The Rig Veda and pre-urban Vedic narratives: stories related to climatic and astronomical events

The Rig Veda, the sacred text of the Seven Rivers civilization, is full of myths that, in addition to their spiritual significance, may reflect significant natural events. These sometimes enigmatic tales offer unique insight into how the ancients interpreted their world. Here is an exploration of the major Vedic myths and the events to which they may be linked.

1. Shushna and the Great Cooling of 6200 BCE
The myth of Shushna, often described as a demon causing drought and sterility, could refer to a major climatic event. Around 6200 BCE, a general cooling of the northern hemisphere caused a great drought. This episode probably forced many populations to migrate to more hospitable areas, particularly towards the equator, in search of fertile land and water. Shushna (the torrid) would thus symbolize the adverse forces associated with this climatic upheaval.

2. Vritra and the Eruption of a Supervolcano off the Coast of Japan
The myth of Vritra, a serpent or demon that prevents the flow of celestial waters, may be linked to a massive volcanic eruption. A supervolcano off the coast of Japan is said to have darkened the sky around 5300 BCE, blocking sunlight and disrupting the rain cycle. The root of the word Vritra means « to cover » or « to hide, » which refers directly to the idea of a sky veiled by clouds of volcanic ash. Indra’s lightning bolt, which destroys Vritra and releases the waters, may symbolize a return to normal climatic conditions.

3. The Panis’ Theft of Cows: An Eclipse in 3929 BCE
Another famous myth tells how the Panis, beings described as greedy and cunning, steal the cows of the gods. This story could be an astronomical metaphor. A total eclipse of the sun, which occurred on February 19, 3929 BCE, is most likely the origin of this story. The « cows » are said to represent the rays of the sun that temporarily disappeared, while the Panis are said to embody the dark forces that caused this disappearance.

4. The War between Shambara and Divodasa: A Local Conflict, Not an Invasion
The myth of the war between Shambara, chief of the Dasyus, and Divodasa, king of the Bharatas, relates the destruction of 99 fortresses of Shambara. This war could have pitted the Aryan inhabitants of the civilization of the 7 rivers against local non-Aryan populations, but the text does not mention an invasion or a migration. It would rather be a regional conflict, where Divodasa, guided by Indra, would have asserted the supremacy of his people against Shambara and his allies.

A reading rooted in history and nature
Vedic myths are not simple imaginary stories. They are often coded narratives, retracing significant climatic, geological or astronomical events. By studying them, we discover how the civilization of the 7 rivers perceived its environment and sought to explain its phenomena through stories rich in symbols.

These legends, while captivating the imagination, invite us to explore the deep links between the natural world and the beliefs of the ancients. They also reveal to what extent this civilization was attentive to its environment and its upheavals.