Definition

Proper noun A sacred and ancient collection of Hindu hymns, verses, and liturgical texts in Sanskrit, forming the oldest and foundational layer of the Vedic scriptures. It is the first and most important of the four Vedas.

Usage

The term "Rig-Veda" is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to this specific canonical text. It is typically used in academic, religious, and historical contexts.

Examples: * Scholars study the Rig-Veda to understand early Indo-Aryan culture and religion. * Many hymns in the Rig-Veda are dedicated to deities like Agni and Indra. * The Rig-Veda is considered the oldest known religious text in an Indo-European language.

Advanced Usage

• The Rig-Veda Samhita: This phrase refers specifically to the core collection of hymns, distinguishing it from later commentaries and appendices (Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads) that are also part of the Vedic corpus.
• Rigvedic: The adjective form used to describe anything pertaining to the Rig-Veda (e.g., Rigvedic Sanskrit, Rigvedic deities).

Variants and Related Words

• Ṛgveda: An alternative transliteration from Sanskrit, more precise in representing the original pronunciation.
• Veda: The larger category of sacred knowledge to which the Rig-Veda belongs. The other three are the Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda.
• Samhita: A term for a "collection," used for the core text of each Veda.

Synonyms

• (There are no true synonyms for this unique, proper noun name of a specific text. Descriptive phrases can be used.)
• The oldest Veda
• The Veda of Hymns

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Mandala: Refers to one of the ten "books" or cycles of hymns that make up the Rig-Veda.
• Sukta: A "well-said" hymn, the individual unit of composition within the Rig-Veda.
• Rishi: The sage or seer to whom a hymn is traditionally attributed.

Noun

1. a Veda consisting of a collection of Hindu poems dating from before 2000 BC