Most Ancient Aryan Society

Author(s): Ram Chandra Jain
Publisher: Institute of Bharatalogical Research Sriganganagar Rajasthan

Page 239

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Age. If we substitute Man for Horse, the picture becomes very clear. Gaņapati, to be sacrificed in Puruşamedha for success in War, is followed by car. Men and cattle attend him. The loveliness of maidens (waits) upon him. Groups of Ganas (Vrātāsaḥ) follow him and seek his friendship. Devas themselves have been admirers of his vigour,' the vigour that was to bring the groups of Aryan Gaņas victory in war. Sāyaṇa defines Vrāta as a group and illustrates it as a group of Gaņas of Vasu and other Devas. Different Gaņas of Devas of Aryan leaders joined together to form the Vrāta for success in war. Various Vrātas formed of various Gaņas together with all their might in men and materials were in the service of Ganapati who was known as Vrātaspati or Vrātasāhā during the confederation period. Of course, also, during this confederation stage, all the beautiful and lovely maidens were also at his service to render all happiness to him at any time he so desired.
Ganapati was the supreme war lord of the Gana. When several Gaņas joined together, one of the Ganapatis
had to act, under the circumstances, as Vrātaspati
the supreme war lord of all the Gaņas and Ganapatis. He, then, was known as Vrātaspati. Rgveda uses the word Vrātasāhāḥ," for this office. Aryan heroes are referred here as powerful and mighty leaders of Vrātas. The deities in this Sūkta are Weapons, Persons and Implements employed in War. The Ķc refers to the guards (of the chariot), revelling in the savoury (spoil), distributors of food, protectors in calamity, armed with spears, resolute, beautifully arrayed, strong in arrows, invincible, of heroic valour, robest and conquerors of Vrātas. The word 'Pitarah' has been commented by Sayaņa as 'rathasya pālayitāraḥ' and translated by H. H. Wilson as 'The guards'. It should