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Savita [Indian Antiquary (Third series) Vol. IV, January 1967.
Popular Prakashan]. |
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The author discusses etymology of the word Savita
or identity of Savita. Savita was primarily an
adjective (6-15-16).The approach of Savita is signified by the blowing
of wind and the flowing of heavenly waters (2.38) The word Savita is derived from the root Su
which means to produce, to cause, to give impetus. Therefore Savita
is the Creator. He creates Usa, Surya. One may venture to
conjecture from various sources of evidence that when the sun is below the
horizon, invisible but near enough to emit His light on this earth he
is called Savita. When He becomes visible He is designated Surya.
Unlike sun, Savita is rayless. The author then takes up adjectival words for the
identity of Savita because they are descriptive of main features of Savita.
Savita is builder or producer of the world. He nourishes the
world. Thus, several attributes to Savita are enlisted. Savita
is also said to be asura. The meaning of this word is however,
doubtful. It means darkness also. Darkness that is night is evil, day
is heaven. This accounts for the yearnings of the Rgvedic rsis for the
appearance of light, and reflects their North Pole experience of long nights.
Savita eliminates darkness and brings light to the earth. The author in the end says, “ no delineation of Savita
would be complete without the study of Surya, Mitra and Varuna.
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