Polytheism in the Vedas

[Guest guest]

I am a bit confued with the heading of the thread and the discussions in the

thread.

Most of the Sukthas in the Rk Veda are to the various gods like Indra,

Varuna,Vayu,Marut, Agni etc.

The Durga Suktham is given under the heading Agni by Max Muller in his

translation

There are only two direct sukthas addressed to Goddesses (subject to correction

as to the number)Ushas and Ila

Siva as we know does not find a place.But Rudra and Rudras are there.In one

Mandala there is a direct referece to Mahavishnu in his Vamna Avathar.

So if we go strictl gramatically there was Polytheism in Vedic Times

PBK

[Guest guest]

Dear sir,

 

After referring my notes on Rg Veda and consulting with elders, i am presenting

what i have understood.

 

*ekam sat viprAh bahudhAh vadanti* i think it is this word *sat* which has

created confusion in the minds. The word *sat* is a neuter gender which is

neither male nor female gender. So, *sat* is the

supreme consciousness in the form of *Absolute Existence* which we talk of as

*BRAHMAN*.

 

Now, coming to the definition of *monotheism*, i think it means *one God* as an

*single entity* whereas our concept of *sat* or *brahman* is not *God*, per se,

but a principle of Absolute Existence, Consciousness and Bliss.

 

Now, since we have Gods likes Agni, Vayu, Indra, Matarisvan, Mitra, Varuna,

Surya etc., it may be concluded that we are far from the concept of

*Monotheism*, per se.

 

But, from the statement *ekam sat viprah bahudhah vadanti*, it is this *sat*

which is otherwise called *Brahman*, which is *manifested* and *reflected* in

various gods (devatas) as Indra, Agni, Surya, Mitra, Varuna, Matarisvan etc.

There is a same unifying principle of *brahman* in all the devatas which may be

termed as *Unity in Diversity*.

 

So, to express mathematically:

 

sat / brahman = Agni

sat / brahman = varuna

sat / brahman = mitra

sat / brahman = surya

sat / brahman = Indra

sat / brahman = Vayu

 

But

 

*Sat / Brahman* *IS NOT EQUAL TO* *God / Devata* as Brahman is Absolute Formless

Principle which is of the nature of Absolute Bliss. Hence, principle of *Sat*

cannot be misunderstood as *Monotheism*.

 

So, It is the *Brahman* or *sat* but mind you NOT DEVATA which the wise men

(viprah) address as Agni, Vayu, Indra, Matarisvan, Varuna, Aditya etc. Brahman

can be realised through any of these devatas through upasana.

 

with regards,

sriram

 

 

, " pibikay " <pibikay wrote:

>

> I am a bit confued with the heading of the thread and the discussions in the

thread.

> Most of the Sukthas in the Rk Veda are to the various gods like Indra,

Varuna,Vayu,Marut, Agni etc.

> The Durga Suktham is given under the heading Agni by Max Muller in his

translation

> There are only two direct sukthas addressed to Goddesses (subject to

correction as to the number)Ushas and Ila

> Siva as we know does not find a place.But Rudra and Rudras are there.In one

Mandala there is a direct referece to Mahavishnu in his Vamna Avathar.

> So if we go strictl gramatically there was Polytheism in Vedic Times

> PBK

>