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The Rig Veda: An Anthology
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Book Brief
352
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient India • Vedic Period
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Rig Veda: An Anthology, translated by Wendy Doniger, is a selection of 108 hymns from an ancient Sanskrit collection of religious poetry, praising Bronze Age Hindu gods, describing rituals and sacrifices, and meditating on the cosmos and divine-human relationships. Composed between 1400-900 BCE and orally transmitted for a millennium, it provides insights into early Indian mythology, philosophy, and social life.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Inspirational
Serene
Reviews & Readership
2,006 ratings
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Review Roundup
Critics praise Wendy Doniger's translation of the Rig Veda for its scholarly rigor and accessibility. Her nuanced interpretation breathes life into ancient hymns, though some purists argue her modern perspectives impose on the original text. Overall, Doniger's work bridges centuries, offering an engaging gateway to Vedic tradition.
Who Should Read Rig Veda?
A reader captivated by ancient Indian spirituality, mythology, and poetry would enjoy Rig Veda by Anonymous, translated by Wendy Doniger. Similar audiences also appreciate texts such as The Bhagavad Gita and The Odyssey, for their profound exploration of human nature and the divine.
2,006 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Agni
Agni
The personification of sacrificial fire and the domestic hearth, Agni serves as the divine mediator between humans and the Vedic deities.
The Asvins
The Asvins
Twin sons of the sun associated with fertility, they assist in childbirth and healing, and are protectors of warriors.
Asuras
Asuras
Demonic rivals of the Vedic gods, the Asuras are known for their opposition to the deities and their association with darkness and evil deeds.
Dawn (Usas)
Dawn (Usas)
The goddess of daybreak, she is celebrated for her beauty and association with Vedic sacrificial rituals.
Indra
Indra
A major deity in the Rig Veda, Indra is a warrior god known for his heroic deeds, including the defeat of Vrtra and involvement in the Soma sacrifice.
Manu
Manu
Considered the father of mankind, Manu is the primordial ancestor linked with rituals in the Rig Veda.
The Maruts
The Maruts
A brotherhood of wind gods, the Maruts are companions of Indra and notable for their heroic deeds and rivalry in Vedic hymns.
Pusan
Pusan
The god of roads and journeys, he occasionally serves as the driver of the sun and is noted for some vague familial connections.
Rudra
Rudra
A fierce and unpredictable deity, Rudra precedes Siva and is invoked separately, known for his anger and healing aspects.
Soma
Soma
A sacred drink and Vedic deity, Soma is praised as a healer and protector, significant in the Soma sacrifice.
The Sun (Sūrya and Sāvitr)
The Sun (Sūrya and Sāvitr)
Two deities representing the sun, associated with Agni and Varuna, involved in various acts of cosmic significance.
Savitr
Savitr
The personification of the rising and setting sun, Savitr is known for compelling daily activities and appearing in a gem-studded chariot.
Tvastr
Tvastr
The divine artisan and father of Indra, known for creating Indra's thunderbolt and playing a role in cosmic formation.
Varuna
Varuna
A god representing kingly sovereignty, Varuna is connected with the sun and waters, observing moral law and cosmic creation.
Visnu
Visnu
A Vedic deity known for his three great strides separating heaven and earth, laying the groundwork for cosmic creation.
Vrtra
Vrtra
A demon defeated by Indra, whose death led to the release of waters and creation of the earth and heavens.
Yama and Yami
Yama and Yami
Yama, connected with the afterlife, is known as the first mortal and King of the Dead, alongside his twin sister Yami.
352
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient India • Vedic Period
Adult
18+ years
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