2019, Vol. 4 Issue 1, Part A
A̅paḥ in ṛgveda
Author(s): Astha
Abstract: The language of Veda is indirect, suggestive, symbolic, metaphorical and full of figures of speech. In Veda, so many words have been used for water, as - ArnÌ£hÌ£, KshodyahÌ£, KshadyahÌ£, Salilam, extras. These names have been given on quality basis. As we know the physical form of water in our day to day life but water has a different form also which is philosophical and called AÌ…pahÌ£. The common meaning of AÌ…pahÌ£ is water but in RÌ£gveda it is used in a symbolic form. As mentioned in the RÌ£gveda, Aditi is the basic element and it is in trivargiÌ… form (Impact, Community and Collective form)1. From the trivargiÌ… form of Aditi, when three elements become active then AÌ…pahÌ£ become the symbol of active state. So the meaning of AÌ…pahÌ£ is the active state of basic element (muÌ…ltattava). On this place if we take the meaning of AÌ…pahÌ£ as water then the motif will disappear. The symbolic meaning of AÌ…pahÌ£ derived from the root Äplá¹›vyÄptau (svÄdigaṇaparasmaipada).2 is fully appropriate for the universal principle. AÌ…pahÌ£ is used in Veda in wide form. So let see its form in vedic sÅ«ktas.