In the Rig Veda, the oldest sacred text of India and the civilization of the 7 rivers, animals occupy a central place. They are not only present in the daily life of the people of this civilization, but also in their spirituality. Gods and natural forces are often linked to animals, symbolizing their strength and sacredness.
The Bull: Symbol of Strength and Power
The bull is one of the most frequently mentioned animals in the Rig Veda. It is linked to several gods, especially Indra, the warrior god who symbolizes spiritual strength. Indra is described as a bull, reflecting his power, courage, and energy. The bull represents the strength of nature, vigor, and is associated with the fertility of the earth.
Indra, with the strength of the bull, is also the one who fights the forces of chaos to bring order and prosperity to civilization. In this context, the bull is an image of stability, necessary for harmonious life in society.
The Ashvins: The Horse Gods
The Ashvins, divine twins, are directly related to the horse, which is called ashva in Sanskrit. This connection with the horse symbolizes speed, mobility, and youth. The Ashvins are often called to the aid of mortals, riding their fast horses to save people from illness or danger. The horse, for the civilization of the 7 rivers, is an essential animal for travel, trade, and wars.
Agni: Fire and Aries
The god Agni, who embodies fire, is sometimes associated with the ram. The ram, with its horns, is an animal symbolizing power and raw energy. In the Rig Veda, Agni is described as carrying heat and light, qualities essential to human survival, just as the ram is seen as an indomitable force.
The Spiritual Connection with Animals
Beyond these specific examples, animals in the Rig Veda are not simply earthly creatures. They are seen as partners in the spiritual journey of humans. Each animal, through its natural qualities, reflects a part of the divine forces that govern the universe.
The hymns of the Rig Veda also show that the civilization of the seven rivers respected animals as important living beings in the natural order. Animal sacrifices had a symbolic value, representing the reciprocity between humans, gods, and nature.
Conclusion
Animals in the Rig Veda are much more than symbols or metaphors. They embody strength, vitality, and the divine aspects of nature. Bulls, horses, rams, and other animals are deeply connected to the gods and spiritual beliefs of the Seven Rivers civilization. Through them, humans sought to understand and connect with the sacred universe around them.
Le Rig Veda 
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