The Rig Veda: An Anthology

The Soma sacrifice is the most important ritual in the Rig Veda and the subject of hundreds of Vedic hymns. What images, metaphors, and similes describe the preparation of the sacred beverage, and how do they relate to each other? Describe the mythology of the god Soma as elaborated in the hymns of the text.

Describe the important elements of the sacrifice in Vedic religion. What roles do Agni and his priests play in the sacrifice? How does the Rig Veda depict the origins of the sacrifice?

The Rig Veda abounds in creation stories such as the Golden Embryo (10.121), Purusa, the Primordial Man (10.90), the All-Maker (10.81-2), and Indra’s killing of Vrtra and release of the waters (1.32). Some of these are closely related, sharing similar structures while differing in detail; others represent a very different view of the origins of the universe. Compare and contrast several of these creation myths, analyzing significant differences, such as whether the story reflects a monistic or dualistic viewpoint, and a personal or impersonal view of the Creator.