मित्र
Mitra in Hindu Mythology
Mitra is an ancient deity with significant roles in early Hindu texts and traditions.
Key Points about Mitra:
- Pre-Vedic Origins: Mitra is a deity from the pre-Vedic period, indicating his presence in religious practices before the composition of the Rig Veda.
- Rig Veda Associations: In the Rig Veda, Mitra is predominantly mentioned in conjunction with Varuna as the dual deity Mitra-Varuna. Occasionally, he is also paired with Indra as Mitra-Indra. His association with Varuna is so strong that there is only one hymn [R.V.3.59] where Mitra is addressed alone.
- Protector of Oaths and Lord of Justice: Mitra, along with Varuna, is regarded as the protector of oaths and the lord of justice. This highlights his role in upholding cosmic and moral order.
- Day and Night: In the Brahmanas, Mitra is associated with day, while Varuna is linked with night. This division reflects their complementary roles in maintaining the balance of time and cosmic order.
- Persian Texts: Mitra is more prominently established in ancient Persian texts, where he is closely connected with the sun. This association indicates his broader significance across different cultural contexts.
- Meaning and Character: In Sanskrit, the name Mitra means “friend” or “associate”. He is depicted as a benevolent deity, emphasizing his positive and supportive nature.
Comparative Table: Deities and Their Roles
| Figure | Role/Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mitra | Pre-Vedic Deity | Associated with day, protector of oaths, lord of justice. |
| Varuna | Pre-Vedic Deity | Associated with night, upholder of cosmic order, often paired with Mitra. |
| Indra | Vedic Deity | Occasionally paired with Mitra in the Rig Veda. |
| Persian Mitra | Sun God | More prominently linked with the sun in Persian texts. |
| Sanskrit Meaning | Friend/Associate | Reflects Mitra’s benevolent and supportive nature. |
Related Entities in Hindu Mythology
- Agni: The fire god, who, like Mitra, plays a crucial role in Vedic rituals and cosmic order. Agni is a key deity in both the Rig Veda and later texts.
- Yama: The god of death and justice, who, like Mitra, has associations with upholding cosmic law and order.
- Surya: The sun god, often linked with Mitra in later traditions, reflecting the broader solar associations of Mitra in Persian texts.
These figures and their connections highlight the role of deities in maintaining cosmic balance and justice in early Hindu and related traditions.