History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c95.150.1

v7.c95.150.1

The word *karma* occurs in the Ṛgveda over forty times. In some passages it appears to mean 'exploits' or 'valiant deeds' as in the following: 'Observe the exploits of Viṣṇu' (Ṛg. I. 22. 19), 'proclaim by your word (or verses) the²⁴⁸⁸ ancient deeds of Him (Indra) who is worthy of praise' (Ṛg. I. 61. 13); 'that deed of his (of Indra), who is wonderful, is most worthy of worship, that deed is most beautiful, that he filled with sweet waters of four rivers' (Ṛg. I. 62. 6); 'who is firm in each exploit' (Ṛg. I. 101. 4); 'O Indra! four are your divine and unconquerable names,... under which you performed exploits' (Ṛg. X. 54. 4); 'O Aśvins! frequent drinkers of delicious Soma and Lords of splendour, you helped (or protected) Indra in his exploits against Namuci, son of Asura (or of the Asura breed)' in Ṛg. X 131. 4. In several other passages of the Ṛgveda 'karma' means 'religious works' (such as sacrifices or gifts); '(the gods) accept (or like) all works of this poet who brings to you a hymn of praise'²⁴⁸⁹ (Ṛg. I. 148. 2); (O Indra), give your ear to (the prayer) of Śyāvāśva who offers Soma to you, as you listened to (the prayers of) Atri who performed religious works' (Ṛg. VIII. 36. 7), O pure Soma! with thy help our ancient and wise forefathers performed works' (Ṛg. IX. 96. 11). In very ancient times Heaven was believed to be the place for enjoying the rewards of most works.