RV 90 (5)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 This Purusa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be; 3 So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Purusa. 4 With three−fourths Purusa went up: onefourth of him again was here. 5 From him Viraj was born; again Purusa from Viraj was born. 6 When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Purusa as their offering, 7 They balmed as victim on the grass Purusa born in earliest time. 8 From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up. 9 From that great general sacrifice Rcas and Sama−hymns were born: 10 From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth: 11 When they divided Purusa how many portions did they make? 12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made. 13 The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; 14 Forth from his navel came mid−air the sky was fashioned from his head 15 Seven fencing−sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared, 16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the carliest holy ordinances.

RV 90 (5) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

Worship Nature The Divine Strength

Worship in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hellenism address it.

And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Numbers 29:31 · Bible · Numbers

Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

Quran 109:5 · Quran · The Unbelievers

Whatever a man sacrifice in this world as an offering or as an oblation for a whole year in order to gain merit, the whole of it is not worth a quarter (a farthing); reverence shown to the righteous is better.

Dhp 8.108 · Dhammapada · The Thousands

Full fifty more from Athens stem the main, Led by Menestheus through the liquid plain. (Athens the fair, where great Erectheus sway’d, That owed his nurture to the blue-eyed maid, But from the teeming furrow took his birth, The mighty offspring of the foodful earth. Him Pallas placed amidst her wealthy fane, Adored with sacrifice and oxen slain; Where, as the years revolve, her altars blaze, And all the tribes resound the goddess’ praise.) No chief like thee, Menestheus! Greece could yield, To marshal armies in the dusty field, The extended wings of battle to display, Or close the embodied host in firm array. Nestor alone, improved by length of days, For martial conduct bore an equal praise.

Iliad 2.41 · Iliad · 2

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