[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v1.c3.s21.908 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.908 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.908 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.s21.908](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v1.c3.s21.907](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.907) - [Next: v1.c3.s21.909](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.909) - [Up: v1.c3.s21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21) ## Linked texts (1) - [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.908](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.908) · Pramāṇa