Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘Introduction to Samhita literature’ 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.
Introduction to Saṃhitā literature
Saṃhitā literally means ‘put together, joined, union’, a ‘collection’, and ‘a methodically rule-based combination of texts or verses. Saṃhitā also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the Vedas, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers, litanies and benedictions. Saṃhitā means collection or collection of mantras.[1]
In the Saṃhitā literature, rivers played an important role. The rivers are worshipped as god and goddess in the Saṃhitā literature.Waters and the rivers are referred with great respect in the Saṃhitā literature. So many rivers are found in the different Saṃhitās like Ṛgdvedasaṃhitā, Vājasaneyīsaṃhitā and Atharvavedasaṃhitā. The following rivers are described in the various Saṃhitās of the Vedas—The Sarasvatī, the Sindhu, the Yamunā, the Gaṅgā, the Vipāśā, the Śutudrī, the Sarayu and so on. Among them, more emphasis is given on the river Sarasvatī.