Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1270

c4.1270

Sirdar K.M. Panikar in his preface to the book “Rgvedasaṃhitā” writes thus about Ādityas: “Generally we think of Sūrya (the Sun) when we hear the word Āditya. But there are many different Ādityas in Rgveda, chief of them is Varuṇa. Though Savitā, Pūṣā and Mitra are all synonyms of Sūrya in Rgveda they are all separate devas. There is no end to the varieties of Ādityas and their prominence in the Vedas. Summarising we can say thus. The familiar devas like Indra, Agni, Varuṇa and Sūrya are not found in the same form or power as we are taught to believe. Those whom we have lowered down to the posts of the eight sentries of the universe are very prominent devatās in the Vedas. Many Ādityas have merged in Sūrya and Who will believe that the all-powerful Deva of the Rgveda and the vainglorious Indra who lives in fear of men doing penance are one and the same person?”