History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c91.235.4

v7.c91.235.4

3 first half) the word 'mantra' appears to mean 'consultations, holding counsel together'. In Ṛg I 20 4, Ṛbhus are called 'satyamantrāḥ' and are said to have made their parents young. There are controversies about what the Ṛbhus stand for and it is difficult to say what is meant by 'satyamantrāḥ' in relation to Ṛbhus. Ṛg. VII 76. 4. is a¹⁶⁰⁹ somewhat enigmatic verse. It means 'they (Aṅgirases) alone, (our) ancient pitṛs, learned (or wise) and following the right path, enjoyed companionship among gods and they found out the Light (the Sun) concealed (by Svarbhānu, eclipse); they, whose mantras were true, brought forth Uṣas'. In some passages where other words like *stoma* or *brahma* are used, there is mention of the stoma or brahma being made and polished by the devotee (e. g. X. 39. 14 'etam vām stomam-Aśvināvakar-mātaksāma bhrgavo na ratham') Vide Ṛg. I 62. 13 for 'navyam ataksad brahma', Ṛg. V. 29.15 (Indra brahma kriyamānā jusasva śavistha yā te navyā akarma), brahmakrtah (composers of prayers or praises) are mentioned in Ṛg. VII 32 2 and X. 50. 7.