Rig Veda hymns in translation

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Rig Veda hymns in translation

 

S. REVATHY

 

http://www.hindu.com/br/2006/08/01/images/2006080100171501.jpg

 

RIGVEDA — A Study of the Forty Hymns: Nagesh D. Sonde; Published by

the author, 318, Raheja Crest 3, Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai-

400053. Rs. 50.

 

Study of the hymns of the Rig Veda is indispensable for getting an

adequate overview of Indian thought. The hymns are highly

philosophical and they attempt to explain the mysteries of the world

by means of reason. It is a work representing the thought of

successive generations of thinkers and hence contains different

strata of thought. The Rig Veda Samhita or collection comprises 1017

hymns or Suktas covering a total of about 10,600 stanzas. Popularly

it is divided into 10 mandalas or circles.

 

The first mandala contains 191 hymns and is ascribed to nearly 15

different authors. There is a principle involved in the arrangement

of hymns here. Those addressed to Agni come first, that to Indra

second, and then the rest. The 10th mandala, which is considered as a

later appendage, covers the views prevalent during the last stage of

the development of Vedic hymns. The hymns here embody the mature

results of conscious reflection on the meaning of the world and man's

place in it. All along India has looked upon the Veda as containing

all that is great in her religion and philosophy.

 

A striking feature of the hymns in this Veda is their polytheistic

character. A great many gods are named and worshipped. At the same

time there are some conveying highly abstract philosophical ideas.

 

Collection

 

 

The present edition as the author mentions is a collection of such

hymns in praise of gods and goddesses, and hymns expressing

philosophical truth. It appears that the author has been much

attracted towards hymns in the first and 10th mandala as a major

portion of the edition covers hymns from these. A few hymns from the

6th, 7th and the 8th mandalas also find place in it.

 

Apart from the fact that the hymns are learnt by rote, there has been

a need to familiarise the general reader with the nature and value of

Vedic literature through English and other languages. The present

work is designed to cater to the needs of the English knowing

Sanskritist and is well suited for that purpose.

 

It gives in a metrical form the rendering of the 40 hymns of the Rig

Veda. In the case of each hymn, the translation is preceded by a

short note describing the conception of the deity extolled in it and

also other information required for a proper appreciation of the

hymn. Further, explanation is provided for each hymn.

 

The introduction gives in a nutshell all the general information

required by the reader. The work is done exceedingly well and will be

of great use to students of Vedic literature.

http://www.hindu.com/br/2006/08/01/stories/2006080100171500.htm

[Guest guest]

Is Rig-veda online?

[Guest guest]

I find it here: ww.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/index.htm

 

And ive got one question:

it is said that all 4 vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) are divided in 4 areas (The Samhitas, The Brahmanas, The Aranyakas, The Upanishads) -->

 

Can someone explain how is that seen on the example (link).

I mean there are 10 mandalas, what/where are Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads ??

[sarva108 0]

thank you