Book Title: Most Ancient Aryan Society
Author(s): Ram Chandra Jain
Publisher: Institute of Bharatalogical Research Sriganganagar Rajasthan
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like Parjanya and considered himself the incarnation of Parjanya and in course of time Parjanya itself. Similar was the case with Dyaus, Uşā and others.
This aspect of the phenomenon of nature stands in special relationship with the Aryans, Bhaga signified
w productive capacity of Sun. Sun, like Bhaga -The Sun
" Fire, was of utmost importance to Aryans for their economic life. In the northern mountainous regions, Sun had special charm and utility. It helped them in their migrations and in the rearing of flocks and herds of cattle. Sun was their effective agent in transforming their hunting and food gathering life to that of cattle-rearing life. Cattle could prosper there where Sun was bountiful. This aspect of Sun was called Bhaga. Bhaga is an Aditya like Sun. Bhaga is Savitri.? Bhaga is Cattle.' Cattle was wealth. Āryans knew only cattle as wealth. Cattle are known as wealth even today in certain parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujerat. Bhaga was wealth. What is enjoyable (Bhajanīyam) is Bhaga. Sāyaṇa comments it as Wealth or Food but it may denote Cattle also. When Bhaga was later ritualised; it became Deva of Wealth, of riches. Bhaga is sustainer of world and giver of riches. Bhaga is faithful promisor of wealth, giver of cattle and horses, wealth and riches. Bhaga comes with wealth. Adorer invokes Bhaga for protection and solicits him for wealth. Bhaga distributes desirable wealth. Agni as Bhaga rulest over wealth. Bhaga comes to sacrifice as fleetest coursers run to battle. Bhaga is lord of wealth and conquerer of riches. Bhaga, apportioner of wealth, comes with abundance and protection. Bhaga is bestower of Prosperity. Bhaga is giver of riches. Verily, Bhaga, to be adored by men who, abounding in wealth, distributes treasures. Mother of Bhaga, Āditi, is adored to give riches which Bhaga may
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