365bet娱乐

157
called 'the seven sisters' (saptasvas膩ra岣� I.191.14, etc.).
The seven sisters are also called the seven 'Mothers'
(9.86.36) and the epithet 'red' (arusin) is applied to
them reminding one of the red colour associated with Rudra,
Agni, etc. These seven are called the seven 'damsels'
(priy膩sah 4.1.12; cp 1.50.9) probably also the seven
daughters (1.50.9) an idea which clearly points to the
virgin aspect of the Mother-Goddess. Their identity with
the Mother Goddess is finally settled by the significant
appellation 'the seven mother-streams' (sindhavah saptam膩-
tara岣�, 1.34.8).
As
A closer examination of the details of the seven
figures on the Indus-valley seal in the light of the
Rgyeda adds further strength to this identification.
both Sir John Marshall and Dr. Mackay point out in the
above quotations, the seven figures on the seal are charac-
terised by 'long plaits' or 'pig tails'. It is therefore
interesting to find that the fertility goddesses of the
Rigveda too are generally marked by their long and broad
tresses. Thus Sinivati associated and identified with
Savaszati is definitely called 'broad-tressed' (prthu-
-峁�tuk膩 2.32.6). Indrani is also similarly described
(prthu-stuk膩, 10.86.8) who as sur膩-patn墨 is a goddess
closely approximating to Sarasvati to Sarasvati at least
嘟︵絼嗑掄痉 嘟⑧綉嗑∴痉嘟�
in one important respect for example, in her connection
with Indra who is the ultimate agent for the flow of the
seven rivers (1.32.12, etc.). Another point of identifi-
- cation is found in the fact that Sarasvati is also found in
the company of Maruts the help-mates of Indra (2.30.8, etc)
just as Indr膩n墨. Even Redasi usually the consort of Rudra
and the spouse or mother of the Maruts (5.56.8, etc.) is
similarly said to follow the Maruts with her 'loose tresses'
(I.167.5), and it is to be noted that Rodasi in Ludwig's
opinion is the goddess presiding over child-birth.