Introduction

The word 'Veda' is evolved from the root 'Vid' which means 'to know'. In other words one can say that 'knowing' is synonymous to the word 'knowledge'.The term 'Veda' means knowledge.

Vedas are also known as 'Shruti' the word 'Shruti'is evolved from the root 'Shru' which means 'to hear'. It is said that the Gods dictated the Vedas and the Sages first 'heard them' and memorised them. It was passed on to successive generations verbally for thousands of years till it was compiled in the form of books.

There are Four Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda.

The Richas of the Rigveda are eulogies and prayers through which deities have been invoked. The Yajurveda speaks of the different types of Yagya (religious sacrifices). The Samveda consists of many a richas which also finds mention in 'Rigveda'. These samvedic richas are famous for their lyrical and musical beauty. The Atharvaveda contains lots of information on both material-world as well as spiritual world.

What is Rigveda? And what are it's contents?

The richas of Rigveda are called 'Suktis, which mean 'beautiful statements'. In other words, a collection of very beautifully composed incantations is a Sukta. The Sukta is also synonymous to Richas. 'Rit' means - an incantation that contains 'eulogies' and 'Veda' means knowledge. It is difficult to understand Rigveda without proper understanding of vedic sanskrit, the language in which 'Richas' or 'Suktas' were composed.

The Richas of Rigveda are in fact eulogies through which deities have been invoked. Apart from that, it also has incantations containing 'brilliant-thoughts', which our ancient sages arrived at after their minute observations, contemplation and analysis of the natural phenomena they came across. Each and every phenomenon of nature was a matter to contemplate upon for the sages. They marveled at the orderly way in which mother nature functions. The rigvedic richas are beautiful expressions to their feelings.

Rigveda is the oldest Veda. It comprises of 10 Mandals, 102 Suktas and contains 10,552 mantras. These mantras are filled with powerful and inspiring thoughts. These richas are inexhaustible source of knowledge. They enlightened the human mind by removing the darkness of ignorance. Darkness symbolizes 'ignorance' or 'lack of knowledge',which makes us no better than an animal.

The Rigveda is divided into 2 parts-
(i) Mandal, Anuvak and Sukta
(ii) Ashtak, Adhgaya and Sukta

On the basis of the first division, the Rigveda consist of 10 Mandalas. Mandalas are comprised of Suktas while Suktas are comprised of Richas.All together, there are 1028 Suktas in all the Ten mandalas. Evidently, there is an uneven distribution of Suktas in all the Ten Mandalas. The First and the Tenth Mandala contains the maximum number of Suktas(191) while the Second Mandal contains just 43 Suktas.

The following chart shows the distribution of Suktas and mantras in every Mandala

So,the 10 Mandalas of Rigveda contains 1028 Suktas and 10,552 mantras in all.

The 'Brahmanas' come next to the Vedas in importance. They provide us information on the appropriate methods and procedures of performing Yagya and rituals. The Brahmanas are divided into 3 parts.
(i) Brahmana,
(ii) Aranyaka,
(iii) Upanishad

There are 2 main Brahmana texts i.e. Kausheetki and Aitereya. These 2 texts share a very intimate relation. In both these above mentioned Brahmana texts meaning of the mantra realated with the same subject does not match, sometimes they are even contradictory.These Brahmanas texts describe the procedure of performing yagyas like Soma and Rajasuya.

A large portion of the Upanishads texts also find mention in 'Aranyaka'. The Aitereya and Kausheetki are the two prominent Aranyakas.

There are 5 prominent Upanishads-Aiteraya, Shatapatha, Kaushetki, Taittiriya and Chandogya and each of them is known as Aranyaka. The 2nd(Shatapatha) and 3rd(Kaushetki) are Brahmana texts but the remaining three are Upanishads. Kausheetki Aranyaka comprises of three parts. The first two parts of this Aranyaka contain information on the appropriate performance of rituals. The third part is referred to as Kausheetki Upanishad.

First Mandala

MAHO ARNAHA SARASWATI PRA CHETAYATI KETUNA |
DHIYO VISHWA VI RAAJATI ||

-------------(3/12, Rigveda)

Only 'knowledge' can help us to know the universe, which is vast like an ocean. It enlightens everyone's minds.

Knowledge destroys the darkness of ignorance. There are two ways by which knowledge can be imbibed- from an able guru and self study. By attaining knowledge the mind becomes enlightened. We should try to acquire knowledge from all the sources and by all means-studying the scriptures, contemplation,meditation,etc. Scriptures are invaluable source of knowledge because it is only through their study that the mind is filled with good thoughts. Good thoughts help us in leading a virtuous life.This is the sure way for growth of the mind and also to acquire eternal happiness and peace.

(2) ASMANTSU TATRA CHODYENDRA RAYE RABHASWATAH | TU VIDYUMNA YASHASWATAH ||

---------------(9/6Rigveda)

O radiant one! Inspire the diligent and the successful only to earn wealth.

Only those who are industrious can earn wealth. Those who try, definitely acquire wealth. Those with fixed aims are the ones who are prosperous, wealthy and successful. They should realise that efforts never go in vain.

(3) ILA SARASWATI MAHI TISRO DEVIRMAYO BHUVAHA BARHIH SEEDANTVA SRIDHAH ||

-------------(13/9, Rigveda)

The 3 goddesses- 'Earth', 'Saraswati' and 'Vani'(mother-toungue) are the givers of joy, which never become less. They are seated on their 'asanas'.

One should respect his motherland, his culture and his mother tongue because they are givers of happiness. A person who is respectful towards his land, civilization and language, attains greatness and he acquires all the happiness of life. His deeds should be such that makes the motherland, the culture and language proud.

(4) GAARHAPATYEN SANTYA RITUNA YAGYANIRASI ||

---------(15/12, Rigveda)

The householders can do good work only if he remains like seasons.

If a householder moulds himself according to the circumstances just like nature moulds Herself according to seasons and performs his Karma then only shall he acquire happiness. One who does this successfully gains in all walks of life. Only such a householder who practices restraint in taking care of his family shall acquire family happiness and achieve higher social status.

(5) DEVAAN DEVYATE YAGYA

---------(15/12, Rigveda)

 

A person, who desires godliness should worship gods.
A person who desires godliness should respect scholars. Being respectful to the knowledgeable persons is an important criteria for acquiring knowledge. One has to be humble if he desires to acquire knowledge. In real worship,we just not do ritualistic worship but we try to imbibe the qualities of the one we are worshipping.By attaining godliness one shall be blessed with happiness and growth.

(6) YUVAKU HI SHACHINAAM, YUVAKU SUMATINAAM BHUYAAM VAJADAANNAM ||

(14/4, Rigveda)

May all our energies become one and may all the good thoughts come together and may we become the mightiest amongst the mighty.

This particular richa praises the virtue of unity and harmony in society.If men of knowledge, men of power and men of wealth come together; and there is no difference of opinion among them, then the nation is bound to prosper.

Knowledge brings power.The intelligent man on the basis of his knowledge becomes powerful and great just as intake of food gives energy and strength.

(7) YASMADRITE NA SIDDHYATI YAGYO VIPASHRIT SHRANA| SA DHINAAM YOGAMINVATI ||

(18/7, Rigveda)

May that 'divine knowledgeable person'(almighty) inspire us! One, without whose inspiration one can never attain total knowledge.

Without the blessings of that divine knowledgeable even the knowledgeable(man) shall cease to attain total knowledge. It is knowledge only that enlightens our mind. Just as the capability of a person heading the team of scholars remains unquestionable, in the same manner the divine knowledgeable person' possess ultimate knowledge.

Only the scholars are capable of judging the limits of a man's knowledge and his true worth.

(8) DATA RADHANSI SHUMBHATI |

---------(22/8, Rigveda)

The sun, the giver of all Siddhis (powers) is rising. The rising sun is the giver of Energy, heat and strength. In the same way you, just like the rising sun (Sun God), give knowledge and inspiration to all without any discrimanation so that the humanity could benefit. Just as the Sun is respected for providing heat and energy to the world, in the same manner you too can attain respect in this world by acquiring knowledge.

(9) SADYO DAASHUSHE KSHARASI

------------(27/6, Rigveda)

You bless the donor instantly with wealth.

One who donates definitely gets something or the other in return. Knowledge is the only wealth which increses even after if it is given. So, one definitely benefits by imparting knowledge to others. Charity gives a deep sense of self-satisfaction. By performing Karma we do Shram Dan meaning contribution of physical labour. The fruits of 'karma' depends upon the good or bad deeds performed.

(10) TVAMAGNA URUSHANSAAYA VAAGHATE SPARHA YAD REKNAH PARAMAM VANOSHI TAT |

----(31/14, Rigveda)

You give 'auspicious' and the desired wealth to those who worship, and eulogise You with devotion.

Here, in this richa, the virtues of devotion has been described. It also implies that only proper means should be employed for earning wealth. A religious person, who spends his time in devotion and worship gets blessed with happiness and prosperity. He, who yearns for his goal with a firm mind and soul definitely attains his objective. In order to achieve good result, a pious-objective is determined first and then followed by good Karma for its accomplishment.

(11) SA TVAM NOM ADYA SUMANAA IHAVITA BHAVAA VAAJESHU SANTYA |

-----(36/2, Rigveda)

May you be pleased with us and protect us.

In this richa, the almighty's protection has been sought. In worldly terms,the protector-the king or the ruler, should be of good nature and disposition otherwise he would end up as the destructor. One should always remain in the company of such people that facilitates in the making of pure-mind and the preservation of goods thoughts-those who help us to be equanimous in all kinds of situation-joyous or painful.

Those who do not help us in this way can never be our protectors. Let him be anyone but he should be a person of good intellect and thought. Then only shall one be blessed with happiness, peace and prosperity.

(12) MAHASTE SATO VI CHARANTYARCHAYO DIVI SPRISHANTI MAHAVAH |

--------(36/3, Rigveda)

Your flames are spreading... which are great and are like embodiments of truths. Your rays are reaching the sky.

It is the inherent characteristic of the flames to move upward and illuminate the nearby area. Those great souls who tread on the path of truth become famous and successful. Those, who owe allegiance to truth are called great and exalted souls. Even though we may try to hide the truth,it cannot be concealed. It destroys the darkness of falsehood and comes into light sooner or later.

(13) ABHOODU PARAMETAVE PANTH RITASYA SAADHUYAA|

--------(46/11, Rigveda)

One can emancipate himself only by treading on the path of truth.

Satya-Yagya basically means treading on the path of truth. It is the only path treading on which one can be liberated from pain and misery and this path is undoubtedly the best path.

One should never fear sorrow because it is the stepping stone to happiness, One shall have to undergo suffering to reach truth. That is why it is said that truth is eternally victorious.

(14) VI YA SRIJATI SAMANAM VYARTHINAH PADAM NA VETYODATI ||

--------(48/6, Rigveda)

The morning inspires scholars to work and also those who desire wealth.

But the morning is not stationary or static. The freshness of morning gives us energy. The atmosphere is peaceful and it is easy for the mind to concentrate. By getting up early in the morning one also gets more time at his disposal for work as compared to late-risers. Scholar and thinkers get up early in the morning and contemplate.

(15) ANARVAANAM SHLOKMAA ROHASE DIVI ||

----------(51/12 Rigveda)

Indra! Thou dwell in heaven only because of your success.

Indra was one of the prominent vedic deities. It is believed that Indra controls the clouds and rains. He through rains makes the earth green and beautiful. It is because of his Karmas that Indra dwells in heaven. A man is known by his deeds. So, our deeds should be such that helps in earning respect in the society.

(16) ASAMAM KSHATRAMA SAMAA MANISHA PRA SOMAPAA APASAA SANTU NEME |

----------(54/8, Rigveda)

O Indra! Your valiance is incomparable and your intelligence is second to none. The 'souls' who drink Soma Rasa become prosperous because of their deeds.

Nothing can match the power of human-mind.Intelligence is the mightiest and nothing is beyond its reach. An intelligent person finds solutions to all his problems and achieves success in all his endeavours.

(17) DHANASPRITA MUKTHYAM VISHWA CHARSHANIM TOKAM PUSHYEM TANAYAM SHATAM HIMAAH ||

----------(64/14, Rigveda)

Those,who are wealthy and do good to all, because of their Karmas, they are praised. May they be blessed with sons and grandsons.

May all nurture their children and grand children properly and be blessed with 100 years of healthy life.

(18) RITASYA DEVAA, ANUVRATAA GURBHUVAT PARISHTIRDYON BHOOM

--------(65/2, Rigveda)

The gods observed all kinds of penances such as 'Satya', 'Vrata'. It was because of their constant efforts that the earth became as blissful as the heaven.

If we all perform our duties meticulously then we are surely on the path of prosperity.

(19) RISHIRNA STUBHWAA, VIKSHU PRASHASTO VAAJI NA PRITO VAYO DADHAATI ||

--------(66/2, Rigveda)

The leader sacrifices his life for the well being of his people.

The true leader is one,who looks after his subject well nd protect them. He does'nt care about his own comforts. If the need arises, he also sacrifices his life for the protection of his people.

(20) VASTUBHYAM DASHAD, YO VAA TE SHIKSHAT TASMAI CHIKITVAAN RAYIM DAYASVA |

--------(68/3, Rigveda)

O Fire! He,who performs 'yagya' in the most appropriate way and acquires knowledge from you, you reward him wealth accordingly.

Fire is the one, who inspires and protects truth. He, who imbibes knowledge and the quality of humility from Agni, becomes wealthy. Without knowledge a man is no better than an animal. Knowledge increases his thinking capabilities and helps him in getting new and innovative ideas.After implementing those ideas successfully he earns wealth.

(21) UPAKSHETI HITMITRO NA RAJA |

----------(73/3, Rigveda)

Only a person having trusted and worthy friend's lives and dwells in happiness on this earth, one should make good people their friends. One, who keeps good friends, benefits and lives in peace.

(22) BHADRAM KARNEBHIH SHRINUYAAM DEVAA BHADRAM PASHYAMAAKSHA BHIRYAJATRAAH THARAI RANGAISTUSHTUVAANSASTANU BHIRVYASHEM DEVAHITAM YADAYUH ||

--------(89/8, Rigveda)

O Lord! May our ears listen to nothing but auspicious words, may our eyes see nothing but auspicious things, may we have healthy bodies and be blessed with long life.

Only by doing so can one benefit. Those who detach themselves from 'bad' and yearn for 'good',dedicate their lives to god and to the service of scholars shall be blessed.

(23) JEEVAATAVE PRATARAM SAADHYAA DHIYOAGNE SAKHYE MAARISHAAMA VAYAM TAVA

------------(94/4, Rigveda)

O Agni! May we offer oblation to you, please make our minds sharp and pure so that we may be blessed with a long life, may we benefit by your worship and be free from sorrow and pain.

For the successful accomplishment of any work one needs sharp intellect and the will to perform relentless Karma. A healthy body is esential to enjoy happiness and is primary to everything else.

(24) TAMIT PRICHCHANTI NA SIMO VI PRICHCHATI SWENEVA DHEERO MANASAAM YADAGRABHEET| NA MRISHYATE PRATHAMAM NAAPAR VACHOSYA RITVA SACHATE APRADRIPITAH||

------------(145/2, Rigveda)

Only Scholars can seek from Agni others cannot do so. Patient people who are working incessantly and with perseverance perform the work in time because they do not defer things and they are not influenced by others remarks. A person devoid of ego and pride acquires the strength of Agni.

Only the person having firm conviction and iron volition can attain strength and energy. At no stage of Karma does he ever hesitate.

(25) AGNE TVAM PAARYAA NAVYO ASMAAN TSVASTIBHIRATI DURGAANI VISHWAA ||

----------189/2, Rigveda)

O Agni! You are absolutely new, please eliminate all our evil sins committed on the path of welfare and good.

It states that one can be liberated from all sins only by treading on the path of good. Those who do so keep the good of others as the first priority and consequently free themselves from sorrow and pain.