The Rigveda is the first Hindu scripture. It is also said to be the first literary work, making it the world’s most ancient scripture. The Rigveda is the most sacred book for Hindus.
Hindus believe that the Supreme Being revealed the hymns of the Rigveda through the saints to human beings. The exact time when the Rigveda was composed is unknown, but it is proven that the period is well before 1000 B.C.
The Rigveda consists of 10 Mandalas, which further consist of 1017 hymns. There are 432,000 syllables in it. Interestingly, it is believed that Kali Yuga would last for approximately 432,000 years.
The Rigveda refers to many gods and goddesses, mainly personifications of the natural forces. Some of these are Surya, i.e., sun, Ushas, i.e., dawn, Asvins, Indra, i.e., storm, Vayu, i.e., air, Varuna, i.e., rain, Agni, i.e., fire, Soma, i.e., plants, etc.
The mystics believe that the hymns of the Rigveda have a double meaning, i.e., one more meaning also exists, other than the literal meaning. The various deities mentioned in the Vedas are actually natural forces, natural bodies, and elements.
Below, we provide links to various Rigvedic hymns translated into English by Ralph T.H. Griffith. It is a complete translation of the Rigveda into English from Sanskrit.
Mandala 1
Mandala 2
Mandala 3
Mandala 4
Mandala 5
Mandala 6
Mandala 7
Mandala 8
Mandala 9
Mandala 10
Image Credit/Link: Prarthana1830590
