Rig Veda

ऋग्वेद

The oldest scripture of humanity — 10,552 hymns across 10 Mandalas. Opens with RV 1.1.1 (Agni Suktam — the very first word of the oldest text in human history is 'agni'). Contains: Gayatri Mantra (3.62.10), Nasadiya Sukta (10.129 — the most scientifically honest creation hymn in ancient literature), Purusha Sukta, Ekam Sat (1.164.46 — truth is one, the wise call it by many names). Mandala 2: Rita (cosmic order as both physical and moral law). Mandala 4: Vamadeva's non-dual declaration 'aham manurabhaваṃ' (4.26.1) — the paradigm case in the Aitareya Upanishad. Mandala 5: Ushas (Dawn as renewal archetype; circadian wisdom), Maruts (bala-satya-kratu as the triad of resilience). Mandala 6: Bharadvaja's dhi (illumined vision as the product of inner sacrifice), Purandara (destroyer of inner limitations). Mandala 7: Vasishtha's Varuna hymns (7.86 — guilt without a clear object; the oldest psychology of conscience; release the pāśa). Mandala 8: Kanva's sakha hymns (the divine as friend), RV 8.48 (apāma somam amṛtā abhūma). Mandala 9: Soma Pavamana (purification uncovers, does not add; the drop already contains the abundance of immortality). Mandala 10: Nasadiya Sukta + Purusha Sukta.