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Rigveda

Rigveda

9.9
A collection of ancient Sanskrit hymns used in Hindu worship
  • proper noun
  • /rɪɡˈveɪdə/
  • Literature
translation icon : Rigveda
  • The Rigveda, composed over three thousand years ago, is a foundational text in Hindu sacred literature.

Examples

  • The Rigveda shows that the Indians divided the year into 360 days, and the year was subdivided into 12 months of 30 days.

    Blog text (17)
  • See e.g., the Vedic creation myth (Rigveda, Hymn 129).

    Blog text (32)
  • The first records of sophisticated astronomy in India date back to at least 2000 BCE, where they are found in the Rigveda (c. 1700-1100 BCE), one of the primary and foremost texts of Hinduism.

    Blog text (17)
  • In many rituals today, verses from the Rigveda are recited as offerings to the gods.

  • Scholars believe the Rigveda provides insights into the religious and cultural life of ancient India.

Synonyms

Rig-Veda
vsRigveda
  • Literature
9.9

A very old Hindu book of hymns and poems in Sanskrit

is the identical name but written without a hyphen

Surface Forms

Rigveda main

Etymology

Rigveda comes from two Sanskrit parts: Rig meaning 'hymn' or 'praise' and Veda meaning 'knowledge' or 'sacred learning'. So, it means 'knowledge of hymns', which helps you remember that the Rigveda is a collection of ancient religious hymns.