The Arctic Home in the Vedas c2.29

c2.29

Direct evidence for the Arctic theory summed up —Different nature of the Mythological evidence —Schools of mythological interpretation —The naturalistic or the Nairukta school —Its theories —The Dawn theory and the myths explained by it —The Storm theory, Indra and Vṛitra —The Vernal theory, the Ashvins’ exploits —Vṛitra’s legend usually explained by the Storm theory —Simultaneous effects of Indra’s conquest over Vṛitra —The release of waters, the release of cows, the recovery of the dawn and the production of the sun —Vedic authorities in support of their simultaneous character —Passages relating to the place and time of the conflict —The simultaneous nature left unexplained by the Dawn or the Storm theory —Battle not fought in the atmosphere above, as implied by the Storm theory —Nor in the rainy season —Misinterpretation of words like *parvata*, *giri*, *adri*, &c. —The Storm theory inadequate in every respect —New explanation necessary —The real nature of waters explained —They are aerial or celestial waters, and not the waters of rain —Vedic bards knew of a region ‘below the three earths’ —The contrary view of Wallis refuted —The real meaning of *rajas*, *Nir-riti*, *ardhau* and *samudram* explained —Cosmic circulation of aerial waters —Nether world, the home of aerial waters —Avestic passages describing the circulation of waters cited and explained —Sarasvatî and Ardvi Sûra Anâhita are celestial rivers —The source of all plants and rain —The real nature of Vṛitra’s fight —Simultaneous release of waters and light is intelligible, if both have the same source —Both stopped by Vṛitra’s encompassing the waters in the lower world —The closing of the apertures in the mountains (*parvatas*) on the horizon —The movement of the waters and the sun co-related