Indra is within us, writes mythology expert DEVDUTT PATTANAIK, as he traces the changing perceptions of the god, in the first of a series on Indian mythologies history Indian Mythology
THE Rig Veda is the oldest literary work that we have in India, nearly 3,500 years old. It is a set of about 1,000 poems composed in an old form of Sanskrit, known as Vedic Sanskrit. The poems are divided into 10 chapters known as Mandalas. These are not books as we know them today, for writing became popular in India less than 2,500 years ago. The Vedic hymns were transmitted orally, chanted carefully over generations, by men known as Brahmins. In these poems, we encounter Indian mythology for the first time.
Those who composed the Vedic chants believed in celestial beings known as devas, who rode fabulous horse-driven chariots and travelled through the skies among stars, planets and comets. These gods were invoked in rituals known as yagnas, offered food and praise, before being petitioned for health and wealth and victory in battle against demons like Vritra.
Indra was the most powerful of these devas. He was their leader, their king. He fought demons and defeated them in battle. And so he was much admired by kings who went to war.
Indra was connected with another god, Varuna, who was associated with goodness, morality and ethics. And Varuna, in turn, was connected with Mitra, the god of friendships and contract.
Even today, Hindus value the Vedas. However, Indra is a minor god. Varuna is an even more minor god. And Mitra is forgotten. As societies change, myths change, gods change, for society approaches life differently.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2017 de BBC Knowledge.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2017 de BBC Knowledge.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Are We Close To Making Our Home Away From Earth?
Our exploration of the cosmos is hampered by our bodies and minds, which struggle in space. So could we ever overcome our Biology and settle among the stars?
The Viruses That Made Us Human
Viruses give us infections, from the common cold to Ebola and Aids. But new research shows that they may also have played a key role in shaping the evolution of homo sapiens.
Can You Supercharge Your Brain?
Your brain is the finely-tuned machine that controls all your actions and emotions, so it makes sense to keep it well-oiled. But, asks Rita Carter, are there any scientifically proven methods to ensure it works better for longer?
The Yaksha's Quiz
One day, a man approached the Pandavas while they were in exile in the forest.
Are Dogs Making Us Healthy Too?
While we know our furry friends are brilliant companions, Dr John Bradshaw finds out if they could actually be making us healthier too.
Welcome to the Jungle
As our cities grow, animals are having to carve out a niche in this most human of habitats. Fredi Devas, producer of the urban episode of Planet Earth II, spent four years getting to know these metropolitan pioneers.
How Should History Remember Fidel Castro?
To many, he was a heroic champion of the disenfranchised; to others, a cruel tyrant. Following Fidel Castro’s death in November 2016, we asked five historians to offer their verdicts on the Cuban leader’s life and legacy.
Ismat Chughtai
Author and historian Urvashi Butalia details the life and words of a feminist powerhouse.
NASA's Compact Nuclear Reactors Could Power Colonies On Mars
IF humans are ever to build colonies on the Moon or on Mars, we are going to need a reliable way of powering essentials such as lighting, water and oxygen supply – not to mention a means of producing fuel for the long schlep home.
Acoustic Tractor Beam Breakthrough Could Lead To Levitating Humans
HERE’S an idea that is really gaining traction: for the first time, University of Bristol engineers have created an acoustic tractor beam capable of trapping objects larger than the wavelength of the sound being used.