Jataveda
Epithet of Hindu deity Agni
Jataveda ( Sanskrit : जातवेद , romanized : Jātaveda ) is a Vedic Sanskrit term for a particular form/epithet of Agni , the Vedic god of fire. [1]
Description
In a tradition originating in the late Vedic period, but already alluded to in the Rigveda , Agni has three forms: a celestial form (fire of the sun and the stars), an aerial form (lightning and the life-force of vegetation called the 'Child/Embryo of the Waters'), and a terrestrial form (e.g., the altar fire at worship). In this scheme, Jataveda ( mass noun ) represents the class of terrestrial fires (i.e. hearth fire, kiln fire, and so on), but in particular — as the Jataveda — representing Agni as the altar fire.
In that aspect as the altar fire, Agni-Jataveda was perceived to be the means through which his worshippers were to gain knowledge/wisdom/understanding ( veda ) of all existence ( jata ). In an extended sense, the altar fire/Agni-Jataveda was then also perceived to be the hypostasis of the inspiration that engendered the Vedas themselves.
This exact sense of word appears to have been lost very early, [1] and there are numerous speculations on the nature of the Jatavedas in the commentaries of the late Vedas and the Brahmanas . The word is explained five ways: [1] (1) Knowing all created beings; (2) Possessing all creatures or everything existent; (3) Known by created beings; (4) Possessing the Vedas , riches; (5.) Possessing the Vedas , wisdom. Even more derivations and explanations are found in the Brahmanas.
In post-Vedic literature, the term is also used as an epithet of Shiva .
According to the Brahma Purana , Jataveda is the brother of Agni who performed ritual offerings. [2]
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