Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 15

Vol. XXVII, 2004
VIŠVEDEVĀH
1. All the devatās of Rig Veda are complimentary to each other, they are not competitive. These wise rsis have called the five basic elements –ākāśa, Prthivī, Agni, Vāyu and Varuna as devatās. These devatās are natural phenomena. The rsis have further conveyed, in their own way, that the permutation and combination of these five basic elements (Pañcha-Tattva) creates all the material things and also provide subsistence to them. Naturally, it means that these devatās are complimentary to each other and not enemical to one another. None of them has any conflict of interest with others. So, rsis in suktas, offered to Viśvedevāh, have invited each and every devatā to come and accept Soma and bless them. This shows their mutual cordiality. From this it may be inferred :
- that every one is allowed to select a god for himself. This selection, it seems to imply, should be on the basis of the similarity of the characteristics of the selected devatā and the inborn traits, instincts, nature etc. of the worshipper. This is likely to be more beneficial and peace-giver. Immediately the wave lengths of the two will become the same.
- That every one is allowed to pray, besides his principal deity, any other deity or more than one deity. There is no conflict.
– That when the devatās are friends to each other, naturally, their followers cannot be enemical to each other. There is no scope for crusades, or fights between the followers of the different sects like Siyā and Sunni. History of Hindu Dharma bears it out.
2. All the devatās are equal. None of them is superior to others. The way the rsis have invited the gods to come and accept Soma clearly demonstrates that there is no order of preference or priority. All have been treated alike.
3. All devatās are merciful. Rșis invite them and request them to give them wealth, cows, horses, other animals, houses, helath, good children and anything and everything which they need. And these devatās, in their goodness, kindness and benevolence, oblige.
A question may be ventured here. Why these devatās are kind-hearted and benevolent ? Do they get pleased only by the offerings of Soma and give what is demanded ? Is there any other message which the rșis tried to convey ? Let us try to understand.
Prayers imply that you admit that the Deity is superior and more powerful than you and that you want to humour him and to win his blessings and favours. This, indirectly also means that you will obey his rules, his guidelines, his dictates.