Sambodhi 1977 Vol 06

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

Page 18

C. L. Prabhakar
Mitra is one of the three deities viz., Mitra, Aryaman and Varuna whose protetion was sought for in the sacrifice (VS3.31). Essentially Mitra destroys obstacles on the way if any, for the sacrificer. He grants useful friends (sumnitrada) worth his name.
Mitra protects the sacrificer who was identifed with prastara temporarily for want of successful completion of sacrifice. Ho protects the soma-cow that goes as price for Soma (VS 4.19). He helps to get fame also. This deity binds the feet of Soma-Cow such that no harm or loss of the cow might ensue to it. The Ukha in the Agnicayana is entrusted in his hands so that it would not break but remain safe (11.64). This would mean invoking the blessings of Mitra for the Ukha (fire-pan). Along with Varuna, he establishes the king firm in the Kingdom and protects the Law and order. He is the guardian of people (carşani dhȚtah). He inspires and impels them for work. Mitra's role, however, is significantly portrayed in the YV. YV recognised Mitra with reference to sacrifice like other deities.
AV shows a change in the phase of functions of RV deities in general. Mitra is not an exception therein. Many Vedic deities underwent changes in the hands of AV. Change is denoted by the nature of utility to which Vedic deities are subjected at the various rites of the AV. It is still a need that Myothology of AV is to be worked out exclusively in order to mark out a definite phase in the growth of Vedic deities,20
Mitra, for example, is one of the deities who is requested to help against the obstruction of the passage of urine-a charm in AV (1.1.2). Essentially, however, Mitra's nobility is maintained in AV also. Mitra removes the unlucky marks (alakşmi nāśanam) on a woman (AV 1.19.3). He destroys sins and blesses the devotees. Mitra is invoked even in certain optional rites that AV described.
Further a glance at the optional rites21 mentioned in the YV and AV reveals the various deeds that Mitra was obliged to perform. Mitra is one of the deities whose blessings are sought for certain desires like fine cyes, longevity, health, food etc., by a sacrificer. He protects Mahavir (pot) in the Pravargya ceremony (VS. 35. 5-6). Mitra bestows strength on the sacrificer (VS 33-48) and respects his desires (VS 33-42 ). He purifies the sacrificer making hin free from sins. Mitra is called, therefore, by the epithet
pütadakşam' in the SYV. (VS 33.57) in the instance of Pitrinedha. He 20 We have the book "Religion and Philosophy of AV" by Late Dr. N. J. SHENDE(my
Guru) whose scope did not permit to fulfil such a want. The Mythologies prepared
hither lo cover a vast range while they miss to fulfil such a need. 21 See FN 6 and in AV the rites mutramocanam (1.1.2), Vijaya Prarthana (1.9.1),
alakṣminisanum (1.18.2), almagopanam, rastradharanam (3.8.1) etc, have significance.