Gods and Number of Hymns dedicated to each God in 4 Vedic Literature

 

Gods and Number of Hymns dedicated to each God in 4 Vedic Literature

Determining exact hymn counts for each god across all four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda) is challenging due to shared hymns, ritualistic adaptations, and interpretive variations in scholarly sources. The Rigveda (1,028 hymns) provides the most precise data, but Yajurveda and Samaveda often reuse Rigvedic hymns, and Atharvaveda (730 hymns) focuses more on incantations than deity-specific hymns.  

List of Gods by Hymns Across All Four Vedas (Descending Order)

1. Indra (289 hymns)

Indra, the thunder god and slayer of Vritra, is the most prominent deity. The Rigveda dedicates 250 hymns to him, reflecting his martial and cosmic significance. The Yajurveda includes 25 references in ritual contexts. The Samaveda adapts 10 Rigvedic hymns for chants. The Atharvaveda has 4 hymns invoking Indra for protection or victory. His dominance is key for exam questions on Vedic religion’s focus on power and order.

2. Agni (218 hymns)

Agni, the fire god, is central to sacrifices across all Vedas. The Rigveda has 200 hymns praising his role as a divine intermediary. The Yajurveda includes 12 ritual mantras. The Samaveda adapts 4 Rigvedic hymns for chants. The Atharvaveda has 2 hymns invoking Agni for protection. His consistent presence is crucial for questions on Vedic rituals and their sacrificial framework.

3. Soma (135 hymns)

Soma, the ritual drink and lunar deity, is prominent in the Rigveda with 123 hymns, especially in Mandala 9. The Yajurveda includes 8 references in sacrificial rites. The Samaveda adapts 3 hymns for chanting. The Atharvaveda has 1 hymn for healing or prosperity. His role in ritual ecstasy is a frequent exam topic for Vedic sacrificial practices.

4. Ashvins (56 hymns)

The twin gods of healing are praised in the Rigveda with 48 hymns for their benevolence. The Yajurveda includes 5 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 2 Rigvedic hymns. The Atharvaveda has 1 hymn for health-related incantations. Their secondary role is relevant for questions on Vedic minor deities.

5. Varuna (46 hymns)

Varuna, god of cosmic order, has 40 hymns in the Rigveda, often with Mitra. The Yajurveda includes 4 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 hymn for protection or justice. His declining prominence in later Vedas is key for understanding shifts in Vedic theology.

6. Mitra (36 hymns)

Mitra, associated with contracts, has 30 hymns in the Rigveda, mostly with Varuna. The Yajurveda includes 4 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 reference. His role in social harmony is useful for exam comparisons with Varuna.

7. Ushas (25 hymns)
• Ushas, the dawn goddess, has 21 hymns in the Rigveda for her beauty. The Yajurveda includes 2 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 symbolic reference. Her poetic hymns are key for Vedic literature questions.
8. Vayu (20 hymns)
• Vayu, the wind god, has 16 hymns in the Rigveda, often with Indra. The Yajurveda includes 2 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 hymn for vitality. His minor role is relevant for comparisons with major gods.
9. Vishnu (15 hymns)
• Vishnu, a minor deity, has 11 hymns in the Rigveda for his cosmic strides. The Yajurveda includes 2 ritual references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 reference. His growing importance is critical for Vedic-to-Puranic transition questions.
10. Rudra (15 hymns)
• Rudra, precursor to Shiva, has 10 hymns in the Rigveda for his fierce and healing aspects. The Yajurveda (e.g., Shatarudriya) includes 3 references. The Samaveda adapts 1 hymn. The Atharvaveda has 1 hymn for healing. His evolving role is key for exam questions on Vedic deities.

Notes for Competitive Exams

• Rigveda dominates hymn counts (1,028 hymns), with Yajurveda and Samaveda focusing on rituals and chants, often reusing Rigvedic hymns. The Atharvaveda (730 hymns) emphasizes incantations over deity-specific hymns.
• Exact counts are based on Rigveda’s clear hymn structure and approximations for other Vedas due to their derivative nature. Shared hymns (e.g., Indra-Agni) are attributed to the primary deity.
• Indra, Agni, and Soma dominate due to ritual and societal roles. Vishnu and Rudra’s limited hymns foreshadow their later prominence.
• For exams, focus on the Rigveda’s primary role, Yajurveda and Samaveda’s ritualistic adaptations, and Atharvaveda’s practical focus.