- Description
- Curriculum
- Reviews
The Rigveda, one of the most ancient and revered texts, serves as the bedrock of Hinduism and stands as a treasure trove of ancient Indian wisdom. Comprising 1028 suktas (hymns), it addresses a wide spectrum of subjects, including cosmology, philosophy, rituals, social order, and morality. Among these, the creation hymns hold a particularly profound significance, delving into the origins of the universe, the nature of existence, and the divine forces at work.
The Atharvaveda, another key Vedic text, also touches upon cosmology and other related topics. The creation hymns in these texts have had a lasting influence on later Indian philosophical and religious thought, serving as foundational texts for understanding early Vedic cosmology and theology. Their depth, both literary and philosophical, continues to inspire study and reverence, far beyond their religious importance.
Certain suktas in these texts offer a contemplative exploration of creation, cosmology, and the intricate relationship between the divine and the natural world. In this insightful album, Prof. Gauri Mahulikar, the Academic Director of the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), delves into five unique suktas that explore the creation of the universe:
1. Purusha Sukta (RV 10.90) – With 24 mantras, this hymn describes the cosmic being, Purusha, whose sacrifice leads to the creation of all existence.
2. Nasadiya Sukta (RV 10.129) – Comprising 7 mantras, this hymn ponders the mystery of creation, questioning what existed before the universe and how it came into being.
3. Hiranyagarbha Sukta (RV 10.121) – With 10 mantras, this hymn celebrates Hiranyagarbha, the golden embryo, as the cosmic seed from which all creation springs.
4. Aditi Sukta (RV 10.72) – This hymn, with 9 mantras, honors Aditi, the divine mother, who is the source of all creation.
5. Skambha Sukta (AV 10.7) – Comprising 44 mantras, this profound hymn explores Skambha, the cosmic pillar or support of the universe, and reflects on the interconnectedness between various aspects of creation and the divine.
Highlights of the Album:
– An introduction to Vedic suktas in general, with a special focus on the creation hymns.
– In-depth exploration of five key suktas that reveal ancient Vedic perspectives on creation and cosmology.
– Etymology, word-by-word meanings, and translations of selected suktas.
– Insights into the relationship between the divine and the natural world.
– Various interpretations and philosophical reflections on the creation hymns.
This album contains a series of lectures by Prof. Gauri Mahulikar, recorded during the Srishti Suktas webinar held at Adi Sankara Nilayam in 2024, offering a rich commentary on these timeless hymns.
