The Rig Veda: An Anthology

This chapter contains 12 hymns centering on gods associated with the sun. Many Vedic deities have solar characteristics. Some are personifications of the sun, such as Surya and Savitr, while others relate to natural phenomena, such as Usas, the dawn. Still others connect to the sun through metaphorical associations. Visnu, Agni, and Soma have strong solar associations; other mysterious divinities, such as Vena, by turns equate with Soma and the sun. The sun himself has different names as he appears in different guises: Surya, in his fiery aspect, is akin to Agni, while Savitr, “the Impeller” or “[chariot] driver,” is the god of the morning and the setting sun who demarcates hours and seasons. The Asvins, twin horsemen, are associated with the morning pressing of Soma, and, by extension, with the dawn. They often appear in Vedic myth following or accompanying the Dawn.

The first hymn (1.92) describes the unfolding of Dawn in a series of lyrical images. In the poem’s central metaphor, Dawn harnesses cows or horses to her chariot, which brings wealth and prosperity to men.