Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘3b. Sarasvati and Sarasvan’ of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.
3b. Sarasvatī and Sarasvān
In the Śatapathabrāhmaṇa, Sarasvān represents manas (mano vai sarasvān) and Sarasvatī Vāk (vāk sarasvatī). It also speaks of two Sārasvatas as two fountains.[1] The identification of Sarasvān and Sarasvatī with manas and Vāk, respectively, has been asserted in another kāṇḍa in clear terms.[2] Thus, manas and Vāk are brought into close relation with each other.
Sāyaṇācārya commented on this as‒
manas cai v’tyadi. asya yajñasarīrasya imau…………..iti jāniyad iti arthaḥ.[3]
Sarasvān is described as Sarasvatīvān and Bhāratīvān in the Aitareyabrāhmaṇa.[4] Sarasvatī has been invited repeatedly to the sacrifice and, as Vāk, has also been identified with it.[5] As having Sarasvatī, i.e. Vāk, or speech, Sarasvān is called Sarasvativān, and as having Bhāratī, i.e. Prāṇa or breath, which sustains the body, he is described as Bhāratīvān.[6]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
sārasvatā’u tva’tsau | Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, 7.5.1.31
[2]:
Ibid., 11.2.6.3
[3]:
Sāyaṇācārya’s com.on lbid.
[6]:
sarasvatī vāk, sā’syā’stīti…. paṅvāpākhyaṃ havir attu..| Sāyaṇācārya’s com. on Aitareya Brāhmaṇa, 2.24