Sambodhi 1977 Vol 06

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

Page 20

C. L, Prabhakar
it is evident that Mitra is connected with all sacrifices viz., from Darsapornamāsa to Pravargya of the SYV. The personality of Mitra if described taking into consideation his activities in collaboration with Varuņa, Mitra's greatness becomes known yet clear. But the scope of this paper is limited to those references in general exclusively to Mitra.
III
As a result of the discussion, the following may be interesting :
(1) Vedic Mitra is hymned only once in a full length of sūkta in the RV. Seer Visvānitra deserves all the credit in that direction. Seer Visvamitra seems to be protogonist for fame in respect of mantra connected to dcities of Aditya group.
(2) Vedic Miira found parallels in other mythologies viz., Indo-Iranian and Avestan. Ilis character, however, docs not change much.
(3) Vedic Mitra is a solar deity belonging to celestial region. Yet his support is from the carth (sacrilicas) only.
(4) Mitra in the YV l'inds soine development and lie is regarded as a deity known for benignant looks and gracious personality favouring agaiculturists. In RV, he is known as yata yaj jana (regulating people))
(5) Mitra is recognised in all the sacrl'ices of YV. Offerings are made to him and his blessings are sought for.
(6) Vedie Mitra is a deity of day. His worship at dawn is recommended. At Sanih po pästhana, Mitra is revered during the day. Mitra is living even in respect of rites prescribed by Paddhati and prayoga of Indian ritualistic religion.
(7) Vedic Mitra is prominent in AV also. His blessings are sought even in effecting cliarms. When to inflict evil on the enemy Mitra is invoked. However, Mitra's benefic character is maintained in the AV also.
(8) Mitravindeşti designed in the Satapatha Brāhmaṇa is a mark showing the prominence of Vedic Mitra.
(9) YV identified Mitra with Brahma, the Supreme. By this, Mitra is obliged to the YV very much.