Mitra (Vedic Deity)
Mitra is a Vedic deity described in the Rigveda as an Āditya who sustains cosmic order and human society.
Etymology and Epithets
Mitra is referred to as an "Āditya" (3-59:2, 3-59:3, 3-59:5), indicating his membership in the class of solar deities. He is called "God" (3-59:6), "King" and "Disposer" (3-59:4), and is described as "Holy" (3-59:4).
Cosmic Functions
Mitra maintains fundamental cosmic order, as he "sustaineth both the earth and heaven" (3-59:1). His glory "spreads afar" and "in might surpasses heaven" while surpassing "earth in his renown" (3-59:7). He is described as "ever strong to aid" and "sustaineth all the Gods" (3-59:8).
Relationship with Humanity
Oversight of Human Activity
Mitra "beholdeth men with eyes that close not" (3-59:1), suggesting constant vigilance over human affairs. He "stirreth men to labour" (3-59:1) and more broadly "stirreth men" (3-59:5), indicating his role in motivating human activity.
Protection of Devotees
Those who follow Mitra receive his protection: "He whom thou helpest ne'er is slain or conquered, on him, from near or far, falls no affliction" (3-59:2). This protection extends particularly to those "who strives to keep thy sacred Law" (3-59:2).
Provider of Sustenance
Mitra is described as a "supporter of the race of man" (3-59:6) who "Gives food fulfilling sacred Law" to "Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass" (3-59:9). He shows special favor to those "who brings thee food" (3-59:2).
Worship and Ritual
Offerings
Worshippers are instructed to "bring, with holy oil, oblation" to Mitra (3-59:1) and to "offer in fire oblation that he loveth" (3-59:5). The text emphasizes bringing "food" as offerings (3-59:2).
Posture and Devotion
Devotees approach Mitra "with knees bent lowly on the earth's broad surface" (3-59:3), demonstrating humility. They seek to remain "in Mitra's gracious favour" (3-59:3) and "enjoy the grace of him the Holy" (3-59:4).
Universal Worship
"All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra" (3-59:8), indicating widespread veneration across different groups.
Birth and Dominion
Mitra "was born with fair dominion" (3-59:4), suggesting inherent sovereignty from birth
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