The Mysterious Forest Devi of Rig Veda - Aranyani Suktam
In the Rig Veda,we have a portion which reveals a mysterious deity of the forest region ( Aranyani ).This portion is found in the 10th Mandala as the 146th Sukta.It is colloquially called 'Aranyani Suktam' ( Aranya : forest )
Introduction to Vedas
The entire Universe is reverberating. When there is reverberation,there is sound.In other words,the entire cosmos is simply a manifestation of sound energy.The ancient Vedic sages through penance,activated non-mechanical parts of their brains which enabled them to download cosmic data directly.They received cosmic truths in the form of sounds which they heard and experienced.These truths were recited as received,and passed on generations after generations.
Various truths downloaded by various Rishis gave rise to the ocean of Vedas.Veda Vyasa later compiled these Vedas and classified them.These is how the 4 Vedas came to existence.Each of these Vedas had many branches.Each branch had 4 components :
(1) samhita
(2) brahmana
(3) aranyaka
(4) Upanishad
What we refer to as 'Aranyani Suktam' is part of the Samhita of Rig Veda.The sage who downloaded this portion is devamuni airaṃmada
This portion is very unknown.The clip below is the recitation of the Suktam by my whatsapp Veda student Shravanti
My Whatsapp Veda Learner Shravanthi reciting the Aranyani Suktam.
Who Is This Mysterious Devi ?
Forest is pure life energy.It is the sustainer of the planet.The very form of the forest is Aranyani Devi.She,as the forest itself,sustains the entire planet and nourishes it.
Aranyani Devi is the very form of solid life energy which sustains the ecosystem - forest !
YES ! Forest is a living consciousness. She nourishes all life-forms.
The Devi is described as a deity who has the deep forests as Her Home.She does not come close to the villages where humans reside.In other words,She is far from civilisation.
Further,the Devi is described as having anklets with tinkling sound.She ever dances gracefully in the forests.
The forest Devi has a very powerful and graceful presence.She provides food and nourishment for the animals and even visiting humans.The devi does not harm anyone who comes to the forest region,unless it is someone with an evil intention.
Folk Deities Who Reside in the Forest Region
In the Hindu culture,we have many deities who reign the forest.For instance,in the Tamizh culture,we worship an expansion of Kali in the name of 'Katteri Amman' ( not to be confused with the vampire 'Katteri' ).Katteri comes from kadu ( forest ) + eri ( water body like a pool ).The ancient Tamizhs refered to Her as 'Katteri' as She resides in the forests.
Katteri Amman has no fixed temple or form.Very few people know how to approach Her.There are more examples of such deities in our culture who are barely known.
Another example is 18am Padi Karuppi.You will never find a temple for Her.As the Rig Veda commands - these deities are naturally not associated with civilisation.In fact,you cannot use Aagamic worship for them.They can appear uncouth and perhaps even not-human friendly.
Nevertheless,these deities are extremely powerful.They can annihilate the most severe dark spell,diseases and impurities instantly
The deities are usually available only through channeling and trance oracling in folk temples.Picture above is an example of Uthira Katteri-Amman being channeled.
Portion of the Vedas learnt in the Forest Region
Aranyani Devi also mothered ancient Veda learners.The Aranyaka refers to the portion of the Vedas learnt in the forests in ancient days.These lessons were learnt in strict discipline and secrecy.
In fact,the Rishis ( downloaders ) of the Aranyaka are unknown.
I can write all I can in this article but the best way to realise the Vedas is through its recitation and meditation.As the Vedas were downloaded as cosmic sounds,you too,need to reproduce the necessary vibrative frequency to realise the truth it carries.
Video above : Recitation of Durga Suktam by my Whatsapp Veda Learner Smt Madhavi.The first two verses in this Sukta are found in the Rig Veda Samhita.The Rishi who downloaded the first two verses is Rishi Kashyapa Marica.However,the other verses are exclusively found in the Aranyaka of the Krishna Yajur Veda.The Rishi(s) for these verses are unknown.
The truth I saw through the recitation of Aranyani Suktam was extremely touching.I have ever since,taken a pledge to popularise and teach this Sukta as a prime lesson.
"Forest is a living consciousness..." Absolutely! Thank you
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