Sambodhi 1977 Vol 06

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

Page 19

Vedic Mitra
makes the sacrificer to stick to Truth (VS 9.39). He protects the world (SB 6.5.4.14). He grants finally heaven (Svarga) to the sacrificer as he offers the Asvastomiya oblations in Aývamedha sacrifice (SB 13.1.3.3).
Thus the various functions mentioned above indicate Mita's support during rituals. AV, on the other hand, assigned Mitra a place in charms against evil and soon.
Vedic Mitra is further described to enjoy good relations with other deities like Agni, Varuna, Sürya etc., in the YV. He encourages the sacrifice with the co-operation of the said deities.
Mitra is great in view of the myths mentioned in the YV. A few myths referring to him may be cited below:
Mitra won Trvrt soma with nine mystic syllables (VS 9.33). At Pravargya, Mitra is related22 with the Mahavira (pot) on the ninth day. The number ning seems to be favourite to Mitra. This myth is cited in the portion of the Vajapeya with a view probably that the sacrif'icer shall attain similar victory.
Mitra combined earth and heaven with light (jyoti)23 and presented it to Adhvaryu. This myth is mentioned in the Agnicayana at a rite viz., clay is mixed with goat's hair (VS 11,53) synibolically.
Mitra was given with the Ukha. This is cited in connection with the making of Ukha in that sacrifice (Agnicayana).
These myths are relevant to the situations. Moreover, as the Brāhmanas reiterate, the gods are the originators of sacrifice in the world (devavai Yajñam atanuta). Mitra would have his share in such undertaking.
Mitra together with Varuņa has also certain common references in the YV. They are larger in number also. For example, it is said Mitra together with Varuna climbed the Chariot (a rite) in the Rājasüya (VS 10.16): Mitra together with Varuņa bestowed speech on the priests (T 56.1--4) and so on.
Mitra was one who out of jealousy robbed away the nobility (Ksatra) from Śri, the daughter of Prajapati (SB 9.4.3.1) But he returned that to her when he received an oblation in the rite viz., Mitrayindeşti. This episode testifies the weakness (viz. asüya) in Mitra which is originally made normal to human beings.
Unfortunately no details in elaboration of the myths in general of the sarnhitās could be found after the samhita literature. As a result one is constrained to be contented with mere citations of those myths. However, 22 VS 9.33 and 39.6: Also Mahichara's commentary on those Kandikus, 23 Vide Com. Matridhara Vs 1.5, 3.