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{{More citations needed|date=December 2020}}{{Infobox deity
{{More citations needed|date=December 2020}}{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
|deity_of=God of Wealth, Prosperity, Marriage and Morning
| deity_of = God of Wealth
|parents={{ubl|[[Kashyapa]] (father)|[[Aditi]] (mother)<ref name="Garg1992">{{cite book|author=Gaṅgā Rām Garg|title=Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w9pmo51lRnYC&pg=PA170|year=1992|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-7022-374-0|pages=170–}}</ref>}}
| parents = {{ubl|[[Kashyapa]] (father)|[[Aditi]] (mother)<ref name="Garg1992">{{cite book|author=Gaṅgā Rām Garg|title=Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w9pmo51lRnYC&pg=PA170|year=1992|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-7022-374-0|pages=170–}}</ref>}}
|affiliation=[[Adityas]]
| affiliation = [[Adityas]]
|planet=[[Sun]]
| planet = [[Sun]]
| image =
| caption =
}}
}}
'''''Bhaga''''' ([[IAST]]: {{IAST|Bhaga}}) is the [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic]] god of fortune, as well as a term for "[[lord]], [[patron]]" and "wealth, prosperity".
'''''Bhaga''''' is the [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic]] god of wealth,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulasrestha |first=Mahendra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OIoRWGSfMikC&dq=bhaga+wealth+book&pg=PA90 |title=The Golden Book of Rigveda |date=2006 |publisher=Lotus Press |isbn=978-81-8382-010-3 |language=en}}</ref> as well as a term for "[[lord]], [[patron]]" and "wealth, prosperity". He is an [[Ādityas|Āditya]], a group of societal deities who are the sons of [[Aditi]]. Bhaga's responsibility was to make sure that people received a share of the goods in life. He is associated with his brother, [[Aryaman]], regarding the expectation of a successful marriage.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author=Stephanie Jamison|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1LTRDwAAQBAJ|title=The Rigveda –– Earliest Religious Poetry of India|last2=Brereton|first2=Joel|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0190633394|pages=44}}</ref>


Bhaga is an [[Ādityas|Āditya]], a group of societal deities who are the sons of [[Aditi]]. Bhaga's responsibility was to make sure that people received a share of the goods in life. He is associated with his brother, [[Aryaman]], regarding the expectation of a successful marriage.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author=Stephanie Jamison|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1LTRDwAAQBAJ|title=The Rigveda –– Earliest Religious Poetry of India|last2=Brereton|first2=Joel|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0190633394|pages=44}}</ref>
== Etymology ==


The cognate term in [[Avestan]] and [[Old Persian]] is ''{{lang|peo-Latn|baga}}'', of uncertain meaning but used in a sense in which "lord, patron, sharer/distributor of good fortune" might also apply.<!-- Uncertain: Since adjectives follow the noun, it might be an epithet of the preceding name, eg "Lord X". Alternatively, it might be part of a [[dvandvah]] compound, i.e. read as "X (and) Baga," which would imply Baga is a specific figure (cf. Ahura Mazda for various considerations). --> The cognate in [[Slavic languages]] is the root [[wikt:Appendix:Proto-Slavic/bogъ#Etymology|bogъ]]. The [[semantics]] is similar to [[English language|English]] ''[[lord]]'' (from ''[[:wikt:hlaford|hlaford]]'' "bread-warden"), the idea being that it is part of the function of a chieftain or leader to distribute riches or spoils among his followers. The name of the city of [[Baghdad]] derives from [[Middle Persian]] ''baga-data'', "lord-given".
The cognate term in [[Avestan]] and [[Old Persian]] is ''{{lang|peo-Latn|baga}}'', of uncertain meaning but used in a sense in which "lord, patron, sharer/distributor of good fortune" might also apply.<!-- Uncertain: Since adjectives follow the noun, it might be an epithet of the preceding name, eg "Lord X". Alternatively, it might be part of a [[dvandvah]] compound, i.e. read as "X (and) Baga," which would imply Baga is a specific figure (cf. Ahura Mazda for various considerations). --> The cognate in [[Slavic languages]] is the root [[wikt:Appendix:Proto-Slavic/bogъ#Etymology|bogъ]]. The [[semantics]] is similar to [[English language|English]] ''[[lord]]'' (from ''[[:wikt:hlaford|hlaford]]'' "bread-warden"), the idea being that it is part of the function of a chieftain or leader to distribute riches or spoils among his followers. The name of the city of [[Baghdad]] derives from [[Middle Persian]] ''baga-data'', "lord-given".


In the Sanskrit [[Rigveda]], ''bhaga'' is an epithet of both mortals and gods (e.g. of [[Savitr]], [[Indra]] and [[Agni]]) who bestow wealth and prosperity, as well as the personification of a particular god, ''the'' Bhaga, who bestows the same. In the Rigveda, the personification is attested primarily in ''RV'' 7.41, which is devoted to the praise of the Bhaga and of the deities closest to him, and in which the Bhaga is invoked about 60 times, together with Agni, Indra, the [[Dvandva|dual]] [[Mitra-Varuna]], the two [[Ashvins]], [[Pushan|Pusan]], [[Brahmanaspati]], [[Soma (deity)|Soma]] and [[Rudra]].
== Role ==
=== In Sanskrit religious literature ===
In the [[Rigveda|Rigveda Samhita]], Bhaga is invoked and praised as the "sustainer of the world", "giver of wealth", "chief leader of rites", and "possessor of opulence". He is asked to bestow upon his adherents cattle and horses, male issue, felicity, and riches.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6tf0xYQRrsgC&dq=bhaga+wealth+book&pg=PA108 |title=Rig-Veda Sanhitá a Collection of Ancient Hindú Hymns, Constituting the Fifth Ashtaka, Or Book of the Reg-Veda ... Translated from the Original Sanskrit by the Late H. H. Wilson |date=1866 |publisher=N. Trübner |language=en}}</ref>


The Bhaga is also invoked elsewhere in the company of Indra, [[Varuna]] and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] (e.g. ''RV'' 10.35, 42.396). The personification is occasionally intentionally ambiguous, as in ''RV'' 5.46 where men are portrayed as requesting the Bhaga to share in ''bhaga''. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is occasionally associated with the sun: in ''RV'' 1.123, the Dawn ([[Ushas]]) is said to be the Bhaga's sister, and in ''RV'' 1.136, the Bhaga's eye is adorned with rays.
In the Sanskrit [[Rigveda]], ''bhaga'' is an epithet of both mortals and gods (e.g. of [[Savitr]], [[Indra]] and [[Agni]]) who bestow wealth and prosperity, as well as the personification of a particular god, ''the'' Bhaga, who bestows the same. In the Rigveda, the personification is attested primarily in ''RV'' 7.41, which is devoted to the praise of the Bhaga and of the deities closest to him, and in which the Bhaga is invoked about 60 times, together with Agni, Indra, the [[Dvandva|dual]] [[Mitra-Varuna]], the two [[Ashvins]], [[Pushan|Pusan]], [[Brahmanaspati]], [[Soma (deity)|Soma]] and [[Rudra]]. Bhaga is also invoked elsewhere in the company of Indra, [[Varuna]] and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] (e.g. ''RV'' 10.35, 42.396). The personification is occasionally intentionally ambiguous, as in ''RV'' 5.46 where men are portrayed as requesting the Bhaga to share in ''bhaga''. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is occasionally associated with the sun: in ''RV'' 1.123, the Dawn ([[Ushas]]) is said to be the Bhaga's sister, and in ''RV'' 1.136, the Bhaga's eye is adorned with rays.


The 5th/6th-century BCE ''[[Nirukta]]'' (''Nir.'' 12.13) describes Bhaga as the god of the morning. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is named as one of the [[Adityas]], the seven (or eight) celestial sons of [[Aditi]], the Rigvedic mother of the gods. In the medieval [[Bhagavata Purana]], the Bhaga reappears with the Puranic Adityas, which are by then twelve solar gods.
The 5th/6th-century BCE ''[[Nirukta]]'' (''Nir.'' 12.13) describes Bhaga as the god of the morning. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is named as one of the [[Adityas]], the seven (or eight) celestial sons of [[Aditi]], the Rigvedic mother of the gods. In the medieval [[Bhagavata Purana]], the Bhaga reappears with the Puranic Adityas, which are by then twelve solar gods.


== Legacy ==
Elsewhere, the Bhaga continues as a god of wealth and marriage, in a role that is also attested for the [[Sogdian language|Sogdian (Buddhist)]] equivalent of the Bhaga.
Elsewhere, the Bhaga continues as a god of wealth and marriage, in a role that is also attested for the [[Sogdian language|Sogdian (Buddhist)]] equivalent of the Bhaga.


The common noun ''bhaga'' survives in the 2nd century CE inscription of [[Rudradaman I]], where it is a fiscal term; in ''[[bhagavan]]'' for "one who possesses (''-van'') the properties of a ''bhaga-''", hence itself "lord, god"; and in ''bhagya'', and "that which derives from ''bhaga''", hence "[[destiny]]" as an abstract noun, and also ''Bhagya'' personified as the proper name of a son of [[Surya]].
The common noun ''bhaga'' survives in the 2nd century CE inscription of [[Rudradaman I]], where it is a fiscal term; in ''[[bhagavan]]'' for "one who possesses (''-van'') the properties of a ''bhaga-''", hence itself "lord, god"; and in ''bhagya'', and "that which derives from ''bhaga''", hence "[[destiny]]" as an abstract noun, and also ''Bhagya'' personified as the proper name of a son of [[Surya]].


Bhaga is also the presiding deity of the '''[[Pūrva Phalgunī]]''' Nakshatra.
Bhaga is also the presiding deity of the [[Purva Phalgunī]] Nakshatra.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Names of God in Hinduism]]
[[Category:Adityas]]
[[Category:Adityas]]
[[Category:Rigvedic deities]]
[[Category:Rigvedic deities]]

Latest revision as of 22:54, 16 January 2023


Bhaga
God of Wealth
AffiliationAdityas
PlanetSun
Parents

Bhaga is the Vedic god of wealth,[2] as well as a term for "lord, patron" and "wealth, prosperity". He is an Āditya, a group of societal deities who are the sons of Aditi. Bhaga's responsibility was to make sure that people received a share of the goods in life. He is associated with his brother, Aryaman, regarding the expectation of a successful marriage.[3]

Etymology[edit]

The cognate term in Avestan and Old Persian is baga, of uncertain meaning but used in a sense in which "lord, patron, sharer/distributor of good fortune" might also apply. The cognate in Slavic languages is the root bogъ. The semantics is similar to English lord (from hlaford "bread-warden"), the idea being that it is part of the function of a chieftain or leader to distribute riches or spoils among his followers. The name of the city of Baghdad derives from Middle Persian baga-data, "lord-given".

Role[edit]

In Sanskrit religious literature[edit]

In the Rigveda Samhita, Bhaga is invoked and praised as the "sustainer of the world", "giver of wealth", "chief leader of rites", and "possessor of opulence". He is asked to bestow upon his adherents cattle and horses, male issue, felicity, and riches.[4]

In the Sanskrit Rigveda, bhaga is an epithet of both mortals and gods (e.g. of Savitr, Indra and Agni) who bestow wealth and prosperity, as well as the personification of a particular god, the Bhaga, who bestows the same. In the Rigveda, the personification is attested primarily in RV 7.41, which is devoted to the praise of the Bhaga and of the deities closest to him, and in which the Bhaga is invoked about 60 times, together with Agni, Indra, the dual Mitra-Varuna, the two Ashvins, Pusan, Brahmanaspati, Soma and Rudra. Bhaga is also invoked elsewhere in the company of Indra, Varuna and Mitra (e.g. RV 10.35, 42.396). The personification is occasionally intentionally ambiguous, as in RV 5.46 where men are portrayed as requesting the Bhaga to share in bhaga. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is occasionally associated with the sun: in RV 1.123, the Dawn (Ushas) is said to be the Bhaga's sister, and in RV 1.136, the Bhaga's eye is adorned with rays.

The 5th/6th-century BCE Nirukta (Nir. 12.13) describes Bhaga as the god of the morning. In the Rigveda, the Bhaga is named as one of the Adityas, the seven (or eight) celestial sons of Aditi, the Rigvedic mother of the gods. In the medieval Bhagavata Purana, the Bhaga reappears with the Puranic Adityas, which are by then twelve solar gods.

Legacy[edit]

Elsewhere, the Bhaga continues as a god of wealth and marriage, in a role that is also attested for the Sogdian (Buddhist) equivalent of the Bhaga.

The common noun bhaga survives in the 2nd century CE inscription of Rudradaman I, where it is a fiscal term; in bhagavan for "one who possesses (-van) the properties of a bhaga-", hence itself "lord, god"; and in bhagya, and "that which derives from bhaga", hence "destiny" as an abstract noun, and also Bhagya personified as the proper name of a son of Surya.

Bhaga is also the presiding deity of the Purva Phalgunī Nakshatra.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Gaṅgā Rām Garg (1992). Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 170–. ISBN 978-81-7022-374-0.
  2. ↑ Kulasrestha, Mahendra (2006). The Golden Book of Rigveda. Lotus Press. ISBN 978-81-8382-010-3.
  3. ↑ Stephanie Jamison; Brereton, Joel (2015). The Rigveda –– Earliest Religious Poetry of India. Oxford University Press. p. 44. ISBN 978-0190633394.
  4. ↑ Rig-Veda Sanhitá a Collection of Ancient Hindú Hymns, Constituting the Fifth Ashtaka, Or Book of the Reg-Veda ... Translated from the Original Sanskrit by the Late H. H. Wilson. N. Trübner. 1866.
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