The 164th sūkta of the first maṇḍala of the Rigveda and related discussions in the Taittirīya Saṃhitā of the Yajurveda provide profound insights into the ancient Vedic understanding of the rainfall process. These texts interpret the cycle of rain through cosmic principles and observations of nature, blending scientific reasoning with spiritual symbolism. Three significant ṛks (verses) from this sūkta explain the Vedic perspective on rainfall:

1. Saptaṛdha and the Cycle of Rain

The first verse, 'Saptārdha garbhāḥ bhuvanasya reto Viṣṇostiṣṭhanti pradīśā vidharmāḥ...', refers to the rays of the sun as the carriers of water. The sun’s heat absorbs water from the earth, symbolized as saptaṛdha, which is interpreted as the period of six months and half of the seventh. During this period, the sun accumulates water capable of nourishing the earth and stores it until the monsoon season. The process highlights the sun’s vital role in maintaining the balance between earth and sky, with the rays acting as conduits.

2. Movement of Waters Along the Path of Ṛta

The second ṛk, 'Kṛṣṇam niyānam harayaḥ suparṇāḥ...', describes the movement of water along the sun’s path, referred to as ṛta, a cosmic order. The verse suggests that the sun, during its apparent movement towards the south gathers waters. As it turns back northward, the humid air and waters are carried upwards and then released as rainfall. This movement correlates with the natural phenomena of the sun’s apparent northward and southward journey during the year.

This phenomenon aligns with the modern understanding of the Indian monsoon system, where the southwest winds bring moisture-laden air to the subcontinent.

3. Parjanya and the Delivery of Rain

The third ṛk, 'Samānametat ukamuccaitaya cāhabhiḥ...', describes the role of Parjanya, the rain deity, in bringing rain to the earth. The waters, gathered by the rays of the sun, are carried upwards by Agni (fire) and returned to the earth as rain. This cyclical process of evaporation and precipitation reflects the Vedic understanding of the hydrological cycle. It also emphasizes balance and periodicity, as rains occur during specific seasons based on cosmic rhythms.

Ṛta and the Movement of Agni

The concept of ṛta, which represents the cosmic order, plays a vital role in the Vedic explanation of rainfall. Agni, in the form of solar heat, moves along the path of ṛta, gathering water from the oceans and releasing it as rain. This movement mirrors the dynamic balance between heat, water, and air, creating a harmonious interplay that sustains life on earth.

From Ramayana

The Vedic descriptions of rainfall find parallels in later texts, such as the Ramayana. A verse from the Ayodhyakāṇḍa describes how clouds form when the sun turns back southward after its northern journey:
'When the sun, after moving northwards, turns back to the south, thick clouds appeared in all directions.'
This verse echoes the ṛks of the Rigveda, emphasizing the interconnection between cosmic movements and natural phenomena.

The interaction between Soma and Agni is an essential concept in Vedic thought, particularly in the context of the rainfall process. Here’s how Soma and Agni interact and their roles in causing rain:

Agni (Fire) and Its Role

Agni represents heat, energy, and transformation. In the context of rain, Agni symbolizes the sun’s rays, which play a crucial role in the evaporation process. The sun (Agni) absorbs water from the earth, rivers, and oceans, transforming it into vapor that rises into the atmosphere. This process is described as Agni 'taking the waters' upward to the heavens.

Soma (Water/Moon) and Its Role

Soma symbolizes the essence of life, water, and nourishment. It represents the rain and the vital fluids that sustain life on Earth. After Agni gathers water and sends it to the heavens, Soma embodies the condensed form of these waters in the form of clouds. In Vedic cosmology, Soma also symbolizes the moon, which is linked to the control of water and tides, reinforcing its connection to the rainfall cycle.

Interaction Between Soma and Agni

The interaction between Agni and Soma is cyclical and complementary:

1. Agni as the Giver: Agni (sun’s heat) takes water from the earth to the heavens, symbolizing evaporation.
2. Soma as the Receiver: Soma collects this water in the form of clouds, symbolizing condensation.
3. Parjanya as the Deliverer: Through the influence of Parjanya (rain deity), the water stored by Soma in the clouds is returned to the earth as rain, completing the hydrological cycle.

This interaction between Agni (heat) and Soma (water) represents the balance and harmony in nature. Agni transforms the physical water into vapor, while Soma restores it to the earth as life-giving rain.

Agni and Soma in the Context of Ṛta

The process is governed by Ṛta, the cosmic order. Agni (heat) operates in alignment with Ṛta, ensuring the upward movement of water during certain seasons (evaporation). Soma, in turn, aligns with Ṛta by nourishing the earth with rains at the right time. This interplay reflects a perfect balance in nature’s cycles, where fire (heat) and water (rain) complement each other.

Knowledge Bank

Meaning of Lomaharshana

Lomaharshana is also known as Romaharshana. Loma or roma in Sanskrit means hair. Harsha means goosebumps. Lomaharshana is the first Suta, the narrator of the Puranas. His narration was so exciting that the audience used to get goosebumps.

Why is Vasudeva significant in Chaturatma?

Vasudeva represents the supreme aspect of Vishnu, associated with Krishna, symbolizing the all-pervading essence and highest reality in Vaishnavism.