Essay name: Goddesses from the Samhitas to the Sutras
Author:
Rajeshri Goswami
Affiliation: Jadavpur University / Department of Sanskrit
This essay studies the Goddesses from the Samhitas to the Sutras. In short, this thesis examines Vedic goddesses by analyzing their images, functions, and social positions. It further details how natural and abstract elements were personified as goddesses, whose characteristics evolved with societal changes.
Chapter 1
135 (of 144)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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THE RIVER-GODDESSES 154 The rivers for example, Sarasvati, Saray奴, Sindhu, etc.
come towards the sacrifice of the worshippers for the sake of
their protection; they cause the water consisting of clarified
butter, milk and honey to be given away to them (that is, the
devotee). They bear Agni or Sun-god, and are identified with the
earth.
They are immortal and unhurt by the demons, etc., and are
possessed of water which is full of sweetness, they serve the
cause of truth or sacrifice, and they flow on like the speeding,
3 energetic and enthusiastic horses move onwards.
Sutu岣峳i is a flowing river and also a mother, and Vip膩艣膩
is great and fortunate. The twenty-one river-goddesses for example,
Sarasvati, Saray奴, Sindhu, etc. are great and are accompanied by the
waves; they are bright, and they hold the form of the mother.
5 The Rgvedic river-goddesses are often known as sources of
fertility, and are also looked upon as mothers as noted among the
special features mentioned above. In the context of these two
characteristics (for example, their connection with fertility and
their being regarded as mothers), a few references may be noted : -
WN
AV 1.33.1.
2 AV XII.1.8.
3 RV V : 42:12.
4 RV III : 33:3.
S
RV X 1 6419.
