Sambodhi 1977 Vol 06

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 17

Vedic Mitra
YV ascribes certain qualities to Mitra also like to any other deity. A few of them may be noted below. The qualities here again, seem to be mostly with reference to sacrfice und sacrificer ulike RV. No Vedic deity exists independent of sacrifice. Moreover, the very emergence of the cntire Mythology of Veda owes its origin to sacrifice only.
Mitra is respected in view of his pleasing appearance and personality. Mitra is a desire of the sacrilicer and therefore the latter wishes that Mitra should be prosperous by virtue of sacritice (VS 18.17). Such a desire referring to the prosperity of Mitra is ficquently mentioned in YV, Mitra is bright (deva) known for lustre (te jas). AV regarded this feature of Mitra worth a comparison (u pomā).17
Mitra has eye and with that graceful eye, the priest at the sacrifice is asked to cye the sacrificer. Herein the Mitra is worth the comparison 1 in the YV.
Mitra is brave and victorious. YV points out a few references indicating his past in the form of mythica! greatness.
He is Lord of Truth (Satyanan adhipatil), a star (anürādha, T.S. 4.1.9) and osudhi (T.S. 2.1.9). He is a sustainer of Law (Rtarrdh). The Brāhmana text describes (5.3.2.4) Mitra to represent priesthood (Brahma) wliile Varna royalty (kşatru). Brahma is known in Veda eminence in knowledge, intelligence and sacrifice. Kşatra stood for skill in administration and allicd crafts of the society. Varuņa is a king (Paruno rājā) as described in Vcda.
Mitra is capable of destorying enemies. He obviates sins. He cures diseases even. These traits of Mitra arc commonly mentioned in YV as well as AV. Mitra controls rain (AV 5.24.5). Thus he is indispensable for agriculturists. Mitra acclaims a place of significance for worship in YV even as conjoined with Varuna.
There are references in YV that describe Mitra's other qualities that commend the devotees of YV to worship him in sacrifices unfailingly.
Having been praised, Mitra is obliged to perform certain functions in favour of the worshippers. He has mainly sacrificial and protective functions. Mitra is capable of performing certain such functions that are common with other deities even. 16 for details Sce G. V. DEVASTHALI "Religion and Philosopay of Brahmanas", Poona 17 AV 19.49.2 (Also see Tr. Griffith Vol. 11) Also Kavi and Kavya in the AV"
Dr. N. J. SHENDE, Poona 1967. 18 VS 5.34 : (mitraspa ma caksışā ikgadhvan) 19 Sec SB 4.1.4. 1-4 : A discussion on the relative superiority between Brahma and
Kşatra is found. The reasoning ultimately tends to speak interdependence.