Author: John Garrett

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 9781230338309

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... of the proceedings, and of identifying her with Vach, the goddess of speech. At least, I have no other explanation to offer of this double character and identification. Sarasvati is frequently invited to the sacrifices along with other goddesses Ila, Main', Varutri, who however were not, like her, river nymphs, but personifications of Eome department of religious worship or sacred science. Iu many of the passages where- Sarasvati is celebrated, her original character is distinctly preserved. Thus in two places she is mentioned along with rivers, or fertilizing waters. She is spoken of as having seven sisters, as one of seven rivers, and as the mother of streams. In another place she is said to pour on her fertilizing waters, to surpass all other rivers, and to flow pure from the mountains to the sea. She is called the best of mothers, of rivers, and of goddesses. In the later mythology, as is well known, Sarasvati was identified with Vach, and became, under different names, the spouse of Brahma, and the goddess of wisdom and eloquence, and is invoked as a Muse. In the Mahabharata she is called the mother of the Vedns, and the same is said of Vach in the Taitt. Br. In the Santiparva it is related that when the Brahmarshis were performing ansterities, prior to the creation of the universe, "a voice derived from Brahma entered into the ears of them all; the celestial Sarasvati was then produced from the heavens."-- 0. S, T., V, 337-343. SaragU or Sarju--A river, commonly identified with the Deva; but though identical through great part of their course, they rise as different streams, and again divide and enter the Ganges by distinct branches. Sardhawa--Confidence. One of the Charitas, or states of mind, which the Bnddhist priest is tanght...