RAS question
Which deity is praised the most in the Rigveda with the maximum number of hymns dedicated to him?
Correct answer: (D) Indra.
Indra is the Rigvedic deity praised in the largest number of hymns, with about 250 hymns dedicated to him.
Explanation
Indra receives the highest prominence in the Rigveda because the Rigveda is a collection of hymns. eGyanKosh, Unit 2: Sources of Ancient Indian History describes the Rigveda as containing 10 mandalas, 1,028 suktas and about 10,580 shlokas, identifies Indra as its main deity, and gives the relevant figure of about 250. Agni comes next with about 200 hymns, so Agni is important but not the highest. Indra's profile as the god of thunder and war, and the title Purandara, meaning destroyer of forts, explain why he is a central figure in early Vedic religious imagery.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Agni is a major Rigvedic deity, but he comes second with about 200 hymns, below Indra's about 250.
- (B) Varuna has lower Rigvedic prominence than Indra, who is treated as the main deity of the Rigveda.
- (C) Soma does not have the maximum hymn count; Indra has about 250 hymns dedicated to him.
Concept
Vedic religious history includes the relative prominence of Rigvedic deities. Deity-count facts help distinguish early Vedic religion from later religious developments.