The Rigveda

The Rigveda is the oldest compilation of human wisdom. This Samhita (Collection) is unique in its nature. In fact, it is not a book, but a compilation composed of several books which can be individually distinguished from each other. The present from of this Samhita clearly indicates that the collection is not a single work, but consists of older and later elements. Various indications of language, style and ideas prove this point. Different hymns of this Samhita were composed long before they were systematically arranged. Being a compilation of different stages, there is something which stamps the Rigveda with an individuality of its own. It is much more natural in character and form than other Samhitas.

The Rigveda represents the earliest sacred book of India. It is oldest and biggest amongst all the four sacred Vedas. All the features of Classical Sanskrit poetry can be traced to the Rigveda. In it we find the seeds of India’s religious and philosophical development. Thus, both for its poetry and its religious and philosophical importance, the Rigveda should be studied by one who wants to understand Indian literature and spiritual culture. The value of the Rigveda today is not confined to India, for its well-preserved language and mythology have helped a better understanding of languages, literatures and cultures of a whole world.

The depth of the Vedas texts in the canonical is called the Rigveda Samhita. This is a collection of over a thousand hymns known as suktas and well above ten thousand verses which have been created into ten mandalas or books. The hymns and verses circulate around the praise and worship of deities and have other thought-provoking and philosophical context. These issues are addressed in the hymns that tackle societal questions of the time. The compilation is considered to be sacred and pious to this day and holds extreme importance in the Hindu culture. It is the precedence of all the religious text that was written in the centuries to come.