[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Religion and philosophy](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion) › [The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925) › v1.c19.s1.3 # The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads v1.c19.s1.3 The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads v1.c19.s1.3 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c19.s1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1.3) The essential features of the Ṛbhus is their connexion with Indra, through whom they are also connected with the Maruts and obtain a share of the Soma drink, which, however, in the ritual is whittled down to a share in an invocation to Indra. With other gods they have but slight connexion such as the Mountains, Rivers, the Ādityas, Savitṛ, and Tvaṣṭṛ. Their chief distinction is their skill, which wins them the favour of Indra and immortality, for they are distinctly regarded as men of the air, who earned for themselves immortality by their deeds, not as from the beginning divine. The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa¹ states they obtained their position by means of austerities, a view which of course entirely agrees with the priestly estimate of the due means of securing divine rank, but which ignores the older and simpler conception of their skill as the adequate cause. Having attained that position, they are addressed as gods, and are besought to bestow boons on their worshippers, including the dexterity which is theirs specially: they also aid in battle. - [Previous: v1.c19.s1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1.2) - [Next: v1.c19.s1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1.4) - [Up: v1.c19.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.keith-1925.v1.c19.s1.3) · Pramāṇa