رگ وید کا تعارف اور محتویات کا اجمالی جائزہ

An introduction & analytical review of Rigveda’s Contents

Abstract

Rigveda is one of the most ancient scripts, hence it holds the point of origin for all other vedic scripts. Most of its poetry revolves around similar subjects and carries tedious monotony except for some poetic expression here and there like a rare simile, a complex metaphor, an aphoristic wink, an element of simulation or imagery that catches the attention. Nonetheless, if we detach Rigveda’s religious background & dialogue from it, it comes out as a masterpiece of ancient poetry. Although, most poems do begin with calls towards gods or praise & status of various gods/goddesses. These particular poems contain the attributes and actions associated with gods, the stories of their blessings as well as the fruitful benefits for the faithful followers who made sacrifices for gods. We frequently find supplications for food, shelter, wealth and other providence seeking. Some poems even relate the needs of their poets in seeking approval & eloquence from these gods. Gods are invoked to accept their sacrifices for them. Although it may seem so, these are not expressions of childish or afraid primitive humans. These are rather structured, specific and well organized characters. Since the gods discussed in Rigveda were pre-existing in the society as the locus of worship, these poems acted as specialized, targeted and ambitious expressions of faith & ideologies. The American translators of Rigveda, do not consider the first poem as an aimless coincidence and rightly identify and choose this first poem for academic purposes due to its very clear & ritualistic value of fire. There is no doubt that the first impression of this poem not only proves fire (Agni) as the inevitable link between heavenly gods and people, at the same time, it marks the value of the priest in the minds, in whose chanting, the sacred fire accepts the offerings from the seekers of gods’s bliss.