Which among the folloiwng veda the Gayatri Mantra was first recorded?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Non Nursing Subjects

Easy

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered mantras in Hinduism, and its first recorded appearance is in the Rigveda.
Specifically, it is found in Mandala 3, Hymn 62, Verse 10 of the Rigveda.
The mantra is dedicated to the solar deity Savitr, which is why it is also known as the Savitri Mantra.
It is attributed to the great sage (rishi) Vishvamitra, who is considered its composer.

Option A: The Samaveda is the 'Veda of Melodies'. While it contains hymns, its primary purpose is to provide the musical notations for chanting hymns during rituals. Many of its verses are borrowed from the Rigveda, but the Rigveda is the original textual source.
Option B: The Upanishads are not one of the four primary Vedas but are a collection of later philosophical texts. They form the 'Vedanta' (the end or culmination of the Vedas) and focus on spiritual knowledge, meditation, and the nature of reality (Brahman), rather than hymns to deities.
Option D: The Yajurveda is the 'Veda of Rituals'. It consists mainly of prose mantras and instructions for priests to follow while performing sacrifices (yajnas). It is a liturgical handbook and not the original source of hymns like the Gayatri Mantra.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Origin of the Gayatri Mantra in Vedic literature as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the foundational texts of major world religions and cultures is an important aspect of general knowledge and cultural competency.
The Gayatri Mantra is a central part of Hindu spiritual practice. Knowing its origin in the Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text, provides context for its historical and cultural significance.
This type of knowledge helps in appreciating the diversity of beliefs and practices in a multicultural society like India.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Gayatri Mantra' and 'Veda'. The question is asking for the original source of this specific mantra within the Vedic texts.
Analyze the options provided: Samaveda, Upanishad, Rigveda, Yajurveda.
Recall or deduce the general nature of each text. The Rigveda is the oldest and is a collection of hymns. The Samaveda is about melodies for these hymns. The Yajurveda is about ritual procedures. The Upanishads are later philosophical texts.
The Gayatri Mantra is a famous hymn (mantra). The Rigveda is the primary collection of hymns.
Based on this association, conclude that the Rigveda is the most logical origin for the Gayatri Mantra.
Eliminate the other options. 'Upanishad' is a different category of text. 'Samaveda' and 'Yajurveda' have more specialized functions related to music and ritual, respectively, while the Rigveda is the foundational collection of the hymns themselves.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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