16-21): The focus shifts to Vishnu, the omnipresent lord. These verses celebrate his role as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Vishnu's three steps of creation, his role in establishing cosmic order, and his accessibility to the heroic souls are highlighted.
"Vishnu created this threefold universe of matter, motion and mind in three steps of evolution through Prakriti, subtle elements and gross elements, shaped the atoms into form and fixed the form in eternal space and time." (Verse 17)
Key Concepts:
- Yajna: The ritual sacrifice is portrayed as a scientific process for connecting with the divine and achieving desired outcomes.
- Threefold Universe: The concept of a universe composed of matter, motion, and mind is presented, highlighting Vishnu's role in their creation and sustenance.
- Cosmic Order: The verses emphasise that the universe operates according to specific laws and disciplines, ordained by the divine.
- Spiritual Attainment: The Sukta encourages seeking knowledge and engaging in spiritual practices to realise the divine presence within oneself.
Overall, the excerpts from Rig Veda Mandala 1/Sukta 22 offer a rich tapestry of insights into the Vedic worldview. The hymns, through their invocation and praise of various deities, highlight the interconnectedness of the cosmos and the importance of aligning oneself with divine forces for achieving material and spiritual progress.
