Veda15- Were Vedic Indians in touch with aliens?

[Quick links]

 

 

 

UFO sighting, purported incidents of aliens from outer space visiting the earth, and so on, have always intrigued modern humanity. 

 

Many interesting and popular movies have been shot based on these themes.

 

But the fact is that no alien sightings have been confirmed till date. Nor we are able to get any evidence of extraterrestrial life, even in its most primitive stage, let alone highly sophisticated one. All the same, it is unlikely that we are alone in this entire universe that hosts millions and millions of planetary systems just like ours. There could be many planets which may have atmosphere very much like ours. So, the possibility of an alien is never a fiction.

 

But we always think in terms of ‘physical worlds’ that are governed by ‘physical laws’ as we understand them. What if there exist altogether different kinds of worlds that are non-material, obeying altogether different set of laws? I am not arguing for such a possibility, but such a possibility cannot be ruled out.

 

The entire corpus of Vedic literature deals with this possibility of ‘other worlds out there’ and the beings in them. These beings may not have a material body like ours, but they could still be intelligent beings who are capable of interacting with us; Who somehow want to be associated with us; Who may want to help us in our difficult times. If you are a fan of the ‘Star trek’ Sci fi series of yesteryears, then you would surely nod your head endorsing such a possibility.

 

It is not just the ancient Indians, but almost every civilization in the entire world believed in such a possibility. Ancient Greeks had their Gods, Biblical people had their angels and evils spirits, the Quran had Jinns, the Vedic people had the Devas. Even the so-called atheist religions like Buddhism also believed in the existence of superhuman beings.

 

It could just be a wishful thinking of humans, faced with an uncertain life on earth. Some way of taking a solace that we are not alone but there are some ‘powers’ that are ready to help us when we are in distress.

 

Vedas talk about several such Devas or aliens who have a close affinity with humans on earth. Though they are different types of beings with an altogether different set of capabilities, nevertheless they want to keep a cordial relationship with humans. They can visit the earth as and when they like, with or without an invitation from humans, and take part in their worldly activities. Humans can befriend them and these aliens in turn could bestow them with whatever they ask for.

 

So, all the rituals in a typical Vedic system are part of this communion between humans and these Devas. These Devas who normally reside in ‘outer worlds’ are invited by setting up a fire signal. Fire is the emissary in this communion. When the Devas arrive, everything was done to make them happy. Depending on the worldly needs of the organizer of the ritual, namely the Yajamana, different sets of divine guests are invited. Some guests preferred specific company and would always visit together.

 

Let us look at this process a bit more in detail.

 

First a vast temporary setup is erected in the open air. The central point of this setup is a specially designed Yajnya Kunda or fire altar where the fire is first installed.

 

Different groups of priests are assigned different responsibilities in this ‘beyond worldly’ event. A group of priests who specialize in Rig Veda are assigned the job of chanting the magical Mantras. These priests are called the Hotrs. Another set of priests called Udgatrs take on the responsibility to sing the Mantras to entertain the guests. These priests are specialized in Sama Veda. Then we have the Adhwaryus who actually perform the rituals. These priests are Yajur Veda experts. And finally, the entire event is coordinated by a priest called Brahma who specializes in Atharva Veda.

 

After setting up the signal through a ritual fire installed in the Yajnya Kunda or the fire altar, a verbal invitation is made to the Devas to come down and accept the hospitality. The typical mantra to invite the Devas goes something like this

 

agnih poorvEbhih rShibhih IDyah nootanaih uta

 

sa dEvaa Eha vakShati

 

Let the praiseworthy Agni (i.e. fire) bring the Devas here.

 

Lured by the powerful chants of the Mantras, these aliens land on earth in special vehicles from their worlds along with their retinue. Neither they nor their vehicles are made of material elements. So, they are not limited by speed of light. They can travel at any speed as they wish.

 

The priests who specialized in Rig Veda would chant the Mantras to welcome and praise these alien guests. To begin with, a specially made drink called Soma is offered to the guests as an opening drink. Praises are sung by Udgatr, to keep the guests in good humor. The Adhvaryus who specialize in Yajur Veda, take care of the needs of the guests.

 

There would be an elaborate meal. Various special dishes are made on site and offered fresh to the guests. Mouthwatering description of what is offered is made to tempt the guests. The guests fall for the bait and relish the dishes.

 

While the guests enjoyed partaking the special dishes, special musical mantras are sung by the Udgathrs, interspersed with praises by the Hotrs. Finally, before the guests depart to their homes, special list of demands is made and the pleased guests grant them. The guests are seen off with a promise to comeback.

 

Pleased with the success of the ritual and fulfilment of his needs, the Yajamana or the organizer of the Yajnya, showers gifts onto various priests who officiated these rituals. The Yajnya ends.

 

This was typically the entire process of Vedic rituals. I will be going into greater details in a later episode. Now the biggest question is – “who really are these aliens?” In the next episode, let us look at these aliens a bit more closely.

 

 

A series discussing the most ancient of the Indian scriptures, nay the world scriptures namely the Vedas. © Dr. King, Swami Satyapriya 2021