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INDIAN WATER-SONGS. |
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In the Rig-Veda, or the sacred books of the Brahmans, several hymns are addressed to the waters (Ap), some to Nadi (the rivers), and some to Maruts (the storms) ; so the connection between Indian music and the world of waters is one of great antiquity and classical association.
In Mr. W. D. Whitney's article on the Veda} he gives amongst other portions of the work a few of the hymns to the great rivers: one, an account of the propitiation of the two branches of the Indus—the modern Beas and Sutlej—by songs and praises from the Saint Vigvdmitra, chief priest of the Bharatas.
VIQVlMITRA AND THE RIVERS^ Rig-Veda, III. 33-Vicvamitra. I. " Eager, from out the bosom of the mountains, A pair of courses like, let loose and running, Like two bright mother-kine their offspring fondling, VipEtc and Qutudri haste with their waters.
3. " I've come to this most mother-like of rivers ;
We stand beside the broad, auspicious Vipac, Like mother-kine fondling their calves together, Unto a common home they're moving onward."
The Rivers.
4. " Thus move we onward, swelling with our waters,
To find a home that's by the gods appointed ; |
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1 The Cetttury Magazine, April, 1887. |
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