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Indra and Other Vedi...
Indra and Other Vedic Deities
A Euhemeristic Study by: Uma ChakravartyThe book studies the evolution of euhemeristic deities of the Vedic period mainly Indra, the Rbhus, the Asvins and the Maruts. It explores the rationale behind the euhemerism and the historicity of events leading to their mythologization.
₹396.00
ISBN: 9788124600801
Year Of Publication: 2006
Edition: 1st
Pages : xiv, 232
Bibliographic Details : Bibliography; Glossary; Index;
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 23 cm.
Weight: 400
In deities : whether in anthropomorphic or symbolic forms, the Vedic sages conceived a transcendent principle, which is far too subtle, far too abstract for the ordinary minds to grasp. And likewise, they concretized as divinities the various forces of nature recognizing the indispensability of rain and thunder, of the sun and fire for human survival. Alongside the material representations of the cosmic order or of nature and nature-related phenomena, mankind has also mythologized some of its exceptionally great personalities (like, for instance, the Buddha, Mahavira and Jesus), who were believed to incarnate superhuman qualities or the highest of human ideals though these deities of our times were veritably the magnified men of real history. Dr. Uma Chakravartys book investigates this phenomenon of euhemerism: the deification of historical personages, from among the divinities of Vedic writings. It is the first, all-exclusive study to look into the evolution of euhemeristic deities of the Vedic period and how these mortals-turned-gods came to have varying deific positions on the hierarchic scale of the Vedic pantheon. Meticulously describing Indra, the Ribhus, the Ashvins and the Maruts together with the connotations of their names and epithets the author not only explores the rationale behind the age-old euhemerism, but even the historicity of the events leading to their mythologization. Supported by extensive bibliographic references, the book is a brilliant effort to demonstrate the complementarity of history and mythology. And is, thus, invaluable to the scholars of Indology and its kindred disciplines.
Foreword
Acknowledgement
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Ribhus
Etymology of the Word Ribhu
Genealogy
Fourfold Achievements of the Ribhus
Camasa The Fifth Achievement and the Right to the Soma-libation
Scholars Opinions on the Fourth Camasa
The Ribhus Solar Deities
Epithets
The Ribhus and the Other Gods
Scholars on the Identity of the Ribhus
Conclusion
2. The Ashvins
The Divine Doctors Ashvins and the Soma Drink
The Heavenly Twins and a Maiden
The Ashvins: An Incarnation of the Universal Twinship Motif
3. The Maruts
Etymology of the Word Marut
Storm-Rain-Gods
Warrior Gods
Anthropomorphic Features
The Bright Maruts
The Howling Maruts
The Maruts Anger
The Fearful Maruts
All the Maruts are Equal
The Maruts as Birds
The Maruts and Soma Libation
The Maruts Animals The Prishatis, the Horses
The Parents of the Maruts
Rodasi, the Female Associate of the Maruts
The Maruts and Other Gods
Indra
The Maruts and Agni, Vishnu, Varuna, Vayu, Niriti, Etc.
The Proteges of the Maruts
Maruts The Maryas
The Maruts: Gana, Shardhas, Vrata, Vishah
The Maruts Euhemeristic
Geography and History in the Marut-Hymns
The Literary Beauty of the Marut-Hymns
The Maruts in the Atharvaveda
The Maruts in the Taittiriya Samhita, Brahmanas and in the Sutras
Opinions of Scholars on the Identity of the Maruts
Conclusion
4. Indra
On the Etymology of the Word Indra
Indra, the War God
A God of Strength
Purah
Vajra
Soma
The Haris
Indra and War
Indras Proteges
Indras Proteges Against the Dasa-Dasyu-Enemies
Kutsa Atithigva Rijishvan Dabhiti Babhru Purukutsa
The Proteges Safe-Guarded Against Non-Dasa-/Dasyu-Enemies
Sushravas Turvasha and Yadu Cayamana Abhyavartin Sudas Etasha Mudgala and Mudgalani
Turviti, Vayya and Manu KIng Vrishashrngas Five Sons
Proteges Cured of Physical Disabilities
Conclusion
Indra-Vritra
Danu Vritras Mother
Vritra Headless and Footless
Indra Needed External Help to Kill Vritra
Indra, the Releasor of Waters
Parvata
Scholars on the Indra-Vritra Myth
Conclusion
The Epithets
Martial
Supremacy
Royal
Genealogical
Anthropomorphic
Epithets Denoting Friendship with Other Gods
Indra and Other Gods
Surya
Indra is Above Surya Rivalry Indra and Surya Very Close to Each Other: Identified
Varuna
Vishnu
Tvashtri
Sarasvati and the Ashvins
Aditi
Pushan
Brihaspati
Indra, The Highest God Through Gratification, Through Eulogy
Indra in the Yajurveda
Indra in the Atharvaveda
Opinions of Scholars on the Identity of Indra
Conclusion
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
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