Question

Sukta was known as hymns of which of the following Vedic books?

• A. Samaveda
• B. Atharvaveda
• C. Yajurveda
• D. Rigveda

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Rigveda

Vedic Literature: The Rigveda and Suktas

The Rigveda: A Cornerstone of Vedic Tradition

• The Rigveda is the oldest and one of the most important of the four Vedas, considered a foundational text of Hinduism.

• It is primarily a collection of hymns (suktas) dedicated to various Vedic deities.

• The Rigveda is estimated to have been composed between 1500 BCE and 1200 BCE, making it one of the oldest extant religious texts in the world.

Suktas: Poetic Hymns of Praise

• Sukta (Sanskrit: sūkta) literally means 'well-said' or 'good hymn'.

• These are poetic compositions, typically consisting of verses (mantras or ṛc), that praise and invoke the deities.

• The hymns in the Rigveda are arranged in ten books (Mandalas).

• Suktas were central to the Vedic rituals and ceremonies, chanted by priests during sacrifices (yajnas).

Key Deities Praised in Rigvedic Suktas

• Prominent deities invoked in the Rigvedic suktas include:

  • Indra: The king of the gods, god of thunder, storms, and war. He is the most frequently invoked deity in the Rigveda.

  • Agni: The god of fire, messenger between humans and gods.

  • Soma: A ritual drink and the deity associated with it.

  • Surya: The sun god.

  • Varuna: The god of cosmic order and justice.

  • Vayu: The god of wind.