Vedic influence on the Sun-worship in the Puranas

by Goswami Mitali | 2018 | 68,171 words

This page relates ‘Vivasvat (the Rising Sun)’ of the study on the Vedic influence of Sun-worship in the Puranas, conducted by Goswami Mitali in 2018. The tradition of observing Agnihotra sacrifice and the Sandhya, etc., is frequently observed among the Hindus. Another important innovation of the Sun-worship in the Puranas is the installation of the images of the Sun in the temples.—This section belongs to the series “Salient Traits of the Solar Divinities in the Veda”.

The term vivasvat, derived from vi+vas, etymologically gives the meaning shining forth. The shining aspect of the Sun-god is called Vivasvat indeed. Vivasvat is the rising Sun. In the Vedic texts, in connection with Agni and Uṣas, the term vivasvat is used,[1] which is found in the sense of brilliant. In the Śatapathabrāhmaṇa, it is clearly stated that Vivasvat is Āditya and it illumines the day and night.[2]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

cf., vivasvatā cakṣasā dyāmapaśca devā agniṃ dhārayandraviṇodām/ Ṛgvedasaṃhitā, 1.96.2

[2]:

cf., asau vā ādityo vivasvān eṣa hyahorātre vivaste// Śatapathabrāhmaṇa, 10.5.2.4

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: