Download Later Vedic Religion and Its Impact on Hinduism and more Study notes Ancient history in PDF only on Docsity! Q. LATER VEDIC RELIGION: by Rongsinthui Rongmei, 2nd year, MA (History ). Date 09/05/24 INTRODUCTION: The historical Vedic religion, also known as Vedicism and Vedism, constituted religious ideas and practices prevalent among the Indo- Aryan peoples of the northwest Indian subcontinent during the 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. These ideas and practices are found in the vedic text and some vedic rituals are still practised today. It is one of the major traditions which shaped Hinduism, though present day Hinduism is significantly different from the historical Vedic religion. LATER VEDIC PERIOD: The later vedic period refers to the span from 1000 BCE to 500 BCE and during this period the vedic religion had undergone a significant change, some of the old beliefs and practices of the Rig vedic continued to be in vogue. The old religious practices not only become complex but also more stereotyped. The priestly class developed a complicated mode of worship and sacrifice became common features of Superstition made its appearance in the religious sphere. The Brahmins (priestly class) established their supremacy in religious and social spheres. The early vedic gods like Varuna, Indra, Agni, Surya etc lost their importance and popularity and were worshipped with less zeal. The new gods like Prajapati, Vishnu, Rudra, siva were given special importance and became dominated in worship during the later vedic period. Prajapati, the creator who replaced purusha of Rig veda now occupied the supreme position among the later vedic gods. Rudra and Vishnu enjoyed the next position. Vishnu, who replaced Varuna of Rig Veda, was the preserver and protector of the people. Siva and Rudra are synonymous. The Siva (benevolent) later became regarded as a Mahadeva (the great god) and the lord of animals (pasupati). Pushan were now associated with the shudras as the god of cattle. These gods were repeatedly mentioned in the Vedic texts like vedic literature, Atharvaveda. Another significant change in the later vedic religion was the raising of Gandharvas, Apsaras, Nagas etc. to a semi divine rank. Snake worship became a clear feature of the religious life of later vedic people. In this period, the people believed in one supreme god and advocated monotheism. The worship of gods was mainly for material prosperity. Another change that took place during this period was in mode of worship. Elaborate and complicated rituals and sankaras were introduced during this period which necessitated the existence of the priestly class. Sacrifice became the all important thing in worship and assumed both public and domestic character, which were associated with certain formulae and rituals. People believe that right performance of rituals and correct pronunciation of mantras could not only please the
