The Pagan Origins of Hinduism
The Pagan Deities of Hinduism like Indra, Agni, Varun and Ganga
In almost all ancient civilizations religion originated as a Pagan phenomenon. Paganism was characterized by a pantheon of deities largely representing the forces of nature. For example Helios was the Sun God in ancient Greece and Horus the God of the Sky for ancient Egyptians. Ancient civilizations initially had no explanations for natural phenomenon, so it was believed that divine forces were responsible for them.
The early Vedic society of what is now India was also pagan. Indra was the God of Thunder, as also the king of Gods. Agni was the God of Fire, Varun the Sky God and so on. The rivers and mountains were also deified, Ganga, the main river of India, being an example. The flora and fauna were also worshipped. Pleasing the pagan Gods implied receiving their beneficence such as timely rains and good harvest. Annoying them led to incurring their wrath in the form of floods or droughts.
With the scientific understanding of the forces of nature the monotheistic philosophy evolved. There came the realization that we humans were the subject of God’s concerns and not the manipulation of nature. In many regions of the world monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam replaced the ancient Pagan beliefs. Hinduism also evolved into a monotheistic religion. One of the central beliefs of Hinduism is that there is one God who is without characteristic or form. However Hinduism did not eradicate its Pagan origins but incorporated them into its wider context.
The pagan Gods became demi-Gods. They play an important role in Hindu mythology where they are depicted as being in incessant war with their archrivals, the Demons. This represents the eternal battle between good and evil. In this the “One” God in his many avatars or incarnations often helps the demi-Gods. They also play an important role in Hindu ritual. Hindu marriages are solemnized by the couple taking seven rounds of the sacred fire. This represents the fire demi-God Agni bearing witness to the seven vows of marriage. The ashes of the deceased are immersed in the river Ganga by those who can afford to do so. This is because Ganga will wash away any sins the deceased may have committed and he or she will be assured of eternal salvation.
The pagan element is not all tales and rituals but has a utilitarian basis that will be explored next week.
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