The Secular Hymns of Rigveda

  The Secular Hymns of Rigveda 

   Although the Rig Veda is mainly a religious text, there are some notable hymns found there. Secularists say that the idea of ​​gods is not the main thing in them. Sage poets have looked at this diverse living world by turning their eyes away from the gods. Of course, the number of such hymns on secular or secular matters is not large. They are insignificant in number compared to the religious hymns of the Rig-Veda but nevertheless, their value in judging the variety of subject matter is remarkable. Such hymns include the principle hymns, the magical hymns, Narashangsi, and charity, as well as the creation theory hymns and the news hymns. From these hymns, it is possible to know the intimate identity of the human mind, as well as the various ways of life and livelihood of the people of that age. These hymns of the Rig-Veda have undoubtedly shed a unique light on the first history of human civilization. These hymns also play an important role in identifying ancient Indian civilization and culture.

Among such hymns, a few hymns are notable. For example, in the hymns of Rig-Veda (9/112), various ways of gaining worldly goods have been discussed. In one hymns of the tenth mandala (10/71) the praise of the womb of knowledge, in another (10/117), we find the principle mantra about the value of seven deeds.

Aksa Suktam (Dice Hymns) - The most famous of this class of Hymns is Axis Hymns (10/38). Axis Sports Hymns The lament of an unfortunate dice player is the subject matter of these Hymns. Axis is addicted to sports and how he has lost himself and his family and relatives. Here is a realistic picture of how Axis could not give up the irresistible attraction of sports despite being disgusted. As shown at the end of the hymns, the repentant Dyutkara has learned that Dice games should be avoided in all respects and it is necessary to concentrate on agriculture. Because wealth is gained from agricultural work and peace prevails in the family.

So it has been said-

Example of the secular hymns

Surya Suktam (Sun hymns) - Another famous hymn in secular hymns (10/75). Its main subject matter is the description of the marriage of the Sun daughter Suryaa with this Soma’s. Hymns is also known as Surya Hymns. This hymn provides important information about the ancient marriage system.

Indrajal Suktam (Incantation Hymns) – Rig-Veda contains several hymns of magic or sorcery. The magic and sorcery described in the Atharva Veda, the Rig-Veda contains at least thirty such hymns, as well as mantras to ward off the effects of nightmares and nightmares, to ward off the effects of enemy expulsions and poisoning, Mantras too. Sometimes even mantras composed of worldly content are seen to acquire the characteristics of magic mantras in later times. Hymns No. 65 of the Sixth Mandal is basically about war, maybe it has been transformed into a war magic mantra. Because some of its Mantras are composed in the style of describing Epic cheap Heroism. Again, in some mantras, annoying repetition of magical compositions can be noticed.

Bheka Hymns - In Bheka Hymns, the imitation of the word of one Bheka by another Bheka is similar to the teaching and taking of path of the Guru-disciple. The similarity of the sounds uttered by the Brahmins reciting the Vedas with the Lord of Bheka songs has been imagined.

Nasadiya Hymns - A few hymns contemplating the theory of world creation have also been placed in the category of Rig-Vedic secular hymns. There are about six such hymns. In which the origin of creation and the process of creation has been taken as the subject matter. In 10/72 of these hymns it has been said about the evolution of truth in the age of gods and the age of gods and goddesses. But the process of creation is an unknown riddle, where the creation came from, who did it or why the principle of creation knows who is in the absolute universe. That profound thought about this mysterious creature is found in the Nasdiya Hymns of the Rig-Veda

Danastuti suktam (Donation Hymns) - In some mantras of Rig-Veda, people are praised again with the praise of gods. The sages often received a lot of wealth by performing the rituals of the priests in the sacrifices of the rich kingdoms. Satisfied with the wealth of the rich master, the sages praised all those charitable deeds. Donors were also appreciated. The hymns in which the praise of the giver is mainly found are called Narashansi. And they are mainly praised for the work of charity, they are called charity. Although these hymns have some religious features, in part they also carry secular features.

 

The Rig-Veda's dialogue Hymns, written in a conversational style, also falls into the category of secular writings these subjects of Hymns. Besides, Brisa-Kopi Hymns (10/6), Yama-Yami Hymns (10/10), Sarama-Poni Hymns (10/107), etc. are also known as dialogue (Sambad) Hymns. These are what Mr. Oldenburg calls narrative hymns - they belong to the secular class.

Conclusion- From the above discussion it is clear that while the number of folk hymns is insignificant, it is not insignificant at all in terms of importance. On the one hand, as they convey the diversity of content, on the other hand, they present an intimate picture of the society and social people of that era.