23. Goddess Śraddhā

Like Ākuti and Medhā, Śraddhā is also a deity, representing certain state of mind. Sāyaṇācārya^[1] has understood Śraddhā as āstikyabuddhiḥ, i.e. positive state of mind. Whitney^[2] has translated Śraddhā as faith. It is the fact that faith is too much important for the fruitful commencement of any performance or for the acquisition of any knowledge. In the Vājasaneyīsaṃhitā,^[3] it is stated that unless Śraddhā has been first acquired, no one can grasp the knowledge of the truth. In the Śatapathabrāhmaṇa,^[4] Śraddhā has been coupled up with satya and is likened with the couple of Agni and ājya. The Atharvaveda^[5] has advised a sacrificer and his wife to perform Agnihotra and other daily rites with Śraddhā. In the Ṛgveda^[6] also, it is stated that it is Śraddhā by means of which Agni is kindled and oblations are offered. Again, once in the Atharvaveda,^[7] approaching Agni with sacrificial fuel, the seer implores Jātavedas to extend him both Śraddhā and Medhā.

Skambha, the Almighty Being as presented in the Atharvaveda, is spoken of as possessing Śraddhā, along with tapas, ṛta, vrata and satya in himself.^[8] The question that by whom Śraddhā and Yajña are put in one’s mind is raised in the Atharvaveda^[9] and is answered that that is the Brahman.^[10] Śraddhā also belongs to the almighty Ucchiṣṭa.^[11] Śraddhā enters into one when he is born.^[12] About Śraddhā, it is said that she along with Prajāpati, the father, the grandfather, water and Parameṣṭhī, the most exalted one formed rain^[13] and who knows thus, is obtained by Śraddhā.^[14]