Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.908

v1.c3.s21.908

Pitṛ, common from the Rigveda onwards, denotes ‘father,’ not so much as the ‘begetter’ (*janitṛ*),¹ but rather as the protector of the child, this being probably also the etymological sense of the word.² The father in the Rigveda³ stands for all that is good and kind. Hence Agni is compared with a father,⁴ while Indra is even dearer than a father.⁵ The father carries his son in his arms,⁶ and places him on his lap,⁷ while the child pulls his garment to attract attention.⁸ In later years the son depends on his father for help in trouble,⁹ and greets him with joy.¹⁰