Vedic Mythology c5.s2.t7.1

c5.s2.t7.1

— The Waters, Āpaḥ, are lauded in four hymns of the RV. (7, 47. 49; 10, 9. 30), as well as in a few scattered verses. They are also invoked in many detached verses along with other deities. The personification is only incipient, hardly extending beyond the notion of their being mothers, young wives, and goddesses who bestow boons and come to the sacrifice. They are goddesses who follow the path of the gods (7, 47³). Indra armed with the bolt dug out a channel for them (7, 47⁴. 49¹), and they never infringe his ordinances (7, 47³). They are also said to be under the commands of Savitṛ (p. 32). They are celestial, as well as flowing in channels, and have the sea for their goal (7, 49²). It is implied that they abide where the gods are and the seat of Mitra and Varuṇa is (10, 30¹). They are beside the sun and the sun is with them (1, 23¹⁷). King Varuṇa moves in their midst, looking down on the truth and falsehood of men (7, 49³). In such passages at least, the rain-waters must be meant (HRI. 99). But the Naighaṇṭuka (5, 3) enumerates the waters among the terrestrial deities only (cp. YN. 9, 26).