Contradictions and Lies in the Vedas

This article delves into the contradictions found within the Vedas, specifically focusing on the Rig Veda. Contradictions within religious scriptures raise questions about their divine origin, as a deity is not expected to err. Alternatively, these contradictions might be indicative of interpolations that have occurred over time, leading to divergent perspectives within the scripture.

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1. What did the Ashvins Draw From the Hoof?

100 Jars of Sura (wine)

Rig Veda 1.116.7
O Heroes, ye gave wisdom to Kakṣīvān who sprang from Pajra’s line, who sang your praises. Ye poured forth from the hoof of your strong charger a hundred jars of wine as from a strainer.”  (source)

Honey

Rig Veda 1.117.6
Kakṣīvān, Pajra’s son, must laud that exploit of yours, Nāsatyas, Heroes, ye who wander! When from the hoof of your strong horse ye showered a hundred jars of honey for the people.”  (source)

Madhu, in this context, refers to honey rather than wine. This distinction is evident as the term Sura, which signifies sweet wine, is not mentioned alongside Madhu. The explicit mention of Ashwins (Nasatyas) drawing 100 jars of Madhu further confirms its association with honey.

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2. Who Raised up the Cloud and Showered it?

Nasadiya Sukta Version

Rig Veda 10.72.1-4
Let us proclaim with a clear voice the generations of the gods (the divine company), who, when their praises are recited, look (favourably on the worshipper) in this latter age. Brahmanaspati filled these (generations of the gods) with breath as a blacksmith (his bellows) in the first age of the gods the existent was born of the non-existent. In the first age of the gods the existent was born of the non-existent; after that the quarters (of the horizon) were born, and after them the upward-growing (trees). The earth was born from the upward-growing (tree), the quarters were born from the earth; Daksha was born from Aditi, and afterwards Aditi from Daksha.”  (source)

Purusha Sukta Version

Rig Veda 10.90.8-14
From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up…He formed the creatures of-the air, and animals both wild and tame. From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth: From it were generated kine, from it the goats and sheep were born…The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; Indra and Agni from his mouth were born, and Vāyu from his breath. Forth from his navel came mid-air the sky was fashioned from his head Earth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the worlds.”  (source)

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14. Did God Create the Universe and its Beings?

Yes, God(s) created the universe

Rig Veda 10.72.1-9
Let us with tuneful skill proclaim these generations of the Gods,
That one may see them when these hymns are chanted in a future age…She brought Martanda thitherward to spring to life and die again.”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.90.
A thousand heads hath Puruṣa, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. On every side pervading earth he fills a space ten fingers wide. This Puruṣa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be; the Lord of Immortality which waxes greater still by food. So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Puruṣa…Gods of old, are dwelling.”  (source)

No, God(s) did not create the universe

Rig Veda 10.129.6-7
Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The Gods are later than this world’s production. Who knows then whence it first came into being? He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it, Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.185.1
Which of these two, (Heaven and Earth), is prior, which posterior; how were they engendered; (declare), sages, who knows this? verily, you uphold the universe of itself, and the days (and nights) revolve as if they had wheels.”  (source)

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15. The Creation Paradox

Earth and Heaven were created by God(s)

Rig Veda 4.34.9
Ṛbhus, who helped their Parents and the Ashvins, who formed the Milch-cow and the pair of horses, Made armour, set the heaven and Earth asunder,—far- reaching Heroes, they have made good offspring.”  (source)

One notable discrepancy lies in the claim that the Ribhus, who are described as mortals in the Vedas and achieved divinity through their deeds (Rig Veda 4.35.8 [source]), were the creators of both the earth and heaven. This contradiction raises questions about their role in the creation of these entities. Furthermore, there appears to be confusion within the Vedas regarding the sequence of creation, specifically whether the earth or heaven was formed first. This inconsistency adds to the complexity surrounding the origins of these fundamental elements.

Rig Veda 1.185.1
Which of these two, (Heaven and Earth), is prior, which posterior; how were they engendered; (declare), sages, who knows this? verily, you uphold the universe of itself, and the days (and nights) revovle as if they had wheels.”  (source)

Creation of Earth and Heaven is ascribed to various deities such as to Soma & Pushan (Rig Veda 2.40.1 (source)); Dhatr (Rig Veda 10.190.3 (source)); Hiranyagarbha (Rig Veda 10.121.9 (source)); Purusha (Rig Veda 10.90.14 (source))

Earth and Heaven are the creator of Gods

Rig Veda 1.159.1
I PRAISE with sacrifices mighty Heaven and Earth at festivals, the wise, the Strengtheners of Law. Who, having Gods for progeny, conjoined with Gods, through wonder-working wisdom bring forth choicest boons.”  (source)

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16. How did the Gods Come into Existence?

From Non-Existence

Atharva Veda 10.7.25
Great, verily, are those Gods who sprang from non-existence into life. Further, men say that that one part of Skambha is nonentity.”  (source)

Gods came after the creation

Rig Veda 10.129.6
Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The Gods are later than this world’s production. Who knows then whence it first came into being?”  (source)

Usha (Dawn) is mother of gods

Rig Veda 1.113.19
Mother of Gods, Aditi’s form of glory, ensign of sacrifice, shine forth exalted…”  (source)

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17. Who is the Father of Gods?

Brahmanaspati

Rig Veda 2.26.3
Who with oblation and a true believing heart serves Brahmaṇaspati the Father of the Gods…”  (source

Soma

Rig Veda 9.87.2
Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the curse and guards from treacherous onslaught, Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of the heavens and earth’s supporter.”  (source)

Dyaus

Atharva Veda 9.10.12
Dyaus is our father, our begetter: kinship is here. This great Earth is our kin and mother.Between the wide-spread world-halves is the birth-place. The Father laid the Daughter’s germ within it.”  (source)

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18. How Many Gods are There?

33 Deities

Rig Veda 1.45.2
Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: Lord of Red Steeds, who lovest song, bring thou those Three-and-Thirty Gods.”  (source)

Yajur Veda 7.19
O ye eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye eleven who make earth your dwelling. Ye who with might, eleven, live in waters, accept this sacrifice, Ye Gods, with pleasure.”  (source)

34 Deities

Rig Veda 10.55.3
the classes of seven in their seasons, with the thirty-four (deities,) (endowed) with light of like nature, and with various functions.”  (source)

339 Deities

Rig Veda 10.52.6
The Deities three hundred and thirty-nine, have served and honoured Agni…”  (source)

3339 Deities

Rig Veda 3.9.9
Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three times ten and nine have worshipped Agni…”  (source)

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19. Who is the King of Gods and the World/Universe?

Varuna

Rig Veda 5.85.3
Varuṇa lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air’s mid-region. Therewith the universe’s Sovran waters earth as the shower of rain bedews the barley.”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.27.10
Thou over all, O Varuṇa, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals…”  (source)

Atharva Veda 1.10.1
This Lord is the Gods’ ruler…”   (source)

Indra alone is the King

Rig Veda 3.46.2
Thyself alone the universe’s Sovran: so send forth men to combat and to rest them.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.174.1
Thou art the King of all the Gods, O Indra: protect the men…”  (source)

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20. Who Fashioned the Thunderbolt of Indra?

Tvastar

Rig Veda 10.48.3
For me hath Tvaṣṭar forged the iron thunderbolt…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.32.2
He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvaṣṭar fashioned…”  (source)

Kavya Usana

Rig Veda 1.121.12
Mount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well-yoked horses of the wind, best bearers. The bolt which Kāvya Uśanā erst gave thee, strong, gladdening, Vṛtra-slaying, hath he fashioned.”  (source)

Indra himself

Rig Veda 1.121.3
Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Aṅgirases’ former invocation. His bolt and team hath he prepared, and stablished the heaven for quadrupeds and men two-footed.”  (source)

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21. What is the Complexion of Rudra?

Brown/Tawny (Babhru)

Rig Veda 2.33.5
May I with praise-songs win that Rudra’s favour who is adored with gifts and invocations. Ne’er may the tawny God, fair-checked, and gracious, swifthearing, yield us to this evil purpose. ”  (source)

Red with dark blue belly

Yajur Veda 16.7
May he who glides away, whose neck is azure, and whose hue is red, He whom the herdsmen, whom the girls who carry water have beheld, may he when seen be kind to us.”  (source)

Atharva Veda 15.1.7
His belly is dark-blue, his back is red…”  (source)

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22. How Many Maruts are There?

Twenty-One

Atharva Veda 13.1.3
Let Rohita, ye bounteous givers, hear you, thrice-seven Maruts who delight in sweetness!”  (source)

Forty-Nine

Rig Veda 5.52.16-17
And the impetuous Rudra they, the Mighty Ones, declared their Sire. The mighty ones, the seven times seven, have singly given me hundred gifts…”  (source)

One hundred and eight

Rig Veda 8.85.8
Thrice-sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship…”  (source)

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23. Usha’s Chariot is Drawn by Whom?

Horses

Rig Veda 7.75.6
Apparent are the steeds of varied colour, the red steeds carrying resplendent Morning…”   (source)

Bulls

Rig Veda 1.124.11
This young Maid from the east hath shone upon us; she harnesseth her team of bright red oxen. She will beam forth, the light will hasten hither, and Agni will be present in each dwelling.”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.80.3
She, harnessing her car with purple oxen. injuring none, hath brought perpetual riches…”  (source)

Cow

Rig Veda 1.92.2
Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Red Cows have they harnessed, easy to be yoked. The Dawns have brought distinct perception as before: red-hued, they have attained their fulgent brilliancy.”  (source)

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24. Was Indra Born Without an Enemy?

Yes, he was born without an enemy

Rig Veda 10.133.2
Foeless, O Indra, wast thou born…”  (source)

He killed enemies as soon as he was born

Rig Veda 10.120.1
As soon as born he overcomes his foemen, be in whom all who lend him aid are joyful…”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.45.4
The new-born Vṛtra-slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft, Who are the fierce? Who are renowned?”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.85.16
Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne’er had met a rival…”  (source)

Rig Veda 7.20.3
A warrior who turns not back in battle, a combatant, one engaged in tumults, a hero, victorious over (his) foes from birth, invincible…”  (source)

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25. What is the Colour of Soma?

Greenish

Rig Veda 9.25.1
Green-hued! as one who giveth strength flow on for Gods to drink, a draught For Vāyu and the Marut host.”  (source)

Red (Aruna)

Rig Veda 10.144.5
Which, fair, unrobbed, the Falcon brought thee in his foot, the red-hued dwelling of the juice.”  (source)

Tawny/Golden/Greenish-Yellow (Hari)

Rig Veda 9.92.1
THE gold-hued juice, poured out upon the filter, is started like a car sent forth to conquer…”  (source)

Brown (Babhru)

Rig Veda 9.31.5
For thee, brown-hued! the kine have poured imperishable oil and milk. Aloft on the sublimest height.”  (source)

Rig Veda 9.63.4
These Somas swift and brown of hue…”  (source)

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26. Who Killed Vritra?

Indra alone

Rig Veda 1.61.10
Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece-meal Vṛtra, drier up of waters…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.165.8
Vṛtra I slew by mine own strength, O Maruts, having waxed mighty in mine indignation…”  (source)

Rig Veda 3.30.4
For, overthrowing what hath ne’er been shaken, thou goest forth alone destroying Vṛtras…”  (source)

Rig Veda 7.21.6
With thine own power and might thou slewest Vṛtra…”  (source)

All gods except Maruts ran away in Indra’s war against Vritra

Rig Veda 8.85.7
Flying in terror from the snort of Vṛtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. So, Indra, be thy friendship with the Maruts: in all these battles thou shalt be the victor.”  (source)

All gods abandoned Indra who then begged for help from Vishnu

Rig Veda 4.18.11
Then to her mighty Child the Mother turned her, saying, My son, these Deities forsake thee. Then Indra said, about to slaughter Vṛtra, O my friend Vṛtra, stride full boldly forward.”  (source)

Trita

Rig Veda 1.187.1
Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength, By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vṛtra limb from limb.”  (source)

Indra and Trita killed Vritra with help of Maruts

Rig Veda 8.7.24
They reinforced the power and strength of Trita as he fought, and helped Indra in battle with the foe.”  (source)

Indra killed Vritra with the help of Maruts

Rig Veda 8.65.2-3
This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces Vṛtra’s bead With hundred-knotted thunderbolt. Indra, with Marut Friends grown strong, hath rent asunder Vṛtra…”  (source)

Indra killed Vritra with help of an Amulet

Atharva Veda 8.5.3
With this same Amulet wise Indra routed the Asuras, with this he slaughtered Vritra…”  (source)

Maruts killed Vritra with the help of Indra

Rig Veda 1.23.9
With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vṛtra down, ye bounteous Gods Let not the wicked master us.”  (source)

Soma

Rig Veda 9.37.5
This Vṛtra-slaying Steer, effused, Soma room-giver, ne’er deceived, Hath gone, as ’twere, to win the spoil.”  (source)

Indra-Agni

Rig Veda 1.109.5
You, I have heard, were mightiest, Indra-Agni, when Vṛtra fell and when the spoil was parted…”  (source)

Agni

Rig Veda 3.20.4
Agni, like Bhaga, leads the godly people, he who is true to Law and guards the seasons. Ancient, all-knowing, he the Vṛtra-slayer shall bear the singer safe through every trouble.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.59.6
Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Pūru’s sons follow as Vṛtra’s slayer: Agni Vaiśvānara struck down the Dasyu, cleave Śambara through and shattered down his fences.”  (source)

Rig Veda 6.16.48
The Gods enkindle Agni, best slayer of Vṛtra, first in rank…”  (source)

Ashwins

Rig Veda 8.8.9
The holy singer with his hymns hath called you, Aśvins, hither-ward; Best Vṛtra-slayers, free from stain, as such bring us felicity.”  (source)

Indra killed Vritra with help of Vishnu

Rig Veda 6.20.2
Even as the power of Dyaus, to thee, O Indra, all Asura sway was by the Gods entrusted, When thou, Impetuous! leagued with Viṣṇu, slewest Vṛtra the Dragon who enclosed the waters.”  (source)

Indra killed Vritra with help of Varuna

Rig Veda 6.68.3
Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra and Varuṇa, for bliss, the joyous. One with his might and thunderbolt slays Vṛtra; the other as a Sage stands near in troubles.”  (source)

Indra killed Vrtra with the help of Pusan

Rig Veda 6.56.2
And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero’s Lord, allied With him as Friend, destroys the foes.”  (source)

• The Sanskrit word mentioned here is ”Vritrani”, referring to Vritra.

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27. Who Severed the Limbs of Vritra?

Indra

Rig Veda 8.6.13
When his wrath thundered, when he rent Vṛtra to pieces, limb by limb, He sent the waters to the sea.”  (source)

Trita

Rig Veda 1.187.1
Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength, By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vṛtra limb from limb.”  (source)

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28. Where did Indra Strike Vritra to Kill him?

Between the shoulders

Rig Veda 1.32.7
Footless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote him with his bolt between the shoulders. Emasculate yet claiming manly vigour, thus Vṛtra lay with scattered limbs dissevered.”  (source)

On Back

Rig Veda 1.80.5
The wrathful Indra with his bolt of thunder rushing on the foe, Smote fierce on trembling Vṛtra’s back, and loosed the waters free to run, lauding his own imperial sway.”  (source)

On Face

Rig Veda 1.52.15
The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all the Deities delighted, What time thou, Indra, with thy spiky weapon, thy deadly bolt, smotest the face of Vṛtra.”  (source)

Beheaded Vritra

Rig Veda 8.6.6
The fiercely-moving Vṛtra’s head he severed with his thunderbolt, His mighty hundred-knotted bolt.”  (source)

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29. Did the Maruts Stand With Indra in his Fight, or did They Flee Away?

Stood by him

Rig Veda 3.32.4
They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the meath-created strength of Indra. By them impelled to act he reached the vitals Of Vṛtra.”  (source)

Fled away

Rig Veda 8.7.30-31
When, Maruts, ye come to him, the singer who invokes you thus, With favours to your suppliant? What now? where have ye still a friend since ye left Indra all alone? Who counteth on your friendship now?”  (source)

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30. Who Destroyed Sambara’s Castles?

Vishnu and Indra

Rig Veda 7.99.5
Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou Viṣṇu, Śambara’s nine-and-ninety fenced castles…”  (source)

Agni

Rig Veda 1.59.6
Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Pūru’s sons follow as Vṛtra’s slayer: Agni Vaiśvānara struck down the Dasyu, cleave Śambara through and shattered down his fences.”  (source)

Indra alone

Rig Veda 4.26.3
In the wild joy of Soma I demolished Śambara’s forts, ninety-and-nine, together…  (source)

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31. Who Killed Vala?

Indra

Rig Veda 10.67.6
As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft Vala through, the guardian of the cattle…”  (source)

Brahmanaspati

Rig Veda 2.24.3
He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven.”  (source)

Rig Veda 4.50.5
With the loud-shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. Brhaspati thundering drave forth the cattle, the lowing cows who make oblations ready.”  (source)

Angirases killed Vala

Rig Veda 10.62.2
The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year’s courses cleft Vala by Eternal Law…”  (source)

Indra killed Vala with the help of Angirases

Rig Veda 2.11.20
Indra sent forth his whirling wheel like Sūrya, and aided by the Aṅgirases rent Vala.”  (source)

Indra killed Vala with the help of Navagvas and Dasagvas

Rig Veda 1.62.4
Thou hast, with speeders, with Daśagvas, Indra, Śakra, with thunder rent obstructive Vala.”  (source)

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32. What Draws the Chariot of the Ashvins?

Ashwins’s chariot is horseless

Rig Veda 1.120.10
I have obtained the horseless car of Aśvins rich in sacrifice…”  (source)

Rig Veda 4.36.1
THE car that was not made for horses or for reins, three-wheeled, worthy of lauds, rolls round the firmament. That is the great announcement of your Deity, that, O ye Ṛbhus, ye sustain the earth and heaven.”  (source)

Drawn by a single Donkey

Rig Veda 1.34.9
Where are the three wheels of your triple chariot, where are the three seats thereto firmly fastened? When will ye yoke the mighty ass that draws it, to bring you to our sacrifice. Nāsatyas?”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.74.7
Yoke to the firmly jointed car the ass which draws you, Lords of wealth. To drink the savoury Soma juice.”  (source)

Drawn by horses

Rig Veda 7.69.1
MAY your gold chariot, drawn by vigorous horses, come to us, blocking up the earth and heaven…”  (source)

Drawn by flying winged horses

Rig Veda 5.75.5-6
Aśvins, with winged steeds ye speed down to cyavana void of guile. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. Hither, O Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at the thought, Your flying steeds, O Aśvins, bring you hitherward, with bliss, to drink…”  (source)

Drawn by Falcons

Rig Veda 1.118.4
O Aśvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your chariot, swift, with flying pinions…”  (source)

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33. Did Indra Fight Sushna for Kutsa or With Kutsa?

With Kutsa

Rig Veda 6.31.3
You, Indra, with Kutsa, has warred against the inexhaustible Sushna…”  (source)

Fought alone for Kutsa

Rig Veda 1.175.4
Sage Indra, who art he lord, thou has carried off by thy strength one wheel of (the chariot of) the sun. Take up thy bolt for the death of Sushna, and proceed with thy horses, swift as the wind, to Kutsa.”  (source)

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34. To how Many Pillars was Shunashepa Tied and to Whom did he Pray?

Prayed to Agni and was tied to Thousand Pillars

Rig Veda 5.2.7
Thou from the stake didst loose e’en Śunaḥśepa bound for a thousand; for he prayed with fervour. So, Agni, loose from us the bonds that bind us…”  (source)

The Sanskrit term mentioned here, “Sahasradyupada,” translates to “thousand pillars” (Sahasra referring to a thousand and Yupa meaning pillars).

Prayed to Varuna and was tied to Three Pillars

Rig Veda 1.24.13
Bound to three pillars captured Śunaḥśepa thus to the Āditya made his supplication. Him may the Sovran Varuṇa deliver, wise, ne’er deceived, loosen the bonds that bind him.”  (source)

• Aditya, in this context, refers to Varuna, who is one of the prominent Adityas.

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35. Who was/were the Husband(s) of Saraswati?

Ashwin Brothers

Yajur Veda 19.94
Sarasvati, as Consort of the Asvins, bears in her womb the nobly-fashioned Infant…”  (source)

Indra

Rig Veda 6.49.7
So may Sarasvatī, the Hero’s Consort, brisk with rare life, the lightning’s Child, inspire us, And, with the Dames accordant, give the singer a refuge unassailable and flawless.”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.42.12
May the House-friends, the cunning-handed Artists, may the Steer’s Wives, the streams carved out by Vibhvan, And may the fair Ones honour and befriend us, Sarasvatī, Brhaddiva, and Rākā.”  (source)

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36. Who Were the Husband(s) of Surya, the Daughter of Sun Savitar?

Ashwin brothers

Rig Veda 4.43.6
Observed of all was that your rapid going, whereby ye were the Lords of Sūrya’s Daughter.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.119.5
Aśvins, the car which you had yoked for glorious show your own two voices urged directed to its goal. Then she who came for friendship, Maid of noble birth, elected you as Husbands, you to be her Lords.”  (source)

Pushan

Rig Veda 6.58.4
Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pūṣan, liberal, Lord of food, of wondrous lustre, Whom strong and vigorous and swiftly moving, subdued by love, the Deities gave to Sūrya.”  (source)

In Rig Veda 6.55.4-5 Surya is both sister and mother of Pushan who also had illicit relationship with her.

Soma

Rig Veda 10.85.7-10
Her treasury was earth and heaven ẉhen Sūrya went unto her Lord…Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both Aśvins, when The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Sūrya on her Lord…Bright were both Steers that drew it when Sūrya approached her husband’s, home.”  (source)

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37. Who Were the Parents of the Maruts?

Maruts are self-born

Rig Veda 1.168.2
Surrounding, as it were, self-born, self-powerful, they spring to life the shakers-down of food and light…”  (source)

Rudra

Rig Veda 1.114.6
To him the Maruts’ Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra’s might…”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.33.1
Father of Maruts, let thy bliss approach us: exclude us not from looking on the sunlight. Gracious to our fleet courser be the Hero may we transplant us, Rudra, in our children.”  (source)

Sacrificing through Agni gendered the Maruts

Rig Veda 1.31.1
Thou, Agni, wast the earliest Aṅgiras, a Seer; thou wast, a God thyself, the Gods’ auspicious Friend. After thy holy ordinance the Maruts, sage, active through wisdom, with their glittering spears, were born.”  (source)

Vayu from womb of heaven

Rig Veda 1.134.4
The Marut host hast thou engendered from the womb, the Maruts from the womb of heaven.”  (source)

Dyaus

Rig Veda 10.77.2
The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through many nights,—this noble band of Maruts. Like stags the Sons of Dyatis have striven onward…”  (source)

Prisni is mother

Rig Veda 2.34.2
Since the strong Rudra, O Maruts with brilliant chests, sprang into life for you in Pṛśni’s radiant lap.”  (source)

Rig Veda 6.66.3
They who are Sons of the rain-pouring Rudra, whom the long-lasting One had power to foster: The Mighty Ones whose germ great Mother Pṛśni is known to have received for man’s advantage.”  (source)

Ocean is their Mother

Rig Veda 10.78.6
Born from the stream…”  (source)

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38. Who Were the Parents of the Ashvins?

Vivasvan and Saranyu

Rig Veda 10.17.2
From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvān. Saranyu brought to him the Aśvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children.”  (source)

Dyaus (Heaven)

Rig Veda 1.181.4
Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies free from stain, with signs that mark them; One of you Prince of Sacrifice, the Victor, the other counts as Heaven’s auspicious offspring.”  (source)

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39. Who Were the Parents of Indra?

Kashyap & Aditi

Rig Veda 3.48.2
On the day on which thou wast born, thou didst drink at will the mountain-abiding nectar of this Soma plant, for thy youthful parent mother (Aditi), in the dwelling of thy great sire (Kasyapa), gave it to thee before she gave the breast.”  (source)

Dyaus is the father

Rig Veda 4.17.4
Thy Father Dyaus esteemed himself a hero: most noble was the work of Indra’s Maker, His who begat the strong bolt’s Lord who roareth, immovable like earth from her foundation.”  (source)

Kusika is the mother

Rig Veda 1.10.11
O Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation with delight…”  (source)

Purusa is the father

Rig Veda 10.90.13
The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; Indra and Agni from his mouth were born…”  (source)

Soma is the father

Rig Veda 9.96.5
Father of holy hymns, Soma flows onward the Father of the earth, Father of heaven: Father of Agni, Sūrya’s generator, the Father who begat Indra and Viṣṇu.”  (source)

Ekashtaka the daughter of Prajapati

Atharva Veda 3.10.12-13
Ekashtaka, burning with zealous fervour, brought forth her babe the great and glorious Indra…Indra’s and Soma’s mother! thou art daughter of Prajapati.”  (source)

Tavastar is the father

Rig Veda 2.17.6
Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.61.6
Even for him hath Tvaṣṭar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle…”  (source)

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40. Who Created Agni, or who Were the Parents of Agni?

Twishtar is the father

Rig Veda 1.95.2
The vigilant and youthful Ten beget, through the wind, this embryo Agni…”  (source)

Dyaus is the father

Rig Veda 10.45.8
Agni by vital powers became immortal when his prolific Father Dyaus begat him.”  (source)

Various Gods

Rig Veda 8.91.16-17
Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil, Bring thou the Gods and worship them. The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Aṅgiras, The bearer of our gifts to heaven.”  (source)

Purusa

Rig Veda 10.90.13
The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; Indra and Agni from his mouth were born…”  (source)

Ekashtaka the daughter of Prajapati

Atharva Veda 3.10.12-13
Ekashtaka, burning with zealous fervour, brought forth her babe the great and glorious Indra…Indra’s and Soma’s mother! thou art daughter of Prajapati.”  (source)

Water is the mother

Rig Veda 10.91.6
Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life…”  (source)

Atharvan

Rig Veda 10.21.5Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life…”  (source)

• Agni is referred to as the offspring of a particular entity, not solely due to igniting the fire (Agni), but primarily because of his origin.

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41. Who is the Father of the Maruts?

Vayu

Rig Veda 1.134.4
thou begettest the Maruts, of the firmament, for (the purpose of) showering rain…”  (source)

Rudra produced Maruts from udder of Prisni

Rig Veda 2.33.1
FATHER of Maruts, let thy bliss approach us: exclude us not from looking on the sunlight. Gracious to our fleet courser be the Hero may we transplant us, Rudra, in our children.”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.60.5
None being eldest, none among them youngest, as brothers they have grown to happy fortune. May their Sire Rudra, young and deft, and Pṛśni pouring much milk, bring fair days to the Maruts.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.114.6
To him the Maruts’ Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra’s might…”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.34.2
Since, golden-breasted Maruts, the vigorous (Rudra) begot you of the pure womb of Prisni…”  (source)

Rig Veda 7.56.1-4
Who are these radiant men in serried rank, Rudra’s young heroes borne by noble steeds? Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other’s birth… A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Pṛśni bore.”  (source)

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42. Who Were the Parents of Vayu?

Earth and Heaven

Rig Veda 7.90.3; Yajur Veda 23.24
The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhiṣaṇā for our wealth appointeth, His team of harnessed horses waits on Vāyu, and, foremost, on the radiant Treasure-bearer.”  (source)

Born from the breath of Purusha

Rig Veda 10.90.13
Vāyu from his breath.”  (source)

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43. Who Were the Parents of Yama and Yami?

Vivasvat & Saranyu

Rig Veda 10.14.5
Come, Yama, with the Aṅgirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virūpa. To sit on sacred grass at this our worship, I call Vivasvān, too, thy Father hither.”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.17.1-2
TVASTAR prepares the bridal of his Daughter: all the world hears the tidings and assembles. But Yama’s Mother, Spouse of great Vivasvān, vanished as she was carried to her dwelling. From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvān. Saranyu brought to him the Aśvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children.”  (source)

Gandharva & Water nymph (Apya Yosa)

Rig Veda 10.10.4
(Yama speaks). We have not done what was done formerly; for how can we who speak truth, utter now that which is untrue? Gandharva (the sun) was in the watery (firmament), and the water was his bride. She is our common parent, hence our near affinity.”  (source)

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44. How Many Soldiers of the Asura Krishna did Indra Kill?

Fifty thousand

Rig Veda 4.16.13
You have subjugated Pipru and the mighty Mṛgayā for the sake of Ṛjiṣvan, the son of Vidathin, you have slain the fifty thousand Kṛṣṇas; and, as old age (destroys) life, you have demolished the cities (of Śambara).”  (source)

Ten thousand

Rig Veda 8.96.13
The swift-moving Krishna with ten thousand (demons) stood on the Amsumati; by his might Indra caught him snorting (in the water); he, benevolent to man, smote his malicious (bands).”  (source)

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45. Who has Tasted Soma on Earth?

No one has ever tasted Soma on the earth

Rig Veda 10.85.3-4
One thinks, when they have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma’s juice; Of him whom Brahmans truly know as Soma no one ever tastes. Soma, secured by sheltering rules, guarded by hymns in Brhati, Thou standest listening to the stones none tastes of thee who dwells on earth.”  (source)

Even non-Aryan tribes possessed Soma

Rig Veda 3.53.14
indicates that the Kikatas do not offer Soma mixed with milk to the Vedic deities. This implies that the non-Aryan Kikatas, residing in what is now Bihar, possessed and consumed Soma. Contradicting this, other verses highlight that Soma was possessed by the Gandharvas and consumed on Earth. These varying accounts challenge the earlier assertion that Soma had not been tasted by anyone on Earth.  (source)

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46. Where do the Maruts Dwell?

In the Heaven

Rig Veda 5.60.6
Whether, O blessed Maruts, ye be dwelling in highest, midmost, or in lowest heaven…”  (source)

In the Mountains

Rig Veda 8.83.12
That vigorous band of Maruts that abidetb in the mountains, I Invoke to drink this Soma juice.”  (source)

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47. Agni is Regarded as Having Taken how Many Births?

Three Births

Rig Veda 4.1.7
Three are those births, the true, the most exalted, eagerly longed-for, of the God, of Agni…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.95.3
Three several places of his birth they honour, in mid-air, in the heaven, and in the waters…”  (source)

Two Births

Rig Veda 1.149.4
He, doubly born, hath spread in his effulgence through the three luminous realms, through all the regions…”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.43.28
O Agni, made by strength! be thou born in the heavens or born in floods, As such we call on thee with songs.”  (source)

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48. How Many Adityas are There?

Seven

Rig veda 9.114.3
Seven regions have their several Suns; the ministering priests are seven; Seven are the Āditya Deities…”  (source)

Eight

Atharva Veda 8.9.21
Eight are the wombs of Aditi, eight her children…”  (source)

Six

Rig Veda 2.27.1
THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer to the Kings Ādityas. May Mitra, Aryaman, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuṇa Dakṣa, and Aṁśa.”  (source)

In subsequent texts, the count of Adityas is standardized at twelve. However, focusing solely on the Vedas introduces variability in the numbers presented. Rig Veda 10.72.8 distinctly specifies the count of Adityas as eight, among whom Martanda experienced death and subsequent revival. Rig Veda 2.27.1 enumerates six Adityas by name: Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Varuṇa, Dakṣa, and Aṁśa. Atharva Veda 11.6.2 includes all these names and introduces Vivasvan. The Rig Veda verse previously quoted designates Martanda as an Aditya, resulting in an acknowledgment of eight named Adityas.

However, this enumeration becomes more intricate. Beyond the eight recognized Adityas, the Vedic texts depict various other deities as Adityas. In Atharva Veda 13.2.29 and 37, Surya is acclaimed as an Aditya and Aditi’s son. Atharva Veda 8.2.15 identifies the Sun and Moon as Aditi’s two sons. Rig Veda 8.90.11 designates Surya (the sun) as an Aditya. Rig Veda 8.18.3 introduces Savitar as an Aditya, although, for this discussion, Savitar could be considered synonymous with the sun. Indra is recognized as an Aditya alongside Varuna in Rig Veda 7.85.4; however, Rig Veda 5.51.10 separates Indra from the Adityas’ group.

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49. Who is the Mother of the Adityas?

Madhukasa

Atharva Veda 9.1.4
Daughter of Vasus, mother of Ādityas, centre of Amrit breath of living creatures. The Honey-whip, gold-coloured, dropping fatness, moves as a mighty embryo ‘mid mortals.”  (source)

‘Madhukasa’ is translated as ‘Honey-whip’ in this translation.

Aditi

Rig Veda 10.72.8
Eight are the Sons of Adid who from her body sprang to life. With seven she went to meet the Gods she cast Martanda far away.”  (source)

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50. Who is the Father of Madhukasa?

Vasus

Atharva Veda 9.1.4
Daughter of Vasus, mother of Ādityas, centre of Amrit breath of living creatures. The Honey-whip, gold-coloured, dropping fatness, moves as a mighty embryo ‘mid mortals.”  (source)

Maruts

Atharva Veda 9.1.3
For she, the first-born daughter of the Maruts, derives her origin from Wind and Agni.”  (source)

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51. Does Usha Wake the Ashvins, or is Usha Born After Their Car is Yoked?

Usha (Dawn) awakens Asvins

Rig Veda 8.9.17
Awake the Aśvins, Goddess Dawn! Up Mighty Lady of sweet strains! Rise, straightway, priest of sacrifice! High glory to the gladdening draught!”  (source)

Asvins yokes their car thence Usha is born

Rig Veda 10.39.12
Come on that Chariot which the Ṛbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Aśvins, that is speedier than thought, At harnessing whereof Heaven’s Daughter springs to birth…”  (source)

• The Asvins yoke their chariot, bringing forth the birth of Usha (dawn). So how does Usha stir the awakening of the Asvins?

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52. Who Awakens Whom?

Usha (Dawn) awakens humans for worship

Rig Veda 1.113.9
As thou, Dawn, hast caused Agni to be kindled, and with the Sun’s eye hast revealed creation. And hast awakened men to offer worship, thou hast performed, for Gods, a noble service.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.124.10
Rouse up, O Wealthy One, the liberal givers; let niggard traffickers sleep on unwakened: Shine richly, Wealthy One, on those who worship, richly, glad.”  (source)

Worshippers awakens Usha (Dawn)

Rig Veda 4.52.4
With praises we awaken thee, thou who art endowed with truth; thee, the baffler of animosities, the restorer of consciousness.”  (source)

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53. Who Generated Dawn, or who Discovered it?

Indra

Rig Veda 2.12.7
he who gave birth to the sun and to the dawn: and who is the leader of the waters; he, men, is Indra.”  (source)

Soma

Rig Veda 6.39.3
This Soma, Indra, (quaffed by thee), has lighted up the unlustrous nights, and days and nights, and years: (the gods) of old have established it as the ensign of days, and it has made the dawns generated in light.”  (source)

Ancient Fathers

Rig Veda 7.76.4
Those ancient sages, our ancestors, observant of truth, rejoicing together with the gods, discovered thehidden ligh, and, reciters of sincere prayers, they genitive rated the Dawn.”  (source)

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54. Indra’s Thunderbolt was Made of Which Metal?

Iron (Ayasa)

Rig Veda 10.48.3
For me hath Tvaṣṭar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.52.8
When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds hadst smitten Vṛtra, causing floods to flow for man, Thou heldst in thine arms the metal thunderbolt…”  (source)

Gold (Hiranyamay/Hiranya)

Rig Veda 1.85.9
When Tvaṣṭar deft of hand had turned the thunderbolt, golden, with thousand edges, fashioned more skilfully…”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.23.3
When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.57.2
When the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the thunderbolt of Indra, shatterer wrought of gold.”  (source)

In different contexts, it has been depicted both as having a yellow hue and a radiant golden shade. However, the preceding verses do not elucidate the color of the thunderbolt; instead, they delineate the composition of the metal it is crafted from.

Stone

Rig Veda 7.104.5-19
Indra and Soma, cast ye downward out of heaven your deadly darts of stone burning with fiery flame…Hurl down from heaven thy bolt of stone, O Indra…”  (source)

Bones of Dadhyachi

Rig Veda 1.84.13
With bones of Dadhyach for his arms, Indra, resistless in attack, Struck nine-and-ninety Vṛtras dead.”  (source)

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55. Indra’s Thunderbolt is of how Many Edges?

Four Edged

Rig Veda 4.22.2
Bull, hurler of the four-edged rain-producer with both his arms…”  (source)

Hundred Edged

Rig Veda 6.17.10
Yea, Strong One! Tvaṣṭar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges…”  (source)

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56. Who is Matarisvan?

Agni

Rig Veda 3.5.9
May Agni, Friend, adorable Mātariśvan, as envoy bring the Gods unto our worship.”  (source)

In Rig Veda 1.93.6, it is stated that Matarisvan brought Agni from heaven. This poses a paradox: if Agni was indeed Matarisvan, how could he bring himself from heaven? Rig Veda 3.2.13 reinforces the notion that Agni and Matarisvan are distinct entities. This is supported by Nirukta 7.26, which identifies Matarisvan as Vayu (air).

Brihaspati

Rig Veda 1.190.2
Bṛhaspati—for he laid out the expanses—was, at the sacrifice, vast Mātariśvan.”  (source)

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57. Who is the Messenger of Visvasvat?

Matarisvan

Rig Veda 6.8.4
As envoy of Vivasvān Matarisvan brought Agni Vaiśvānara hither from far away.”  (source)

Agni

Rig Veda 1.58.1
NE’ER waxeth faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since he, the Herald, hath become Vivasvān’s messenger…”  (source)

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58. Is Indra the Strongest/Greatest?

Yes! He is! There is none like him

Rig Veda 4.18.4
No peer hath he among those born already, nor among those who shall be born hereafter.”  (source)

Rig Veda 7.32.23
None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. Desiring horses, Indra Maghavan!…”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.42.6
None of old times, O Maghavan, nor later, none of these days hath reached thy hero prowess.”  (source)

Agni is as strong as Indra

Rig Veda 7.6.1
I laud his deeds who is as strong as Indra, and lauding celebrate the Fort-destroyer.”  (source)

Sinivali is equal to Indra

Atharva Veda 7.46.3
Thou who as Queen of men art Indra’s equal, a Goddess coming with a thousand tresses…”  (source)

There is none above Yama

Atharva Veda 18.2.32
Yama is higher and Vivasvān lower: nothing whatever do I see above him…”  (source)

There is no match for Kama

Atharva Veda 9.2.19
First before all sprang Kāma into being. Gods, Fathers, mortal men have never matched him…”  (source)

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59. How Many Heads Does Agni Have?

He is Headless

Rig Veda 4.1.11
Footless and headless, both his ends concealing, in his Bull’s lair drawing himself together.”  (source)

Three heads

Rig Veda 1.146.1
I LAUD the seven-rayed, the triple-headed, Agni…”  (source)

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60. Agni has how Many Tongues?

Three tongues

Rig Veda 3.20.2
Three are thy powers, O Agni, three thy stations, three are thy tongues…”  (source)

Seven tongues

Yajur Veda 17.79
Seven fuel logs hast thou, seven tongues, O Agni…”  (source)

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61. Agni’s Teeth are?

Of Iron

Rig Veda 10.87.2
Jatavedas, who hast teeth of iron, consume the Yatudhanas flame when kindled…”  (source)

Of Gold

Rig Veda 5.2.3
I have seen him from a near place, golden-toothed, bright-coloured, wielding (flames like) weapons…”  (source)

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62. Agni has how Many Eyes?

Four

Rig Veda 1.31.13
Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four-eyed! for him who is unarmed…”  (source)

Thousand

Rig Veda 1.79.12
Keen and swift Agni, thousand-eyed, chaseth the Rākṣasas afar: He singeth, herald meet for lauds.”  (source)

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63. Does Agni Grow old?

He doesn’t grow old

Rig Veda 1.128.2
Through presentation of our food he grows not old in this his from…”  (source)

He grows old but becomes young again

Rig Veda 2.4.5
Known is he by his bright delightful splendour, and waxing old renews his youth for ever.”  (source)

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64. Who is the Husband of Aditi?

Vishnu

Yajur Veda 29.60
a mess of boiled rice is to be made for Prajâpati; the same for Vishnu’s Consort Aditi…”  (source)

Kashyapa

Rig Veda 3.48.2
clearly indicates that Aditi and Kashyapa were married to each other. In later texts it is much more clear but this article deals only with the Vedas.  (source)

• It presents an apparent contradiction, unless it can be attributed to a scenario of polyandry.

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65. Who Were the Parents of Ribhus? And Their Relationship With Indra?

Friends of Indra,  they are children of Sudhanvan

Rig Veda 3.60.3
Friendship with Indra have the Ṛbhus, fully gained: grandsons of Manu, they skilfully urged the work. Sudhanvan’s Children won them everlasting life, serving with holy rites, pious with noble acts.  (source)

Rig Veda 4.35.7
Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn the juice thou drankest: thine, only thine, is the noonday libation. Now drink thou with the wealth-bestowing Ṛbhus, whom for their skill thou madest friends, O Indra.”  (source)

Sons of Indra

Rig Veda 4.37.4
Strong, with fair chains of gold and jaws of iron, ye have a splendid car and well-fed horses. Ye Sons of Strength, ye progeny of Indra, to you the best is offered to delight you.”  (source)

• In Rig Veda 1.161.1, the Ribhus are acknowledged as brothers to Agni

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66. Who Placed Agni for Men to Worship? Who Started the Fire Worship?

Bhrigus

Rig Veda 1.58.6
The Bhṛgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the Celestial Race.”  (source)

Manu

Rig Veda 1.36.19
Manu hath stablished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men…”  (source)

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67. How Many Dasyus did Indra Kill to Protect Rishi Dabhiti?

Two Dasyus namely Chumuri and Dhuni

Rig Veda 10.113.9
Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent. Indra, when he subdues Dhuni and Cumuri, lists to Dabhīti for his faithful spirit’s sake.”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.15.9
Thou, with sleep whelming Cumuri and Dhuni, slewest the Dasyu, keptest safe Dabhīti…”  (source)

Thirty thousand Dasyus

Rig Veda 4.30.21
The thirty thousand Dāsas he with magic power and weapons sent To slumber, for Dabhīti’s sake.”  (source)

110 Dasyus

Rig Veda 2.13.9
Thou boundest up the Dāsa’s hundred friends and ten, when, at one’s hearing, thou helpest thy worshipper. Thou for Dabhīti boundest Dasyus not with cords; Thou wast a mighty help. Worthy of lauds art thou.”  (source)

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68. How did Tvashtar React When Ribhus Multiplied the Cups?

He applauded their act

Rig Veda 4.33.5-6
The eldest said, let us make two ladles; the youngest said, let us make three: Twashtri, Ribhus has applauded your proposal. The men, (the Ribhus), spake the truth, for such (ladles) they made, and thereupon the Ribhus partook of that libation: Twashtri, beholding the four ladles, brilliant as day, was content.”  (source)

In verse 5, the Sanskrit term “Panyat” is employed, signifying “praise,” while in verse 6, the term “Avenat” is utilized, connoting “desire” or “approval.”

He was angry and wanted to kill Ribhus

Rig Veda 1.161.4-5
So doing, Ribhus, you inquired, Where, indeed, is he who came to us a messenger? when Twashtri observed the one ladle become four, he was immediately lost amongst the women. When Twashtri said, Let us slay those who have profaned the ladle, (designed) for the drinking of the gods; then they made us of other names for one another, as the libation was poured out…”  (source)

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69. How Many Gandharvas are There?

6333

Atharva Veda 11.5.2
After him too have the Gandharvas followed, thirty and three, three hundred, and six thousand. He satisfies all Gods with his devotion.”  (source)

27

Yajur Veda 9.7
It was the wind, or it was thought, or the Gandharvas twenty-seven…”  (source)

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70. Who Stole the Cattle of Pani?

Indra

Rig Veda 10.67.6
Seeking the milk-draught with sweatshining comrades he stole the Paṇi’s kine and left him weeping.”  (source)

Agni-Soma

Rig Veda 1.93.4
Agni and Soma, famed is that your prowess wherewith ye stole the kine, his food, from Paṇi…”  (source)

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71. Who Found the Treasure/Cows of Panis?

Sages/Angirases

Rig Veda 2.24.6
They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis’ noblest treasure hidden in the cave,-Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had come, and sought again to enter in.”  (source)

Sarama assisted Angirases and Indra

Rig Veda 1.62.3
When Indra and the Aṅgirases desired it, Saramā found provision for her offspring. Bṛhaspati cleft the mountain, found the cattle: the heroes shouted with the kine in triumph.”  (source)

Sarama, Sages, Brihaspati, Indra and Angirases
Rig Veda 10.108.9-11
Even thus, O Saramā, hast thou come hither, forced by celestial might to make the journey. Turn thee not back, for thou shalt be our sister: O Blest One, we will give thee of the cattle. Brotherhood, sisterhood, I know not either: the dread Aṅgirases and Indra know them. They seemed to long for kine when I departed. Hence, into distance, be ye gone, O Paṇis. Hence, far away, ye Paṇis! Let the cattle lowing come forth as holy Law commandeth, Kine which Bṛhaspati, and Soma, Ṛṣis, sages, and pressing-stones have found when hidden.”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.45.7
Here, urged by hands, loudly hath rung the press-stone wherewith Navagvas through ten months sang praises. Saramā went aright and found the cattle. Aṅgiras gave effect to all their labours.”  (source)

Angirases alone

Rig Veda 1.83.4
First the Aṅgirases won themselves vital power, whose fires were kindled through good deeds and sacrifice. The men together found the Paṇi’s hoarded wealth, the cattle, and the wealth in horses and in kine.”  (source)

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72. Who Discovered the Hidden Soma?

Indra

Rig Veda 3.44.5
The bright, the well-loved thunderbolt, girt with the bright, Indra disclosed, Disclosed the Soma juice pressed out by tawny stones, with tawny steeds drave forth the kine.”  (source)

Pushan

Rig Veda 1.23.14
The resplendent Pushan has found the royal (Soma juice), although concealed, hidden in a secret place, strewed amongst the sacred grass.”  (source)

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73. Who is the Messenger of Yama?

Bird

Rig Veda 10.165.4
The screeching of the owl is ineffective and when beside the fire the Dove hath settled, To him who sent it hither as an envoy, to him be reverence paid, to Death, to Yama.”  (source)

Two Dogs

Rig Veda 10.14.10-12
Run and outspeed the two dogs, Saramā’s offspring, brindled, four-eyed, upon thy happy pathway. Draw nigh then to the gracious-minded Fathers where they rejoice in company with Yama. And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway,—Entrust this man, O King, to their protection, and with prosperity and health endow him. Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama’s two envoys roam among the People; May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day, that we may see the sunlight.”  (source)

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74. Who Sustains/Supports Earth and Heaven?

Mitra

Rig Veda 3.59.1
MITRA, when speaking, stirreth men to labour: Mitra sustaineth both the earth and heaven…”  (source)

Savitar

Rig Veda 4.53.2
Sustainer of the heaven, Lord of the whole world’s life, the Sage, he putteth on his golden-coloured mail…”  (source)

Varuna

Rig Veda 6.70.1
The Heaven and the Earth by Varuṇa’s decree, unwasting, rich in germs, stand parted each from each.”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.42.1
LORD of all wealth, the Asura propped the heavens, and measured out the broad earth’s wide expanses. He, King supreme, approached all living creatures. All these are Varuṇa’s holy operations.”  (source)

Indra-Soma

Rig Veda 6.72.2
Ye, Indra-Soma, gave her light to Morning, and led the Sun on high with all his splendour. Ye stayed the heaven with a supporting pillar, and spread abroad apart, the Earth, the Mother.”  (source)

Soma

Rig Veda 9.87.2
Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of the heavens and earth’s supporter.”  (source)

Hiranyagarba

Rig Veda 10.121.5
By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him light’s realm and sky-vault are supported: By him the regions in mid-air were measured. What God shall we adore with our oblation?”  (source)

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75. How did Indra Kill Arbuda?

Crushed head of Arbuda with his foot

Rig Veda 1.51.6
Thou savedst Kutsa when Śuṣṇa was smitten down; to Atithigva gavest Śambara for a prey. E’en mighty Arbuda thou troddest under foot: thou from of old wast born to strike the Dasyus dead.”  (source)

Pierced Arbuda with frost

Rig Veda 8.32.26
He, meet for praise, slew Vṛtra, slew Ahīśuva, Urnavabha’s son, And pierced through Arbuda with frost.”  (source)

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76. Relationship Between Usha and Surya?

Surya is her lover

Rig Veda 1.92.11
Diminishing the days of human creatures, the Lady shines with all her lover’s splendour.”  (source)

Surya is her husband

Rig Veda 7.75.5
She who is rich in spoil, the Spouse of Sūrya…”  (source)

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77. Colour and Number of Agni’s Horses?

Unsure about color and number of horses

Rig Veda 1.94.10
When to thy chariot thou hadst yoked two red steeds and two ruddy steeds, wind-sped, thy roar was like a bull’s…”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.10.2
May Agni, who is immortal of manifold wisdom, and wonderful splendour, hear my invocation, (preffered) with all laudations: tawny, or red, or purple horses draw his car; he has been borne in various directions.”  (source)

Tawny horses

Rig Veda 7.5.5
Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing our resonant hymns that drop with oil, attend thee…”  (source)

Two Red horses

Rig Veda 7.16.2
His two red horses, all-supporting, let him yoke: let him, well-worshipped, urge them fast…”  (source)

Rig Veda 4.1.8
This envoy joyeth in all seats of worship, borne on his golden car, sweet-tongued Invoker: Lovely to look on, with red steeds, effulgent, like a feast rich in food, joyous for ever.”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.43.16
O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway…”  (source)

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78. Did Indra Kill Pipru WITH Rijisvan or FOR Rijisvan?

With Rjisvan, Indra killed Pipru

Rig Veda 1.101.1
Sing, with oblation, praise to him who maketh glad, who with Ṛjiśvan drove the dusky brood away…”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.138.3
Associate with Ṛjiśvan Indra overthrew the solid forts of Pipru, conjuring Asura.”  (source)

Indra killed Pipru alone for Rjisvan

Rig Veda 4.16.13
You hast subjugated Pipru and the mighty Mrigaya for the sake of Rijiswan the son of Vidhathin…”  (source)

Rig Veda 6.20.7
Thou, thunder-armed, with thy great might hast shattered Pipru’s strong forts who knew the wiles of serpents. Thou gavest to thy worshipper Ṛjiśvan imperishable Wealth, O Bounteous Giver.”  (source)

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79. How Many Vritras did Indra Kill?

99

Rig Veda 1.84.13
With bones of Dadhyach for his arms, Indra, resistless in attack, Struck nine-and-ninety Vṛtras dead.”  (source)

10,000

Rig Veda 1.53.6
What time thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten thousand Vṛtras, thou resistless in thy might.”  (source)

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80. Visvadeva was a Child of how Many Mothers?

Two Mothers

Rig Veda 3.55.7
Child of two Mothers, Priest, sole Lord in synods…”  (source)

Three Mothers

Rig Veda 3.56.5
Streams! the wise Gods have thrice three habitations. Child of three Mothers, he is Lord in synods…”  (source)

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81. How Many Spokes are There in the Wheel of the Sun?

Five Spokes

Atharva Veda 9.9.11
Upon the five-spoked wheel revolving ever, whereon all creatures rest and are dependent…”  (source)

Six Spokes

Atharva Veda 9.9.12
These others, later still, say that he takes his stand upon a seven wheeled car, six-spoked, whose sight is clear.”  (source)

Twelve Spokes

Atharva Veda 9.9.13
Formed with twelve spokes, too strong for age to weaken…”  (source)

• Spokes here also signify seasons.

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82. Are Maruts the Same as Rudras, or are They Different Entities?

Maruts identified as Rudras

Rig Veda 1.64.2
They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot and stain; The purifiers, shining brightly even as suns, awful of form like giants, scattering rain-drops down.”  (source)

Rig Veda 7.56.1-2
Who are these radiant men in serried rank, Rudra’s young heroes borne by noble steeds? Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other’s birth.”  (source)

Rudra being the father of Maruts and Maruts being referred as Rudras

Rig Veda 5.60.5-6
None being eldest, none among them youngest, as brothers they have grown to happy fortune. May their Sire Rudra, young and deft, and Pṛśni pouring much milk, bring fair days to the Maruts. Whether, O blessed Maruts, ye be dwelling in highest, midmost, or in lowest heaven, Thence, O ye Rudras, and thou also, Agni, notice the sacrificial food we offer.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.114.6
To him the Maruts’ Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra’s might…”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.39.4
Consumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven or on the earth: Ye Rudras, may the strength, held in this bond, be yours, to bid defiance even now.”  (source)

Maruts being mentioned separately from Rudas as different entities

Rig Veda 8.13.28
Attendants on thy glory, let the Rudras roar assent to thee, And all the Marut companies come to the feast.”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.92.6
Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home-dwellers with the Asura…”  (source)

Rig Veda 3.32.2
Knit with the prayer-fulfilling band of Maruts, yea, with the Rudras, drink till thou art sated;”  (source)

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83. How Many Rudras are There?

Thousands and innumerable

Yajur Veda 16.54
Innumerable thousands are the Rudras on the face of earth…”  (source)

Hundred

Yajur Veda 21.43
belonging to the Hundred Rudras…”  (source)

Eleven

Yajur Veda 34.47
Come, O Nâsatyas, with the thrice eleven Gods: come…”  (source)

Krishna Yajur Veda 3.4.9.7
the Rudras are eleven…”  (source)

Explicit reference to the count of 11 Rudras is not distinctly articulated within the Vedic texts. Nevertheless, the Yajur Veda verse cited earlier appears to provide insights into the numerical delineation of Rudras, Adityas, and additional groups of deities. Subsequent texts, such as the Taittriya Samhita (a division of the Black Yajur Veda), offer a lucid account of the number of Rudras.

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84. Who was the First one to Drink Soma?

Brahman (Supreme God)

Atharva Veda 4.6.1
The Brâhmana was the first to be born, with ten heads and ten mouths. He was the first to drink the soma; that did render poison powerless.”  (source)

Vayu

Rig Veda 4.46.1
DRINK the best draught of Soma-juice, O Vāyu, at our holy rites: For thou art he who drinketh first.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.134.1
Vayu, let fleet-foot coursers bring thee speedily to this our feast, to drink first of the juice we pour, to the first draught of Soma juice…”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.11.14
the Vayus, who drink the first libation of the Soma.”  (source)

Rig Veda 1.135.4
Vāyu, to taste the offerings! Drink of the pleasant-flavoured juice: the first draught is assigned to you.”  (source)

Indra

Atharva Veda 20.99.1; Rig Veda 3.36.8
states that Indra was ceremoniously invited to be the first Soma drinker. While these two verses might imply that Indra’s prominence led to this role in sacrificial practices, it’s essential not to disregard the contradictions that arise. Some passages indicate Vayu as the initial Soma consumer, diverging from the earlier portrayal of Indra. In later works like the Aitareya Brahmana, an elaboration emerges: a contest among the gods regarding the inaugural Soma partaker, where Vayu triumphed and Indra followed.Yet, this narrative contradicts the account of the falcon Suparna transporting Soma to Indra. Rig Veda establishes the falcon’s role, while the Krishna Yajur Veda presents an even clearer stance: the gods lacked Soma, and it was the falcon that fulfilled this role.  (source1)  (source2)

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85. Who was the First Born?

Kama

Atharva Veda 9.2.19
First before all sprang Kāma into being. Gods, Fathers, mortal men have never matched him…”  (source)

Brihaspati

Rig Veda 6.73.1
Served with oblations, first-born, mountain-render, Aṅgiras’ son, Bṛhaspati, the Holy, With twice-firm path, dwelling in light, our Father, roars loudly, as a bull, to Earth and Heaven.”  (source)

Tvashtar

Rig Veda 9.5.9
I summon Tvaṣṭar hither, our protector, champion, earliest-born…”  (source)

Vayu

Rig Veda 10.168.3
Holy and earliest-born, Friend of the waters, where did he spring and from what region came he.”  (source)

Brahma

Atharva Veda 19.22.21
Brahma was born first of all things existing…”  (source)

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86. Who Killed Sambara?

Maruts helped Indra kill Sambara

Rig Veda 3.47.4
Drink Soma, Indra, banded with the Maruts who, Maghavan, strengthened thee at Ahi’s slaughter, ‘Gainst Śambara, Lord of Bays! in winning cattle, and now rejoice in thee, the holy Singers.”  (source)

Brahmanaspati

Rig Veda 2.24.2
He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Sambara: Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain stored with wealth.”  (source)

Indra

Rig Veda 1.54.4
The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Śambara…”  (source)

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87. Who Prepared the Path for the Sun to Travel?

Varuna

Rig Veda 1.24.8
King Varuṇa hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for the Sun wherein to travel…”  (source)

Several Varuna included

Rig Veda 7.60.3
Your coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted: to the bright ocean Sūrya hath ascended, For whom the Ādityas make his pathway ready, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuṇa, accordant.”  (source)

Usha (Dawn)

Rig Veda 1.113.16
Arise! the breath, the life, again hath reached us: darkness hath passed away and light approacheth. She for the Sun hath left a path to travel we have arrived where men prolong existence.”   (source)

Indra

Rig Veda 10.111.3
Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a path for Sūrya…”  (source)

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88. What was the Relationship Between Kutsa and Indra?

Friends

Rig Veda 4.16.10
Come to our home resolved to slay the Dasyu: Kutsa longed eagerly to win thy friendship. Alike in form ye both sate in his dwelling the faithful Lady was in doubt between you.”  (source)

Enemies

Rig Veda 1.53.10
Thou hast protected Suśravas with succour, and Tūrvayāṇa with thine aid, O Indra. Thou madest Kutsa, Atithigva, Āyu, subject unto this King, the young, the mighty.”  (source)

Rig Veda 2.14.7
Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth’s bosom; Who quelled the valiant men of Atithigva, Kutsa, and Āyu,—bring to him the Soma.”  (source)

Moreover, there exist verses where Indra actively supported Kutsa in battles against the latter’s adversaries, underscoring their amicable association. Contrasting with this, subsequent texts like the Brahmanas introduce an alternative narrative, asserting that Kutsa was, in fact, born from Indra’s thighs, implying a direct parent-child relationship. It’s worth noting that the Rig Veda designates Kutsa as the son of Arjuna (Rig Veda 8.1.11). However, this proposition introduces another layer of complexity, as the Vedic verses depict Indra and Kutsa as allies, indicating a camaraderie that could seemingly conflict with a father-son relationship.

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89. Who was the First Sacrificer?

Manu

Rig Veda 10.63.7
Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul…”  (source)

Atharvan

Atharva Veda 19.4.1
The first oblation that Atharvan oared, earliest sacrifice paid by Jātavedas…”  (source)

Rig Veda 10.92.10
For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Bṛhaspati and Soma’s brotherhood. Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure: through skill the Bhṛgus were esteemed of all as Gods.”  (source)

Dasagvas

Rig Veda 2.34.12
They, the Daśagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us…”  (source)

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90. What is the Weapon of Rudra?

Bow and Arrows

Rig Veda 2.33.10
Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy many hued and honoured necklace. Worthy, thou cuttest here each fiend to pieces: a mightier than thou there is not, Rudra.”  (source)

Rig Veda 5.42.11
Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth. Worship thou Rudra…”  (source)

Thunderbolt/Lightning

Rig Veda 2.33.3
Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty…”  (source)

Atharva Veda 11.2.26
O’erwhelm us not with Fever or with poison, nor, Rudra! with the fire that comes from heaven. Elsewhere, and not on us, cast down this lightning.”  (source)

In  Rig Veda 7.6.3 this translation renders the term “Didyut” as “bright arrow,” while a more accurate translation, as upheld by numerous other translators, is “lightning.”

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91. How Many Horses Draw the Chariot of the Sun?

Numerous/Seven

Rig Veda 10.37.3
No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled Steeds…”  (source)

Rig Veda 4.13.3
Him who beholds the universe, the Sun-God, seven strong and youthful Coursers carry onward.”  (source)

One

Rig Veda 7.63.2
Sūrya’s great ensign, restless as the billow, that urgeth men to action, is advancing: Onward he still would roll the wheel well-rounded, which Etaśa, harnessed to the car-pole, moveth.”  (source)

• “Etasa” is indeed the name of the horse associated with the sun.

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92. In Whose Chariot and With Whose Horses Does Indra Travel?

In a chariot & horses given by Ribhus

Rig Veda 5.31.4
The Ribhus have fabricated thy car, Indra the invoked of many, adapted to its horses…”  (source)

Rig Veda 4.35.5
Ṛbhus, rich in treasure, fashioned the two swift Tawny Steeds who carry Indra.”  (source)

Borne by horses of the Sun

Rig Veda 10.49.7
I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet-footed dappled Horses of the Sun…”  (source)

Borne by horses of wind god

Rig Veda 10.22.4
Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds Of the Wind-God, O Thunderer…”  (source)

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93. Where was Soma?

Soma was in Mountain(s)

Rig Veda 9.62.4
The mountain-born Soma flows for exhilaration, mighty in the (Vasativari) waters: he alights like a falcon on his own place.”  (source)

Rig Veda 9.46.1-2
Like able coursers they have been sent forth to be the feast of Gods, joying in mountains, flowing on. To Vāyu flow the Soma-streams…”  (source)

Another translation of this verse,

Rig Veda 9.46.1
Begotten by the stones the flowing (Soma juices) are effused for the banquet of the gods like active horses.”  (source)

Soma was in the heaven

Rig Veda 1.93.6
Agni and Soma, the wind brought one of you from heaven; a hawk carried off the other, by force, from the summit of the mountain…”  (source)

Rig Veda 9.77.2
That ancient (Soma) flows, which the hawk, despatched (for the purpose), brought down from heaven passing through the (third) world; he detaches the sweet-flavoured (Soma) flying downwards, with mind full of fear of the archer Krisanu.”  (source)

Rig Veda 8.100.8
Suparna, rushing swift as thought, passed through the iron city: then having gone to heaven he brought the Soma to the thunderer.”  (source)

Surya’s daughter brought Soma

Rig Veda 9.113.3
The daughter of Surya brought the vast Soma large as a rain-cloud; teh Gandharvas seized upon it and placed the juice in the Soma: flow, Indu for Indra.”  (source)

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94. How Many Earths are Equal in Greatness to Indra?

Ten Earths

Rig Veda 1.52.11
O Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, Still here thy conquering might, Maghavan, would be famed: it hath waxed vast as heaven in majesty and power.”  (source)

Not even Hundred Earths

Rig Veda 8.59.5
O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine-No, not a thousand Suns could match thee at thy birth, not both the worlds, O Thunderer.”  (source)

Earth and Heaven are equal to half of him

Rig Veda 6.30.1
Indra transcendeth both the worlds in greatness: one half of him equalleth earth and heaven.”  (source)

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95. How Many Soldiers of Varchin Were Slain, and who Killed Them?

Indra killed Five hundred thousand (5,00,000) followers of Varchin

Rig Veda 4.30.15
Thou hast slain the five hundreds and thousands (of the followers) of the slave Varchin, (surrounding) him like the fellies (round the spokes of a wheel).”  (source)

Indra killed One hundred thousand (1,00,000) followers of Varchin

Rig Veda 2.14.6
and cast down the hundred thousand (descenants) of Varchin.”  (source)

Vishnu and Indra killed hundred thousand followers of Varchin

Rig Veda 7.99.5
Indra and Vishnu, you have demolished the ninety-nine strong cities of Sambara: you have slain at once, without resistance, the hundred thousand heroes of the Asura Varchin.”  (source)

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