SUBJECT MATTER BUT ARE NOT CONVERSANT WITH THE LANGUAGE OF THIS BOOK AN ENGLISH SUMMARY IS PRESENTED IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES : QUOTATIONS FROM RIG-VEDA ARE GIVEN IN ITALICS. REFERENCE GIVEN IS: MANDALA.SUKTA.RICHA BIRTH OF INDRA / 1 2 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-2 PREFACE It is quite uncommon, perhaps even strange, that an author writes a summary in English of his book written in vernacular language. In the present case, however, the strange or uncommon subject matter of the book compelled me to take this decision. It was quite a dilemma to choose the language and the form of this book. The book could well have been written in English, but I thought that the feelings I wanted to express would come out well and naturally in my mother-tongue, Marathi. The fact, however, remained that the subject matter of the book was of interest not only to the Indians as a nation but a small and world-wide scholarly community. The same thing was true about the form. The book could have been written in the form of a thesis or research paper, studded with references. The analysis could have stated, who said what about which and how he or she were wrong or right in making statement. This would have been dishonest! I am not a scholar in the subject matter and the Hypothesis that I have put forth in this book is based only on three reference points. The rest of the material that I may or may not have read is quite redundant. I, therefore, have chosen a format keeping in mind an average reader, curious and interested in the ancient history of India. This summary, therefore, is a compromise. I hope to make it an interesting reading for a common reader and to the scholarly community, I ask a single question; Is it worthwhile to proceed with this line of thinking? As stated earlier, this hypothesis is based only on three reference points. The first is a book titled URIELS MACHINE authored jointly by M/s. Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. I have used the paperback edition published by ARROW BOOKS in the year 2,000. To be more specific, I have used the information related to a comet strike. A chapter from page 49 to 77 of this book gives the bulk of this information. My second reference is Rig-Veda, the oldest Sanskrit script. For the purpose of this book, I have used the English translation of Rig-Veda made by late Mr. Ralph T.H. Griffith. A version of this translation is available on the internet, which I have used exclusively. I have also read the Marathi translations of Rig-Veda made by late Shri. Siddheshwarshastri Chitrav and Mr. Ramchandra Patwardhan. What M/s. Knight and Lomas were stating in their modern book about a comet striking earth was exactly corroborated by the ancient authors of the verses in Rig-Veda. This corroboration was a necessary but not sufficient condition to put forth this hypothesis. This is where my third point of reference was useful. One of the verses in Rig-Veda stated that the broken chariot of Goddess Dawn had fallen in river Vipas. I considered it as BIRTH OF INDRA / 3 4 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-3 a definite clue. The rationale was, if a comet did really strike, then in must leave some concrete geological evidence. I started searching the satellite images on the banks of river Beas and there I found some rock formations, which indicated an abnormal origin. The condition necessary to put forth this hypothesis was now partially fulfilled. Complete fulfillment of this condition meant a visit to the site, collection of samples, their analysis and dating. All this was beyond my scope in terms of technical abilities, time involvement and financial outlay required. I, therefore, decided to publish this hypothesis, the validity of which can be confirmed by the experts in due course of time. I am quite aware of the present status of the research and the kind of controversies that are raging in this field for last few decades. As stated earlier, I am neither a scholar, nor an expert in this field. I, however, honestly think that I have, perhaps accidentally, seen glimpses of truth. It is, therefore, my responsibility to state it and face the consequences. Lastly, I must mention my friend Greig, Mr. Greig H. Sandiford, Managing Director, MBW Ltd., U.K. He is the person who presented to me a copy of Uriels Machine. If he had not done that, I may never have stumbled on this hypothesis. Dr. M. S. Mate, retired professor of Archeology, Deccan College, Pune, is the person who induced me to study the history of ancient India. He almost forced me to visit Deccan College; was instrumental in giving me the membership of its vast library. He accompanied me on each visit and selected the books that I should read. He was persistent when I was lethargic and patient when I was over enthusiastic. Without his help and guidance I would not have written this book. I am extremely grateful to him for his kindness and trust. RAVI GODBOLE RAVINDRA V. GODBOLE Tel.: 9120 24225204 / 24225738 FAX: 9120 24227831 Email: aquariustech@dataone.in BIRTH OF INDRA / 5 6 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-4 BIRTH OF INDRA INVESTIGATING A LEGEND Indra is one of the most important or perhaps the most important God mentioned in Rig-Veda. Almost twenty five percent of the suktas are devoted to this God. These suktas mention his birth and the extra-ordinary deeds that he performed immediately after his birth. Modern scholars and researchers considered Indra to be a God, fierce in attitude and rather cruel by nature. He used to destroy the enemy with an utter and total lack of sympathy. He was also a God who bestowed cattle, horses and wealth on those who worshipped him. He was praised before the battles and there was always an element of fear while offering the prayers. Based on this data, Indra was considered to be a heroic historic figure, who won the battles against the Dasyus when the Aryan race invaded the terrain of Punjab, called Sapta-Sindhu (land of seven rivers) in the times of Rig-Veda. As the Aryan Invasion Theory was discarded over a period of time, there was a need to have a fresh look at Indra and his heroic deeds. There was a considerable amount of difficulty in understanding the exact meanings of the Richas which described the birth and heroic deeds of this God. While the other Gods in Rig-Veda were always there, Indra was supposed to be born. His birth was also shrouded in mystery. Heaven and Earth were terrified at the time of his birth. Upon birth he had grown suddenly and so extensively that he had filled the heaven and earth. After growing rapidly, he had battled with the demons and dragons, killing them. His weapons were also quite strange. Lightning, thunder, hot stones, he had hurled against his enemies. This was not all. He had made the rivers flow upstream. He had cleaved the mountains to make paths for the rivers to flow. The flow of these rivers was obstructed by the great dragon, Ahi. His battles were not only against the demons. Even the gods were terrified of him. He had stolen the Suns cart-wheel. He had chased the goddess of morning, named USHA, her chariot he had destroyed and then when she had fled from her chariot, he had killed her. As if this was not sufficient, Indra was said to have created the stars, Sun and the Morning once again for the benefit of the Aryans. On several occasions long night, darkness and the hardships suffered by the people were also mentioned. The experts in the field were at a loss to co-relate all this information with consistency. Birth of this fearsome God has remained to be a controversy over a very long period of time. The present hypothesis tries to resolve this controversy by assuming the occurrence of an improbable but not impossible event, a comet striking earth. Many of the Richas in Rig-Veda can be considered as an eye-witness account of a comet seen in the sky, and its final strike. The aftermath that followed is also described in Rig- Veda. We shall now select various Richas from Rig-Veda and try to unfold this legend with a new meaning. We shall begin with the fourth Mandala of Rig-Veda. BIRTH OF INDRA / 7 8 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-5 God who of all the gods was born divinest, endowed with ample strength and mighty powers, and bearing in his arms the yearning thunder, with violent rush caused heaven and earth to tremble. 4.22.3 Before the mighty God, at his birth, heaven trembled, earth, many floods and all the precipices. The strong one bringeth nigh the bulls two parents; loud sing the winds, like men in airs mid region. 4.22.4 Heaven trembled at the birth of thine effulgence; earth trembled at the fear of thy displeasure. The steadfast mountains shook in agitation, the waters flowed, and desert spots were flooded. 4.17.2 Thunder, lightning, stormy and noisy winds, trembling earth and shaking mountains. Heavy floods that filled the desert. Birth of Indra describes a catastrophe! Whether such a catastrophe really occurred or this description is an imaginative intellect of the poet? Before discussing this point, we shall see a few more Richas, Not even all the gathered gods conquered thee, Indra, in the war, when thou didst lengthen days by night. 4.30.3 When for the sake of those oppressed, and Kutsa as he battled, thou stolest away the Suns cart wheel. 4.30.4 When, fighting singly, Indra, thou oercomest all the furious gods, thou slewest those who stove with thee. 4.30.5 And this heroic deed of might, thou, Indra also hast achieved, that thou didst smite to death the dame, heavens daughter, meditating ill. 4.30.8 Thou, Indra, mighty one, didst crush Usas, though daughter of sky, when lifting up herself in pride. 4.30.9 Then from her chariot Usas fled, affrighted, from her ruined car, when the strong God had shattered it. 4.30.10 So there this car of Usas lay, broken to pieces, in Vipas, and she herself fled far away. 4.30.11 Thou, Indra, didst with magic power resist the overflowing stream who spread her waters oer land. 4.30.12 So sapient Indra, lord of might, brought Turvasa and Yadu, those who feared the flood, in safe over. 4.30.17 The story of the catastrophe moves a little forward through these Richas. Now Indra is born and his deeds are being mentioned. It is clearly stated that Indra lengthened days by night. Stealing the Suns cartwheel and killing or defeating Usas, the Goddess of morning, also means creating a long night. Not only this, Indra defeated all the angry gods and then he resisted the overflowing flood waters. He then saved Yadu and Turvasa, which are the names of two ancient Indian tribes, from the flood waters. This poetic, imaginative story has a very specific geographical reference. River Vipas or Vipasha is one of the seven rivers of the Sapta- Sindhu region. Vipas, in modern days is called as Beas. BIRTH OF INDRA / 9 10 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-6 The broken chariot of Usas has fallen in Vipas. Before proceeding with further discussions, let us have a look at a satellite image. (Refer Plate: 1) This image shows the bed of river Beas on the eastern side and the fertile farm land of Punjab on the western side. Between the two, arrayed roughly in the north-south direction is a narrow strip of rocks that appears to be formed by some catastrophic event. The width of this strip is not more than 200 meters. Before commenting on, how these types of rocks are formed? let us have a look at a few more Richas, this time from the sixth Mandala of the Rig-Veda. These Richas conclude the story of this catastrophe. Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature; none hindereth what he hath once determined. Near and afar he spread and set the regions, and everyday the Sun became apparent. 6.30.2 Even now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage. Like men at meat the mountains settled; by thee, most wise! The regions were made steadfast. 6.30.3 Indra, thou breakest up the floods and portals on all sides, and the firmness of the mountain. Thou art the King of men, of all that liveth, engendering at once Sun, Heaven and Morning. 6.30.5 These three Richas portray the life settling after the catastrophe. The floods have receded, the mountains settled. The Sun, Heaven and morn are also regenerated. It is obviously Indra, who has achieved all this. The picture is so clear that one might tend to object that the Richas have been very carefully selected. We shall consider many more of these Richas in due course of time. We shall now discuss the possibility that such a catastrophe really occurred. For this purpose, we shall have to take a fresh look at the rock formations on the western banks of river Beas. (Refer: Plate 2) This satellite image also shows the river bed and the farm land of Punjab, separated by a rocky ridge. It will be necessary for us to understand how such types of rocks are formed. Magma is basically molten earth. In the core of earth, this liquid exists at high temperature and under tremendous pressure. During a volcanic eruption, the magma comes on the surface of the earth and starts flowing. On cooling, rocks are formed. There are various types of magma and volcanic rocks. It is not necessary to go into these geological details at this stage. We shall just record a possibility that these rocks may be of volcanic origin. We shall also explore, whether such rocks can be formed by any other process. A few years back, a comet named, Shoemaker-Levy 9 struck the surface of the planet Jupiter. This was a rare opportunity for the scientists and they did not waste it. In the last fifteen years, a lot of research has been made in the field of comet impacts. The possibilities of a comet striking earth, the nature of such an impact and its effects have been investigated over this period of time. It is now confirmed that over its long history, the planet earth has suffered from a few comet impacts and a very large number of asteroid or meteoric strikes. Evidences of such impacts have been discovered. Such events are not considered as impossible or even highly improbable. A very large meteor had struck earth only in the last century. It devastated a large area in the Siberian region. The incident BIRTH OF INDRA / 11 12 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-7 is famously called as the Tunguska Event. Comets are likely to be much bigger than the meteors and their devastation power is also multifold. A summary of the nature and effects of a comet strike are briefly presented below. The information given is based on the scientific studies carried out in various institutions and laboratories: A comet is principally made of ice with a small percentage of other matter called as debris. As it enters the atmosphere, friction with air triggers the melting process. Ice is directly converted into steam because of the tremendous heat and soon the steam becomes super heated, reaching temperatures sufficient to melt earth. The heat also tends to break-up the comet in fragments. High temperatures allow the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen. Various nitrous and nitric oxides are formed. The process is accompanied by flashes of lightning, stormy winds and down-pouring of rains. The comet strike is preceded by formation of a high pressure, high temperature zone in front of the comet. This zone consists of a mixture of super heated steam and air. As it approaches the earths surface, it melts the earth and makes it flow in a concurrent direction. This process is shown pictorially in fig. 1. A crater or a basin is formed at the place of the impact. Its nature depends on the momentum of the comet and its angle of impact. A large number of drops of molten earth are blown into sky and they eventually fall down covering a vast area. The process can result in the formation of natural glass. These glass drops are termed as tektites. If the comet falls in sea, basic principles of impact remain the same. (Ref. figure: 2) Instead of molten earth, billions of tons of sea water get evaporated in a few minutes. The high pressure zone in front of the comet generates monstrous waves. These waves speed outward from the epicenter of the impact. Their velocities exceed hundreds of kilometers per hour. In deep sea, they are not very tall, but as they approach the shallow coastal areas, they rise up and then can be as tall as five kilometers! They flood-up and devastate the coastal areas. The waves also enter the river beds, because of their high pressure, the rivers start flowing up- hill and spread their waters. Even when a comet strikes ocean, earth gets flooded. The comet impact is over in a short time, but the after effects are long and dangerous. Dust and steam generated during the impact spreads in the atmosphere. The sky is covered and the Sun becomes invisible. The impact creates a very long and dark night. This night is filled with rains, insistent acidic rains. Agriculture is destroyed. Polar ice caps melt suddenly, sea level rises, coastal lands disappear. Living creatures have to go through a terrible nightmare. Death takes its heavy toll. After a couple of months, things start getting back to normal. Floods recede, rains stop, Sun is visible. Survivors of the catastrophe renew their efforts in the struggle for life. A large comet struck earth in the eighth millennium before Christ. This is the hypothesis put forth by M/s. Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas in their book, titled URIELS MACHINE. They have also indicated the possibility of a small comet strike in the fourth millennium before Christ. In their hypothesis, they have stated that the larger comet of the eighth millennium hit the earth in seven major pieces. They also state that one such piece fell in the Arabian Sea. Apart from these major pieces, they also suggest that many smaller pieces may have fallen in other regions. We shall accept this hypothesis at its face value and investigate the possibilities of such a strike in the Arabian Sea and the land of Punjab, near the confluence of river Beas with Sutlej. For this purpose, we shall use the satellite images of this region. BIRTH OF INDRA / 13 14 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-8 (Refer: Plate 3) The image shows river Beas flowing from north-east to south-west direction. Sutlej is flowing in an east-west direction. Their confluence near the centre of the frame shows the town of Harike Pattan. To the east of this town is seen a bright green area, roughly triangular in shape. It looks to be a small mountain range covered with lush green vegetation. In reality, it is a shallow basin filled with water. The Government of Punjab has declared this terrain to be a bird sanctuary. We shall now take a closer look at this region. (Refer: Plate 4) A curved contour line traveling from north-east to south- west has clearly divided the picture into two halves. On the east of this line is the shallow river basin and on the west is the plain fertile land of Punjab. On the western side of this contour line are seen clusters of rock formations. It appears that with the contour line as a base, these clusters are formed, roughly at a right angle, and then have branched out. The formation of the rocks is very specifically on this contour line. Such structures are not seen anywhere else in the frame. The maximum width of the rocky clusters is about 500 meters, but generally in the span of 100-200 meters. The height of these structures is between 15-20 meters. It is very difficult to imagine that such structures could be of volcanic origin. For one, they would not be formed on a contour line, nor would they be of such small dimensions. Moreover, there is no indication of the flow of lava with gravity. In fact, it appears to have flown against the gravity as its source point is near the river basin. This point is high- lighted in the next plates. (Refer: Plates 5, 6 and 7) The structure of the rocks, their likely height and evidence of human encroachment on these structures is evident from these plates. This hypothesis is based on a legend as it appears in Rig- Veda, world-wide memories of an ancient flood and the broken pieces of a legendary chariot that had fallen in Vipas. It is supported by science, which tells us the likely effects of a comet impact on earth. It is necessary to comment as to how the validity of this hypothesis can be confirmed. However, prior to that, the hypothesis must be stated in a clear and unambiguous statement, which is presented in the following pages: X BIRTH OF INDRA / 15 16 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-9 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS A comet was seen in the sky in the millennium 8000 to 7000 B.C. The comet first split in the sky and then its pieces hit the surface of earth in various places. One large piece of the comet fell in Arabian Sea and some smaller pieces hit the region of Punjab in the plains of northern India. One such piece fell on the confluence of rivers, Beas and Sutlej. At the time of the comet impact, people lived in the Sapta- Sindhu, (presently called Punjab) region. They saw the comet, experienced the catastrophe and lived through the aftermath that followed. They recorded the event, calling the comet by the name Indra and the catastrophe that followed was described as the battle between Indra and the Dragon. These records are available in Rig-Veda and can almost be called as an eye-witness account. Satellite images presented in the main body of the book give adequate ground to put forth this hypothesis. The validity of the hypothesis can be checked and confirmed by geological testing of the rocks and presence of tektites and other forms of natural glasses in the specified region. Investigations of moldavites may throw some light on the riddle of Soma in Rig-Veda. Formation of Sambar and other large salt lakes and playa in the State of Rajasthan during the early Holocene period can be explained by the formation of a huge Tsunami wave because of the comet impact. X We are now going to revert back to Rig-Veda to gather more evidence. However, before doing that, we shall construct a scenario, some 9,500 years back in the history. A stone-age society exists in India. Its members are living in the land of seven rivers. They are marginal farmers but mainly cattle breeders. They worship the nature and celestial bodies as their gods. There are several of these gods. And then one day A comet is seen in the sky. It is a faint streak of light, which gradually becomes brighter. Its tail is now becoming visible. People have started wondering, who he is? Is he a new God? What time thou settest near the Sun, thy body, thy form, immortal one is seen expanding; thou a wild elephant with might invested, like a dread lion as thou wieldest weapons. 4.16.14 Moreover, when thou first was born, O Indra, thou struckest terror into all people. 4.17.7 BIRTH OF INDRA / 17 18 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-10 The comet is now trapped by the gravitational field of the earth. It has started circling the earth. Brighter than the moon, huge in size! Is he an ordinary God? Or something more The comet is broken into pieces. What exactly is happening? The biggest of them is perhaps the God.Indra! And the others? They must be the demons and dragons that have arrived to kill him. Perhaps they are other gods, angry at the might of Indra. The pieces of comet are in the deep clutches of gravity. Their speed has increased tremendously. Now, any time, they will hit the earth. Suddenly, there are loud noises, winds blowing and flashes of lightning streaking the skies. Earth is shaking, mountains trembling. There are rains, rivers are flowing upwards. The drama lasts for a short time and then there is darkness. Sun is lost, Goddess of morning is dead. What happened? It must be a celestial battle. Indra is fighting with dragons, demons, perhaps other gods. Taking his weapons of lightning, ashanis (meteors) Indra has killed his enemies. Their bodies are falling from heaven, on the river banks. A long dark night has arrived. Routine life is disrupted. Surrounding area is flooded. Who will be the savior? The power of the old gods is waning; people must now turn to the new almighty God, Indra! Prayers must be offered to him. Animals sacrificed. But how these prayers and sacrifices will reach? There must be a messenger, who can reach this new God in heaven. Who can do this job? Fire is perhaps the answer. Ignite fire, offer prayers to him. Request him to take offerings of the mortals to heaven. The flames soar high in the sky; they will carry the message as well as the sacrificial food. He hath made pathways, with the Sun to aid him, throughout the darkness that extended pathless. Mortals who yearn to worship never dishonor, O Mighty God, thy law who are Immortal. 6.21.3 And he who did these things, where is that Indra? Among what tribes? What people doth he visit? What sacrifice contents thy mind, and wishes? What priest among them all? What hymn, O Indra? 6.21.4 Keeping this picture in mind, we shall now quote various Richas from Rig-Veda with appropriate comments. We shall begin with Sukta 33 of the third Mandala. This Sukta is considered as an evidence of the Aryan Invasion. The poet, Vishwamitra has arrived with the warrior clan of Bharatas on the banks of river Beas. His prayer to the river is to allow a safe passage for him and his soldiers. Forth from the bosom of the mountain, eager as two swift mares with loosened rein contending, like two bright mother cows who lick their youngling, Vipas and Sutudri speed down their waters. Impelled by Indra whom ye pray to urge you, ye move as it were on chariot to the ocean. Flowing together, swelling with your billows, O lucid streams, each of you seeks the other. I have attained the most maternal river; we have approached Vipas, the broad, the blessed. Licking as it were their calf, the pair of mothers flows onward to their common home together. We two who rise and swell with billowy waters move forward to the home which Gods have made us. Our floods BIRTH OF INDRA / 19 20 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-11 may not be stayed when urged to motion. What would the singer, calling to the Rivers? Linger a little at my friendly bidding. Rest holy ones, a moment in your journey. With hymns sublime soliciting your favors Kusikas son hath called unto the River. Indra, who wields the thunder, dug our channels; he smote down Vrtra, him who stayed our currents. Savitar, God, the lovely handed led us and at his sending forth we flow expanded. That hero deed of Indra must be lauded forever that he rent Ahi in pieces. He smote away the obstructers with his thunder, and eager for their course forth flowed the waters. 3.33.1 to 7. A few significant facts come to the mind after reading these hymns. Firstly, the poet has very strong emotional ties with the river to be a foreign invader. Secondly, the poet is well aware of an ancient historic event, when the flow of the rivers was obstructed. More important is the geographical location mentioned. The place is the confluence of Vipas and Sutudri; Beas and Sutlej as they are now called. It can hardly be called as a coincidence that at exactly the same place the rock formations, perhaps the so called broken chariot of Usas shown in plates 1 to 7 is seen. There is one more reference in Rig-Veda of this broken chariot: With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Usas, rending her slow steeds with his rapid coursers. These things did Indra in the Somas rapture. 2.15.5 It is obvious that the chariot of a comet will be faster than that of the morning. We are stating that the comet seen was termed as Indra and the destruction that followed the impact was seen as the dead bodies of the demons or dragons. Now the question comes of the time interval that elapsed between this catastrophe and construction of some of the Richas in Rig-Veda. We can presume this time to be quite short because of the vivid descriptive contents. To highlight this point, a few Richas are quoted below: A horses tail wast thou when he, O Indra smote on thy bolt, thou, God without a second. Thou hast won back the kine, hast won the Soma, thou hast let loose the seven rivers. 1.32.12 Nothing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or mist which had spread around him. When Indra and Dragon stove in battle. Maghavan gained the victory forever. 1.32.13 Whom sawest thou to avenge the Dragon, Indra that fear possessed thy heart when thou hadst slain him. That like a hawk affrighted through the regions, thou crossedest nine and ninety flowing rivers? 1.32.14 Indra is the king of all that moves and moves not, of creatures tame and horned, the thunder wielder. Over all living men he rules as Sovran, containing all as spokes within the felly. 1.32.15 The poet saw Indra as a horses tail! A better simile for a comet seen in sky may not be found. Further, the poet states that the battle between Indra and the Dragon occurred amidst lightning, thunder, hailstorm and mist. Modern science tells BIRTH OF INDRA / 21 22 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-12 us that all this is inevitable when the comet strikes. How dangerous this battle was can be imagined from hymn 1.32.14. Even Indra like a frightened Hawk vanished after crossing nine and ninety rivers. The poet saw streaks of lightning flashing and moving rapidly across the skies. Now, even Indra vanished. That the battle took place in mid-air above the earth is explicitly stated in the following Richa: Aloft he stood in the airy region and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile. Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened weapons. 2.30.3 Rig-Veda also contains several Richas which describe the life returning to normal. A few of them are given below: Thou hast established in her seat, O Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous, and unbounded. The bull hath propped the heaven and airs mid region. By thee sent onwards let the floods flow hither. 3.30.9 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad bright front of the refulgent morning; and all acknowledge, when she comes in glory the manifold and goodly works of Indra. 3.30.13 There was no need to give credit to Indra if arrival of morning was a normal phenomenon. That, people were worried about the unending night and were anxiously waiting for dawn to arrive is also clearly mentioned: Praised by Angirases, thou, foe destroyer, hast with the Dawn, Sun, Rays dispelled the darkness. Thou, Indra, hast spread out the earths high ridges and firmly fixed the region under heaven. 1.62.5 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, he parted of old the ancient pair (Dawn and Night) united ever. In highest sky like Bhaga, he, the doer of marvels set both dames and earth and heaven. 1.62.7 Still born afresh, young Dames, each in her manner, unlike in hue, the Pair in alternation round heaven and earth from ancient time has traveled. Night with her dark limbs, Dawn with limbs of splendor. 1.62.8 Their paths of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes. For many thousand holy works the sisters wait on the haughty Lord like wives and matrons. 1.62.10 Many more Richas can be quoted, describing these heroic deeds of Indra; the references given above are, however, sufficient for the justification of the present hypothesis. The Demons that Indra killed are named, Vrtra, Ahi, Kunaru, etc. Their bodies are supposed to have fallen on earth. There is one Richa in the 32nd Sukta of the 1st Mandala; which describes these bodies. It is quoted below: Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces Vrtra, worst of Vrtras. As trunks of trees what time the axe hath felled them, low on the earth, so lies the prostrate Vrtra. 1.32.5 BIRTH OF INDRA / 23 24 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-13 To understand the aptness of this simile, Refer Plate: 8. There must have been a great loss of life during this catastrophe. Many Richas in Rig-Veda describe the destruction and killings caused by Indra. However, these may not be very convincingly co-related. Even if we presume that the population was sparse, the place where the catastrophe occurred was very thinly populated, the point remains ambiguous. There is just one single and convincing reference to the loss of life due to this catastrophe: Yea, even that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger, when Indra, life of every living creature, smote down within his lair the assailing Dragon. 6.17.9 A last bunch of quotations from the Rig-Veda is given before closing this topic. These quotations mainly relate to the enemies of Indra. There are many names given to them, but a common denominator exists; they are all connected with the sky. Most of these enemies are torsos, they are limbless. The idea is consistent with the concept that these enemies were also celestial bodies; perhaps the fragments of the same comet. He, like a mad weak warrior, challenged Indra, the great impetuous many slaying hero. He brooking not the clashing of weapons crushed Indras foe the shattered forts in falling. 1.32.6 Footless and headless still he challenged Indra who smote him with his bolt between the shoulders. Emasculate yet claiming manly vigor, thus, Vrtra lay with scattered limbs disserved. 1.32.7 There as he lies like a bank bursting river, the waters taking courage flow above him. The Dragon lies beneath the feet of torrents which Vrtra with his greatness had encompassed. 1.32.8 Then humbled was the strength of Vrtras mother; Indra hath cast his deadly bolt against her. The mother was above; the Son was under and like a cow beside her calf lay Danu. 1.32.9 Whether they weep or laugh, thou hast overthrown them, O Indra, on the skys extremest limit. The dasyu thou hast burned from heaven, and welcomed the prayer of him who pours the juice and lauds thee. 1.33.7 Following Richa talks about the spies that followed Indra, giving credence to the idea that the comet was fragmented before the actual strike. Adorned with their array of gold jewels, they over the earth a covering veil extended. Although they hastened, they overcame not Indra; their spies he compassed with the Sun of morning. 1.33.8 Thou, Indra, Much-invoked crush to pieces Kunaru, handless fiend who dwelt with Danu. Thou with might, Indra, smotest dead the scorner, the footless Vrtra as he waxed in vigour. 3.30.8 The argument in favor of this hypothesis rests here. To confirm the validity, it will be essential not only to check the original Sanskrit Richas as given in Rig-Veda and find out their true meaning. More important is to check the rocks BIRTH OF INDRA / 25 26 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-14 on the banks of Beas and to find out the origin of salt lakes and playas in the desert land of Rajasthan. This is a job that no single person can take-up. If the experts in the field think that the investment in terms of time, technical expertise and financial out-lay is worthwhile, they are welcome to carry out further investigations. One important point of investigation could be the presence of tektites and other types of natural glasses. As stated earlier, these glasses are formed during a comet impact. Satellite images (Plates 9 to 11) show that the surface of the river basin has high reflective properties. Plate 12 can be considered to understand the abnormal surface formation. These are, however, only indicators and confirmation is essential by collecting samples and testing them in well equipped and reputable laboratories. The hypothesis, if proven, has a potential to settle the long standing disputes about the place and time of the writing of Rig-Veda. Another puzzle that has troubled the scholars is Soma. Soma had a unique importance in the Vedic culture. Till date the exact nature and properties of Soma has remained a mystery. In the following pages an alternative solution is proposed. Soma is generally considered to be a plant. What is described in Rig-Veda does not give this assumption a very strong support. The alternative suggested here, however, makes at least a plausible case. X BIRTH OF INDRA / 27 28 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-15 Down to the stream a maiden came, and found the Soma by the way. Bearing it to her home she said for Indra will I press thee out, for Sakra will I press thee out. Thou roaming yonder, little man, beholding every house in turn, Drink thou this Soma pressed with teeth, accompanied with grain and curds, with cake of meal and song of praise. Fain would we learn to know thee well, nor yet can we attain to thee. Still slowly and in gradual drops, O Indu, unto Indra flow. Will he not help and work for us? Will he not make us wealthier? Shall we not, hostile to our lord, unite ourselves to Indra now? O Indra, cause to sprout again three places, these which I declare, - My fathers head, his cultured field, and this part below my waist. Make all these grow crops of hair, you, cultivated fields of ours, my body and my fathers head. Cleansing Apala, Indra! Thrice, thou gavest sun like skin to her. Drawn, Satakratu! Through the hole of car, wagon and of yoke. 8.80.1 to 7 Legend tells us that Indra upon hearing the sound of Soma being crushed came around. He gave Apala a skin with golden hue. From her old skin, which was so diseased, lizard-like animals were created. This small story is so potent with human desires, emotions and saga of human grief that it rings true. If one considers the social customs observed even today in India, it does not appear only plausible but probable. INDRA AND SOMA In Rig-Veda, Indra and Soma are closely connected. Soma is described as a God. It is generally assumed by the scholars to be a Plant or its Juice. The concept of Soma has remained to be a mystery for the last century and a half. The researchers and experts in the field generally consider that Soma plant had aphrodisiac or hallucinogenic properties. The original Soma plant over a period of time became rare and eventually was lost. All the experts seem to agree to the above point. However, their opinions are quite different about the reasons for its extinction. Rig-Veda very clearly states that Birth of Indra and arrival of Soma on the Earth were the events that occurred simultaneously. Based on the present hypothesis and the information available in Rig-Veda, we shall make an attempt to solve the puzzle of Soma. We shall begin with Sukta No. 80 from the Eighth Mandala of Rig-Veda. This Sukta is construed by a girl named Apala. History tells us that Apala was the daughter of Sage Atri. She did suffer from some kind of skin disease and was, therefore, thrown out by her husband. Apala lived with her father. In the present Sukta, she describes her meeting with Indra. BIRTH OF INDRA / 29 30 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-16 Apala was going to a river nearby her home. On way, she found Soma, put it in her mouth and started crushing it with her teeth. This description fits a small stone or pebble, easily identifiable either by its color or some other intrinsic property. Imagination needs to be stretched far and wide to make any other substance fit this description. We, therefore, will presume that Soma was a stone or a mineral substance found easily on the surface of the earth, especially in or near the river-beds. Keeping in mind this assumption, we shall now refer a few Richas. These Richas describe arrival of Soma on earth. They are taken from Sukta 26 and 27 of the fourth Mandala of Rig-Veda. When the bird brought it, hence in rapid motion sent on the wide path fleet as thought he hurried. Swift he returned with sweetness of Soma, and hence the Falcon hath acquired his glory. 4.26.5 Bearing the stalk, the Falcon speeding onward, Bird bringing from afar the draught that gladdens, Friend of the gods, brought, grasping fast, the heaven. 4.26.6 The Falcon took and brought the Soma, bearing thousand libations with him, yea ten thousand. The bold one left Malignities behind him, wise, in wild joy of Soma, left the foolish. 4.26.7 When with loud cry from heaven down sped Falcon, then hasting like the wind he bore the bold one. Then, wildly raging in his mind, the archer Krsanu aimed and loosed the string to strike him. 4.27.3 The falcon bore him from heavens lofty summit as the swift car of Indras bore Bhujyu. Then downward hither fell a flying feather of the Bird hasting forward in his journey. 4.27.4 These five Richas can be considered as a symbolic description of the comet strike. Indra is sometimes called as a falcon in Rig-Veda supports this statement. These Richas state explicitly that the falcon brought Soma from the heavens. Not only that, one of these Richas states that the falcon brought thousands, ne tens of thousands of Somas in one go. We considered the possibility that Soma was a kind of pebble or a small stone. With the help of these Richas, we can specify the nature of these stones. Tens of thousands of Somas from heaven were brought by the falcon. These could be the tektites, moldavites, or other types of natural glasses that get formed inevitably during a comet strike. These natural glasses are formed in a variety of colours and shapes. Of these, moldavites are green in colour. This basis, by itself is not good enough to put forth the hypothesis that Soma means natural glass! For the justification of this hypothesis, we have to consider: Locations mentioned in Rig-Veda, where Somas were available. How they were collected and brought to the sacrificial ceremony. How they were processed? And What were their properties? How they were used? BIRTH OF INDRA / 31 32 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-17 If we are able to successfully answer all these questions; based only on the information available in Rig-Veda; then the validity of this hypothesis can be seriously considered. Lake Sharyanavata and river Arjikiya are two places explicitly mentioned in Rig-Veda. These were the places where Somas of excellent quality were available. It is quite frequently mentioned that Somas are available in or around water. Somas are also said to descend to the earth along with rain-drops. In one place, a river named Sushoma is also mentioned. Unfortunately the exact location of the rivers and the lake mentioned in Rig-Veda is lost in the shrouds of history. However, the association of Soma with water and watery places is unmistakable. The theory of comet strike states that natural glasses will be formed in craters and basins and rocks created by the comet impact. These places will obviously be in the vicinity of water. These tektites or natural glasses which chemically can be termed as metal silicates will be formed in two ways, free and embedded. Free tektites will be formed from the droplets of molten lava flung in air. Embedded glasses will be formed on the surface and in the interior of the molten flowing lava subjected to sudden cooling. We have to accept that these natural glasses would be formed in abundance due to a comet strike. So far our hypothesis tallies well with the information given in Rig-Veda about the formation and availability of Soma. Rig-Veda also mentions that Somas are available on the mountains. The Sanskrit words used in Rig-Veda are Adri and Giri. Adri also means a stone; therefore, it can be taken to mean that Somas are found in the stones. This again, tallies well with our hypothesis. After ascertaining the places of availability, we shall proceed with the processing of Soma. Adequate information about processing of Soma is available in Rig-Veda. On a pair of wooden boards called Abhishavan Phalakas, bulls hide was laid. (Occasionally a black deer hide is also mentioned.) Somas were kept on this hide and their grinding was commenced with the help of two stones. These stones are termed as Grava. This was the beginning of the purification process. Purification of Soma is given the utmost importance in Rig-Veda. In fact, Soma Pavamana, Soma Purified is the deity addressed! This first step of purification raises the first doubts about the validity of the assumption that Soma was a plant. Be it a fleshy root or leaves, bark or even a fruit; upon crushing; the liquid part of the plant will get absorbed on the hide. To recover this liquid will not only be tedious and difficult, the hallucinogen or some other active ingredient present in the liquid will be lost. Moreover Rig-Veda does not describe any process for such a recovery. If we presume that the active drug remained in the solid part of the plant then the concept of Soma juice becomes redundant. It is not very clear whether water was used at the time of crushing. However, it is quite clear that this crushing required power. This indirectly suggests that Soma was a hard substance. Crushed Soma was then squeezed with fingers. This is rather surprising because how a substance hard to crush even with stones becomes soft enough to be squeezed by fingers? The ten fingers are commonly termed as ten sisters and the act of squeezing has sexual undertones. Squeezing a liquid is beyond comprehension and the solid waste Rijishwa as it is called, is not worth to give such a royal treatment. Soma as natural glass fits this description perfectly. Free and embedded natural glasses would be collected, spread on a cowhide supported on wooden planks and crushed with stones. Using a little water and ten fingers, the separated pieces of these glasses will be rubbed or squeezed to make them clean of dirt-soil and shiny. BIRTH OF INDRA / 33 34 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-18 Another important issue that comes to the mind is that. It is a stone-age process, nowhere a metal or metal tool is required or used. Before proceeding with the further process of purification, we have to take cognizance of two terms. The first is, Soma FLOWS and the second is, Soma BELLOWS, shouts or generally makes a noise. The similes given make it quite clear that the sound produced is not purely physical but there is some form of energy associated with it. Rather than entering into intricacies of usage of these terms at this stage, we shall proceed with the purification process as described in Rig-Veda. The crushed and squeezed Soma is stained or filtered in the next step. There are two strange things about this filtering process. The first is that Soma crushed and squeezed should be a solid substance; still it is filtered like a liquid. The second strange thing is that the filter used is a sheep skin without pours. Does it mean that a solid is filtered through a non-porous filter? Obviously, there is something wrong in the present understanding. Another strange thing is that the filter, which is a sheep skin, is hung up high in mid-air! Unless a logical reason is found for this act, this high hung sieve appears weird. It is on this sieve that the final purification of Soma takes place. This purification is done by rubbing Soma on the sheep skin with ten fingers. Hymns are chanted loudly at this time, so that Soma should arrive, arrive in plenty and reach or attain. After Soma reaches, it is poured down into earthen-ware pots filled with water kept below the sieve. This water is called Bastivari and is brought quite ceremoniously from a nearby flowing water source. At this time, while being poured, Soma runs amok and makes sound! The description does not fit a liquid being poured; however, if we consider Soma to be a natural glass, the matter becomes clear. Glass rubbed vigorously on a sheep skin will produce a charge of static electricity on its surface. At the same time, an opposite charge will be produced on the sheep skin. The wooly hair would stand apart and glimmer in the reflected light from glass particles adhering to them. Glass pebbles and pieces will repel each other while being poured and will appear to run amok. When these charged particles will touch the water surface, there will be an electrical discharge! That is, a small spark will be seen accompanied by a sound. If these pebbles are poured in a stream, there will be a series of sounds and sparks. At this stage, just to get an idea of how these Somas or natural glasses look, refer Plates 13 and 14. These pictures show moldavites and impact glasses of various colours. The colour of these glasses depends on the metallic elements present in them. Brown, reddish-brown, black and yellow tinged glasses can also be formed. Their reflectivity also varies. Various Richas in Rig-Veda attribute various colours to Soma. This apparent discrepancy is also removed if the present hypothesis is considered as valid. Another point to note here is a very large surface area: mass ratio of these glasses. Since the accumulation of static electrical charge is directly proportional to the surface area of a body, these glasses will have a potential to acquire a large amount of static potential if processed correctly. Rubbing these glasses on wooly skin in dry and cold weather is likely to produce spectacular static phenomenon. It can be no wonder that the people of this Stone Age society would fall a prey to the magic of Soma. Soma drops or pebbles falling from the high hung sheep skin into water below were in a way a re-creation of the event that had terrified the people. This was the way King BIRTH OF INDRA / 35 36 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-19 Soma had arrived on earth. He was spread amongst flowing waters, while clouds thundered. The ritual is so designed that the memory of the event will always live. Wandering on paths hither and thither for he indeed wanders hither and thither on the divine paths. Arraying himself in the gathering and radiating he moveth to and fro within the spheres, for again and again he wanders moving within these worlds. Shatpath Brahman: 14:1:4:10 This Brahmanic text which is one of the oldest, states this about Mahavira, a deity to be worshipped during the Soma sacrifice. King Soma, bellowing from the high hung sheep skin will enter the water. The king will settle at the bottom of the vessel. He will then be anointed by milk, curds, honey or ghee. People will drink a portion of this liquid The Soma Juice for immortality, long life, prosperity, victories in battles and what not. The remaining portion containing King Soma will be put in the sacred fire as food for Indra. The ritual of Soma Sacrifice is so pregnant with the memories of this catastrophe! The fire altar in which Soma is to be put is shaped like a falcon. The Pravargya ritual in which an earthen vessel called as Mahavira, is subjected to a fearsome heat is reminiscent of the comet strike and the destruction it caused. While Soma is the King, Mahavira is the emperor! He is the one that shines yonder. He is the heat! He is so destructive that his remnants can not be thrown in water or buried in earth. The only safe place for him is the sacred altar. The terror that people felt is expressed best in the following verse: Scatter thou our Scorners, O Indra. Like a terrible creeping beast dwelling in the mountains, hast thou come from the farthest distance: having sharpened thy pointed, piercing thunderbolt. Shatpath Brahman: 9:5:2:5 Many Richas can be quoted to justify this hypothesis. The bulk of Suktas from the ninth Mandala of Rig-Veda can be used. We shall commence with two Richas from the 83rd Sukta of the ninth Mandala; Spread is thy cleansing filter, Brahmanspati; as prince, thou enterest its limbs from every side. The raw, whose mass hath not been heated gains not this; they only which are dressed, which bear attain to it. 9:83:1 High in the seat of heaven is spread the scorcherers sieve; its threads are standing separate. Glittering with light. The swift ones favor him who purifieth this; with consciousness they stand upon the height of heaven. 9:83:2 The one which is raw (aamh) unheated - (atapta tanu) does not reach (na- asnute), While that which is dressed (shrutah) attains. It is clear that pressing of Soma was not just squeezing out the juice. There was a technology involved. If the ritualistic process was correctly followed then only Soma would flow. One more interesting point to be noted is the use of word Indu. It is used as a substitute for Soma; but more likely BIRTH OF INDRA / 37 38 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-20 is that, it is used to describe a specific property of Soma. In the later Sanskrit literature Indu is used to describe moon or the rays of the moon. The word Indu occurs 227 times in Rig-Veda and always in connection with Soma. Quoted below is Sukta 48 of the Eighth Mandala. This is a prayer offered after drinking Soma: Wisely have I enjoyed the savory viand, religious thoughted, best to find out treasure, the food to which all the deities, and mortals calling it meath, gather themselves together. Thou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger. Indu, enjoying Indras friendship, bring us as a swift steed the car forward to riches. We have drunk Soma and become immortal, we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. Now what may the foemans malice do to harm us? What, O Immortal, mortal mans deception? Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma, As a wise friend to friend; do thou, wise ruler, O Soma, lengthen out our days for living. These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a car. Let them protect my foot from slipping on the way; yea let the drops I drink preserve me from disease. Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction; give us a clearer sight and make us better. For in the carouse I think of thee, O Soma, shall I, as a rich man attain comfort? May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches, O Soma, King, prolong thou our existence as Surya makes the shining days longer. King Soma, favor us and make us prosper; we are thy devotees, of this be mindful. Spirit and power are flesh in us, O Indu; give us not up unto our foemans pleasure. For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of mens eyes and guardian of our bodies. When we offend against thine holy statutes, as a kind friend, God, best of all be gracious. May I be with the friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of bays, when quaffed will never harm me. This Soma now deposited within me. For this, I pray for longer life to Indra. Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished; they feared and passed away into the darkness. Soma hath risen in us exceeding mighty and we are come where men prolong existence. Fathers, that Indu which our hearts have drunken, immortal in himself, hath entered mortals, so let us serve this Soma with oblation and rest securely in his grace and favor. Associate with the fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. So with oblation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us become the lords of riches. Give your blessings, O ye, Gods preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us. But even more, may we, as friends of Soma, speak to the synod with brave sons around us. On all sides, Soma, thou art our life giver; aim of all eyes, light finder, come within us. Indu, of one accord with thy protections both from behind and from before preserve us. BIRTH OF INDRA / 39 40 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-21 There is nothing in this prayer, which even remotely suggests hallucinogenic or aphrodisiac properties of Soma. The prayers are made by a mind which is fully rational and desires a long healthy life with all its physical and material comforts. To come back to properties of Soma, as suggested by this hypothesis, following quotations from Rig-Veda can be considered. It will be clear from these verses that the Juice is not pressed out but effused. Another important point to note is the brightness of Soma and its juice. That some form of energy is associated with the ritual and release of that energy is the ultimate objective is also quite unmistakable. So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast immortal dwelling place. 9.109.3 The sage of heaven, whose heart is wise, when laid between both hands and pressed, sends us delightful powers of life. 9.9.1 .Borne on thy way in fragments from the pressers arms 9.110.5 Soma, flow splendid with thy copious stream through the great fleece as in the olden times. 9.109.6 O Soma, while they cleanse thee, dear and watchful in the sheeps long wool, thou hast become a singer most like Angiras; thou madest Surya mount to heaven. 9.107.6 He is effused and beautified, a God for Gods, by skilful men. He penetrates the mighty floods collecting all he knows therein. 9.99.7 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince amongst us, nobler than noble. Roar out as thou art purified, run forward.. 9.97.3 In close embraces Indu holds Soma when poured within the jars. And on the purifying sieve. 9.12.5 .He, poured forth in a stream flows with the lightnings flash, Soma, who gladdens Indra and the host of Heaven. 9.84.3 Soma is born in fragments, goes on the fleecy summit. He is then purified, after which he flows with a lightnings flash. Like Agni loosed amid forest, fiercely he winneth splendor in the running waters. Like one who fights, the roaring of the mighty, thus Soma Pavamana sends his current. 9.88.5 Swift as wide winds they lightly move, like rain storms of Parjanya, like the flickering flames of burning fire. 9.22.2 Onward hath Pavamana flowed and beaten off Raksasas. Flashing out splendor as of old. 9.49.5 . Pour out for us a hundred, yea, A thousand of thy pure bright streams. 9.52.5 BIRTH OF INDRA / 41 42 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-22 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Finder of all, have been effused, even as Suryas rays of light. 9.64.7 Soma Juice is effused like rays of light. It is also prayed that he should flash out splendor as of old. Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light that flashes brilliantly and form that utters loud acclaim. 9.64.28 The pitchers, Indu, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might. Enter them and let Indra drink. 9.65.14 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty law, the brilliant light. Destroying darkness black of hue. 9.66.24 May those his brilliant rays be ever free from death, inviolate, for both classes of created things. Rays wherewith powers of men and Gods are purified, yea, even for this, have sages welcomed him as King. 9.70.3 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheeps back the golden colored hath flowed down. 9.70.8 Onward he flows, from both the hands, pressed out with stones, excited by the prayers, the water makes him wild. He frolics and draws near, completes his work with song and bathes in streams to satisfy the worshipper. 9.71.3 .On flows that ancient one whom hitherward, from heaven, sped through the region of the air, the falcon snatched 9.77.2 The quotations given above clearly indicate the origin and properties of Soma. One can try and fit this description to a liquid or drops of liquid; it will simply not work. Richas describing the process of purification are not given because their meaning is quite straight-forward and there are no disputes on that count. It is also a well known and accepted fact that over a period of time Soma became scarce and then unavailable. Various substitutes were tried. These substitutes included plants. Some of the Richas and Suktas in Rig-Veda do specifically mention some kind of plant. In the present hypothesis, these are considered as later additions. It should also be noted that Soma or Hoama as it is called in Avesta is certainly a plant. The references in Avesta, however, can not be co- related with bulk of the references in Rig-Veda. The development and changes in the concept of Soma can be taken up for further research. At the end is given a fairly lengthy, but detailed Sukta, with comments on the important contents. It is, however, essential to refer to a manual of sacrificial rituals. This manual is a book called Shatpath Brahman. It is one of the oldest and most voluminous ritual books. Couple of references from this book is already cited, however, a few additional extracts are of great importance. X BIRTH OF INDRA / 43 44 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-23 EVIDENCE FROM SHATAPATH BRAHMAN As per the present hypothesis, Soma does not mean a plant of any type, but pieces of natural glass formed during the comet impact. If this hypothesis is true, then it is necessary that books later to Rig-Veda, like SHATAPATH BRAHMAN, which describe in details the rituals followed during sacrifice ceremony, give some indications about the purpose of sacrifice and nature and properties of Soma. The most important evidence that comes from Shatpath Brahman is about the physical nature of Soma. The book states, Soma forsooth was Vrtra; his body is the same as the mountains and rocks: thereon grows that plant called Usana, so said Svetaketu Auddalaki; they fetch it hither and press it. S.B.: 3.4.3.13. The original Soma was Vrtra, his body was rocklike; is so clearly stated as to obliterate any doubt or derive any other meaning. Taking up this point, we, for the moment, will depart from this ancient scripture and look at the modern science of Volcanology. Lava flowing out after a volcanic eruption is classified according to its temperature, viscosity and cooling rate. Lava at a higher temperature is naturally of low viscosity. Such Lava flows rapidly and cools at a faster rate, producing, what is technically called as a PAHOEHOE structure. Pahoehoe structures are easily identifiable by what are called as fingers or toes. These are protrusions of frozen lava. The structure of rocks seen on the banks of river Beas shows a very close resemblance to Pahoehoe structure. The important point to note is that these rocks are not likely to be of volcanic origin. Still they appear to be igneous in nature. Moreover, they are formed on a specific contour line, which is several hundred kilometers in length. The amount of heat required for the formation of these rocks is enormous. The question that needs to be answered is, What can be the source of this heat? Pahoehoe structures are usually accompanied by glass formation. Glass in various forms appears on the surface of Pahoehoe structures. Globules, sheets, shards, strands and pebbles can be formed depending on the ambient conditions. Plate number 17 shows a Pahoehoe structure photographed in Hawaii Islands. The glass globule seen in this plate is the best explanation of the term, SOMA FORSOOTH WAS VRTRA. It also explains why Soma was called as Giripristha, which means, the back of the mountains. Plate no. 18 shows the highly reflective glassy layers formed in Pahoehoe type of rock. BIRTH OF INDRA / 45 46 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-24 Returning back to the scripture, we have now to deal with Svetaketu Auddalaki, who decided to use a plant called Usana as a substitute for Soma. It seems rather strange that people who used King Soma in the form of a natural glass would opt for a kind of plant as the substitute. There is no doubt that the text says that the plant grew at the same place. But was this a good enough reason? Pahoehoe structures formed in Hawaii islands have been a subject of scientific studies for last few decades. These structures are some times associated with glass fibers that look like grass. These fibers are called as, Peles Hair. Pele is the name of a Hawaii Island Goddess, associated with volcanoes. It will, perhaps, now seem plausible that after Soma became scarce, people started to use these glass strands as a substitute. And when even these strands were exhausted, other leafless plants and grasses were used. A particular point of interest is that such strands are formed in extremely windy conditions. Another important reference in Shatpath Brahman gives us the chants that were recited while purifying Soma. He presses out with Iha! Iha! Whereby he draws Indra nigh; and with, Brihat! Brihat! Whereby he draws Indra nigh. S.B.: 4.3.3.1 Iha means hither, come here! And Brihat means, in plenty. It is clear that the sage chanting these words is praying not to Indra but to the juice, which is invisible static electrical charge to arrive and arrive in plenty. There is another interesting reference to Soma and Vrtra. It comes in the form of a legend. After slaying Vrtra, Indra was terrified and hid himself along with other gods. They were not sure whether Vrtra was dead. They decided to send swift Vayu, the wind god, to check whether Vrtra was dead. Vayu accepted the mission charging his fees, which was a right to the first draughts of Soma. He went out and confirmed that Vrtra was dead. The Gods rushed to collect Soma-Vrtra. But he was so putrid and foul smelling that he was unfit for libations and consumption. Again, with the help of Vayu, the gods dispersed the smell. Some portion of the smell was put into the dead bodies of the cattle. This legend comes from 4.1.3 of S.B. It is important to note that this legend also identifies Soma with Vrtra. It also mentions the horrific foul smell that must have enveloped the atmosphere immediately after the catastrophic comet strike. The terror that was felt by the people is expressed best during the rituals of UPASAD. Upasad literally means being besieged. The gods besieged the demons. Upasad is performed to keep the memory of the event alive. It always precedes the Soma sacrifice. In one of the rituals, the host digs two waist-deep pits in the ground. The pits are inter-connected by a small tunnel. The host and the chief priest then enter these pits. Through the inter-connecting passage they hold hands and enquire about each others safety! Bhadram says one and Kshemam says the other. This is the way to indicate that both of them are safe. What possible explanation this ritual can have apart from the remembrance of an ancient terror! The priests, while going from one place to other are supposed to creep by bending their bodies at BIRTH OF INDRA / 47 48 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-25 waist. This is to imitate the gods, who, once were afraid of demons and could not walk straight. Another interesting chant is, May Indras noise shield thee in front with Vasus. S.B.: 3.5.2.4 Indras noise, Indraghosh is a term difficult to explain and all those who have commented on Shatpath Brahman have not come up with a good explanation. A ritual connected with this ceremony, asks the strongest man in the assembly to sit in the south. This was the direction from which the demons had attacked and Indra had protected the Gods. The strongest man is supposed to represent Indra. South is normally a direction reserved for fathers. However, in this case, the most prominent danger to the gods and the sacrifice is coming from the same direction. The origin of Indra is made very clear in the following verse: Indra verily is he that burns yonder; but indeed he did not burn in the beginning, but as now everything else is dark so was he then; and it is by that very energy that he burns. S.B.: 3.4.2.15 All the critics of Shatpath Brahman, so far, have equated, HE THAT BURNS YONDER with Sun. It is very difficult to explain this statement without taking cognizance of the present hypothesis. In fact, HE THAT BURNS YONDER is the deity of Soma sacrifice and rituals like Pravargya. The ritual of Pravargya shows an obsession with fire and heat. To get an idea of intense heat produced during Pravargya, refer Plate: 15. This photograph is taken at the Soma Sacrifice conducted in Trichur, a city in Kerala, during the year 2003. At the same function, a chariot was built to bring King Soma to the place of sacrifice. Plate 16 shows this chariot. It is evident that the design of this chariot is very ancient, perhaps going back to the Stone Age. Based on the information presented so far in this book, following conclusions can be drawn: It is a plausible case that a comet struck earth sometime in the 8th millennium B.C. The evidence of this comet strike includes a long rocky strip in Punjab and salt playas of Rajasthan. Taurid stream, comets Encke and Swift-Tuttle are recently being studied. M/s. Clube and Steel, two astronomers from Cambridge University have recently put forth a hypothesis that catastrophic events took place on earth during the Holocene period due to these comets. Birth of Indra and arrival of Soma are the events intrinsically associated with the comet strike. While Indra was the comet that, shines yonder, wandering hither and thither on the divine paths; Soma was the natural glass formed during the comet strike. Vrtra means the strips of rocks formed due to melting of earth surface. These rocks contained natural glasses or Somas. Vrtra and Soma were initially one and the same and both had rock-like bodies. BIRTH OF INDRA / 49 50 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-26 A very foul smell prevailed when Soma was first discovered; supporting the theory that heavy floods must have followed the comet strike. Although Indra was the one who shines yonder; he did not do so in the beginning. His birth was so terrifying that he achieved an easy eminence. Indra, Soma and Agni became the most important deities of Rig-Veda because of this event. Passages in Rig-Veda related to birth of Indra can be logically explained. The rocks seen on the banks of Beas appear to be Pahoehoe type. However, their origin does not appear to be volcanic. (It is for the geologists to explain the origin and determine the age of these rocks.) People collected Somas or natural glasses with rocks, broke them into small pieces, and cleaned them. Purification of these glasses included rubbing them on a sheep skin. This induced static charges which were considered as the divine power of Soma. Discharge of this static electricity was an exciting audio- visual ritual. It soon gained popularity and resulted in a wide spread Soma cult. As Soma became scarce, it was at first substituted by glass strands and later by grass like leafless plants. Soma as mentioned and described in Avesta and some verses in Rig-Veda is most certainly a plant. (Does this clearly mean that a major part of Rig-Veda pre-dates Avesta? (It is for the indologists to explain this discrepancy.) Indra is a comet seen in the sky. Vrtra, Ahi etc. are the rock formations which obstructed the flow of rivers. Battle between Indra and the demons means the event of the fall of comet. This is what Rig-Veda states. (Can these verses have other meanings which can be explained with a better and more logical hypothesis?) In fact, following references in Rig-Veda are not given much attention so far: 5.39.3, 8.94.10, 8.2.40, 8.36.6, 1.80.7, 4.32.5, 1.172.2, 5.35.5, 5.36.3, 5.38.3, 6.45.9, 6.46.2, 7.104.5, 8.1.5, 8.12.4, 8.13.26, 8.15.4, 8.81.27, 8.86.9. 5.39.1 All these verses describe Indra as, Stone Darter, Stone hurler, Caster of the stone, stones burning with flame etc. Ashani is the word occasionally used. This data again tallies well with the present hypothesis. The validity of the present hypothesis is dependent on proofs to be provided by physical sciences. If proven, it will be necessary to review the entire chronology of ancient Indian History. X BIRTH OF INDRA / 51 52 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-27 SUKTA: 9.86 Thy gladdening draughts, O Pavamana, urged by song flow swiftly of themselves like sons of fleet-foot mares. The drops of Soma juice, those eagles of the heavens, most cheering, rich in meath, rest in the reservoir. As rapid chariot steeds, so turned in several ways have thine exhilarating juices darted forth. Soma drops rich in meath, waves, to the thunder armed, to Indra, like milch kine who seek their calf with milk. Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light,; speed onward to the cloud born reservoir of heaven, A steer that over the wooly surface seek the sieve, Soma while purified for Indras nourishment. Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, divine, thought swift, have been, O Pavamana, poured with milk into the vat. The Rsis have poured in continuous Soma drops, ordainers who adorn thee, Friend whom Rsis love. O thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing strong, thy rays encompass all abodes. Prevading with thy natural powers thou flowest on, and as the whole worlds lord, O Soma, thou art king. The beams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is ever steadfast, travel round. When on the sieve the golden hued is cleansed, he rests within the vats as one who seats him in his place. Served with fair rights he flows, ensign of sacrifice; Soma advances to the special place of Gods. He speeds with thousand currents to the reservoir, and passes through the filter bellowing as a bull. The Sovran dips him in the sea and in the streams, and set in rivers with the waters wave moves on. High heavens sustainer at the central point of earth raised on the fleecy surface Pavamana stands. He on whose high decree the heaven and earth depend hath roared and thundered like the summit of the sky. Soma flows on obtaining Indras friendly love, and, as they purify him, settles in the jars. He, light of sacrifice, distils delicious meath, most wealthy, Father and begetter of Gods. He, gladdening, best of cheerers, juice that Indra loves, enriches with mysterious treasure earth and heaven. The vigorous and far seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to the beaker, with his thousand streams. Coloured like gold he rests in seats where Mitra dwells, the steer made beautiful by rivers and by sheep. In forefront of the rivers the Pavamana speeds, in forefront of the hymn, foremost among the kine. He shares the mighty booty in the van of war; the well armed steer is purified by worshippers. This heedful Pavamana, like a bird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve. O Indra, through BIRTH OF INDRA / 53 54 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-28 thy wisdom, by thy thought, O Sage, Soma flows bright and pure between the earth and heaven. He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy one, filling the firmament stationed amid the worlds, Knowing, the realm of light, hath come to us in rain; he summons to himself his own primeval Sire. He, who was first of all to penetrate his form bestowed upon his race wide shelter and defense. From the high station that he hath in loftiest heaven he comes victorious to all encounters here. Indu hath started for Indras special place and slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend. Soma speeds onward like a youth to youthful maids, and gains the beaker by a course of hundred paths. Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into the places where the people meet. Worshippers have exalted Soma with their hymns, and milch kine have come near to meet him with their milk. O Soma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, pour on us accumulated Plentiful, nutritious food, Which, ceaseless, thrice a day shall yield us hero power enriched with store of nourishment, and strength, and Meath. Far seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the Furtherer of the day, of morning, and of heaven. Mixed with the streams he caused the beakers to resound, and with the singers aid they entered Indras heart. On with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and guided by the men hath roared about the vats. Producing Tritas name, may he pour forth the meath, that Vayu and Indra may become his friends. He being purified hath made the Mornings shine; this, even this, is he who gave the rivers room. He made the Three Times Seven pour out the milky flow; Soma, the cheerer, yields whatever the heart finds sweet. Flow, Onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, poured within the beaker and the sieve. Sinking into the throat of Indra with a roar, led by the men thou madest Surya mount to heaven. Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, O Indu, entering the depths of Indras throat. Far sighted Soma, now thou lookest on mankind; thou didst unbar the cow-stall for Angirases. In thee, O Soma, while thou purifidest thee, high thoughted Sages, seeking favor have rejoiced. Down from the heavens the Falcon brought thee hitherward, even thee, O Indu, thee whom all our hymns adorn. Seven milch kine glorify the tawny coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself. The living men, the mighty, have impelled the Sage into the waters lap, the place of sacrifice. Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making His ways all easy for the pious man. Making the kine his mantle, he, the lovely Sage, runs like a sporting courser onward through the fleece. The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the Golden hued. Him, clad in robes of milk, swift fingers beautify on the third height and in the luminous realm of heaven. These are thy generations of celestial seed; thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life. This Universe, O BIRTH OF INDRA / 55 56 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-29 Pavamana, owns thy sway; thou, Indu, art the first establisher of Law. Thou art the sea, O Sage, who bringest all to light; under thy Law are these five regions of the world. Thou reachest out beyond the earth, beyond the heavens; thine are the lights, O Pavamana, thine the Sun. Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support the region for the Gods. The chief, the longing ones have sought to hold thee fast, and all these living creatures have been turned to thee. Onward the Singer travels over the fleecy sieve. The Tawny steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. Hymns have been sung aloud in resonant harmony, and holy songs kiss him, the Child who claims our praise. He hath assumed the rays of Surya for his robe, spinning as he knows how, the triply twisted thread. He, guiding to the newest rules of Holy Law, comes as the Womens consort to the special place. On flows the King of rivers, and the Lord of heaven; he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. The Golden hued is poured forth, with his hundred streams, Wealth bringer, lifting up his voice while purified. Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wondorous Surya, through the fleece, an ample sea. Purified with hands, pressed by men with stones, thou speedest on to mighty booty bringing war. Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and power in streams, thou sittest in the beakers as a hawk on trees, For Indra poured as cheering juice to make him glad, as nearest and farseeing bearer-up of heaven. The sisters seven, the mothers, stand around the babe, the noble, new born infant, skilled in holy song, Gandharva of the floods, divine, beholding men, Soma, that he may reign as King of the world. As Sovran Lord thereof thou passes through these worlds, O Indu, harnessing thy tawny well winged mares. May they pour forth for thee milk and oil rich in sweets; O Soma, let the folk abide in thy decree. O Soma, thou beholdest men from every side; O Pavamana, Steer, thou wanderest through these. Pour out upon us wealth in treasures and in gold; may we have strength to live among the things that be. Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as impregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life. Rich in brave men art thou, Soma, who winnest all; these holy singers wait upon thee with the song. The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires; the steer enrobed in milk plunges into the streams. Borne on his chariot sieve the King hath risen to war, and with a thousand rays hath won him high renown. Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant, bringing offspring, each succeeding day. From Indra crave for us, Indu, when thou art quaffed, the blessing that gives children, wealth that harbours steeds. When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden hued, is recognized by wisdom more and more each day, He, stirring both the Races, goes between the two, the bearer of the word of men and word of Gods. They balm him, balm him over, balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty strength and balm him with meath. They seize BIRTH OF INDRA / 57 58 / BIRTH OF INDRA INDR1-30 the flying steer at the streams breathing place; cleansing with gold they grasp the Animal herein. Sing forth to Pavamana skilled in holy song; the juice is flowing onward like a mighty stream. He glideth like a serpent from his ancient skin, and like a playful horse the tawny steer hath run. Dweller in floods, King, Foremost, he displays his might, set among living things as measurer of days. Distilling oil he flows, fair, billowy, golden hued, born on a car of light, sharing one home with wealth. Loosed is the heaven, support, the uplifted cheering juice; the triply mingled draught flows round into the worlds. The holy hymns caress the stalk that claims our praise, when singers have approached his beauteous robe with song. Thy streams that flow forth rapidly collected run over the fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed. When, Indu, thou art balmed with milk within the bowl, thou sinkest in the jars, O Soma, when expressed. Winner of power, flow, Soma, worthy of our laud; run onward to the fleece as well beloved meath. Destroy, O Indu, all voracious Raksasas. With brave sons in the assembly let our speech be bold. X BIRTH OF INDRA / 59 60 / BIRTH OF INDRA