Question

Arrange the following fragments from the Rudra Sukta (RV 2.33.4) in the correct sequence:
A. ma tva...
B. rudra chukrudhama...
C. sahuti...
D. namobhir dushtuti...
E. vrsabha ma...

• A. E, D, C, B, A
• B. A, B, C, D, E
• C. A, B, D, E, C
• D. E, A, B, D, C

Hint:

In Rigvedic mantras, look for the main verb (like 'chukrudhama') and the vocatives (like 'Rudra', 'Vrsabha'). This helps in establishing the skeleton of the verse even if you forget the minor words.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires the reconstruction of a famous mantra from the Rigveda, Mandala 2, Sukta 33, verse 4.
This sukta is addressed to the deity Rudra and is known for its intense prayer for mercy and healing.
Knowledge of the Samhita text is essential for determining the correct word order.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The complete mantra (RV 2.33.4) is:
\[ \text{"mā tvā rudra cukrudhāmā namobhir mā duṣṭutī vṛṣabha mā sahūtī |"} \]
Let us map the provided fragments to this mantra:
1. A: ma tva... (The opening words "Mā tvā").
2. B: rudra chukrudhama... (The next words "rudra cukrudhāmā").
3. D: namobhir dushtuti... (The middle section "namobhir mā duṣṭutī"). Note: the prompt fragment B contains "chukrudhama" and D contains "dushtuti". The word "namobhir" follows "chukrudhama".
4. E: vrsabha ma... (The direct address "vṛṣabha mā").
5. C: sahuti... (The final word "sahūtī").

The logical flow of the verse is:
"Mā (A) tvā (A) rudra (B) cukrudhāmā (B) namobhir (D) mā (D) duṣṭutī (D) vṛṣabha (E) mā (E) sahūtī (C)."
Therefore, the sequence of labels is A $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ D $\rightarrow$ E $\rightarrow$ C.
This sequence means: "Let us not provoke you to anger, O Rudra, by our homages, nor by poor praise, O Bull, nor by simultaneous invocations."

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sequence is A, B, D, E, C. Thus, the correct option is (3).