The Rigveda (рдЛрдЧреНрд╡реЗрдж)
The Rigveda is the oldest and most sacred of the four Vedas, forming the ultimate source of Hindu philosophy, cosmogony, and theology. Composed in archaic Vedic Sanskrit, its core messages are compiled as hymns of praise, describing the divine ordering of the universe. In traditional scholarship, its wisdom is considered eternal and unauthored (Apaurusheya), cognized by the ancient Rishis (seers) during deep spiritual meditation.
Explore the Ten Mandalas (Books)
Click on any Mandala card to view detailed contents, associated sages (Rishis), verse counts, and key philosophical hymns.
Prathama Mandala (рдкреНрд░рдердо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
191 Hymns (Suktas) | Multiple Sages. Invocations to Agni, Indra, Mitra-Varuna, and the famous "Ekam Sat" philosophy of oneness.
Dvitiya Mandala (рджреНрд╡рд┐рддреАрдп рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
43 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Gritsamada. The oldest 'family book', focusing on the physical and spiritual aspects of cosmic Agni and Indra.
Tritiya Mandala (рддреГрддреАрдп рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
62 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Vishwamitra. Focuses on light, intellect, and contains the sacred **Gayatri Mantra** (3.62.10).
Chaturtha Mandala (рдЪрддреБрд░реНрде рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
58 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Vamadeva. Hymns for the realization of cosmic cycles, Ribhus (celestial artisans), and fire sacrifices.
Panchama Mandala (рдкрдЮреНрдЪрдо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
87 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Atri. Hymns dedicated to Ushas (dawn), Maruts (wind storms), and cosmic order (Rita).
Shastha Mandala (рд╖рд╖реНрда рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
75 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Bharadwaja. Contains chants for collective harmony, victory over dark forces, and fire offerings.
Saptama Mandala (рд╕рдкреНрддрдо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
104 Hymns (Suktas) | Sage Vashistha. Focuses on Varuna's laws and contains the **Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra** (7.59.12).
Ashtama Mandala (рдЕрд╖реНрдЯрдо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
103 Hymns (Suktas) | Kanva and Angiras Gotras. Contains mixed hymns, cosmological calculations, and prayers to Indra and Asvins.
Navama Mandala (рдирд╡рдо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
114 Hymns (Suktas) | Angiras and Saptarishis. Exclusively dedicated to **Soma Pavamana**, representing purification and divine nectar.
Dashama Mandala (рджрд╢рдо рдордгреНрдбрд▓)
191 Hymns (Suktas) | Sages (Vimada, etc.). Holds creation hymns (**Nasadiya & Purusha Sukta**), marriage, and funeral prayers.
Rigveda Chapters & Structural Subdivisions
The Rigveda corpus consists of four layers of texts, each representing a different stage of spiritual and ritual maturity:
| Text Category | Sanskrit Name | Key Chapters / Texts Included | Philosophical Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samhita | рд╕рдВрд╣рд┐рддрд╛ | 10 Mandalas, 1,028 Suktas, 10,552 Richas (verses) or 8 Ashtakas subdivided into 64 Adhyayas | Hymns of praise and cosmic mantras |
| Brahmana | рдмреНрд░рд╛рд╣реНрдордг | Aitareya Brahmana, Kaushitaki Brahmana | Sacrificial directions and prose details |
| Aranyaka | рдЖрд░рдгреНрдпрдХ | Aitareya Aranyaka, Kaushitaki Aranyaka | Meditation and symbolic meaning of rituals |
| Upanishad | рдЙрдкрдирд┐рд╖рджреН | Aitareya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad | Identity of Atman and Brahman (Philosophy) |
The information presented on this page is compiled from standard Sanskrit manuscripts, Gita Press editions, and critical academic compilations such as those from the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI). We prioritize accuracy and translation alignment with classical commentators (such as Adi Shankaracharya, Sayana, and Ramanujacharya) rather than modern interpretations.