Question

"Eva babhro .........।" Fill in the blank with the appropriate word to complete the mantra from the Rudra Sukta:

• A. vrstayah
• B. cekitana
• C. vrsabha
• D. marutah

Hint:

For questions regarding Rudra in the 2nd Mandala, look for keywords like 'Babhru' (Brown), 'Vrsabha' (Bull), and 'Bheshaja' (Medicine). These epithets are almost exclusive to him in that specific context.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question pertains to the Rudra Sukta of the Rigveda. Rudra is a complex and powerful deity in the Vedic pantheon, characterized by his dual nature—he is both 'Ghor' (fierce/terrible) and 'Shiva' (auspicious/benevolent). The specific mantra is found in the 2nd Mandala of the Rigveda (2.33), which is entirely dedicated to Rudra. This mandala is the 'Family Book' of the sage Gritsamada. The study of this sukta is crucial for understanding the transition from the Vedic Rudra to the Puranic Lord Shiva.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The mantra appears in Rigveda 2.33.15. This is a prayer for mercy and protection. In the Vedic age, Rudra was feared as the god of storms and diseases, but he was also invoked as the supreme physician who possessed "thousand medicines." This specific verse is a plea to Rudra to withhold his wrath and not harm the livestock or the people of the worshipper.

The Full Mantra:
"Eva babhro vrsabha cekitana yatha deva na hrnise na hansi।"

Word-by-word Analysis:
1. Babhro: This is a vocative form of 'Babhru', meaning 'brown' or 'tawny'. It is one of the most common physical descriptions of Rudra in the Rigveda, referring to his glowing, reddish-brown complexion.
2. Vrsabha: This means 'Bull'. In Vedic literature, 'Bull' is an epithet for strength, virility, and lordship. It is applied to several high deities like Indra, Agni, and Rudra to signify their masculine power and role as the fertilizing energy of the cosmos.
3. Cekitana: This means 'omniscient' or 'all-knowing'.
4. Na hrnise na hansi: This translates to "neither be angry nor slay [us]."

Significance of the Blank:
The blank follows the word 'Babhro'. In the rhythmic and liturgical flow of the Rigvedic Sanskrit, 'Vrsabha' is the direct address that follows. Rudra is addressed as the "Bull of the world" because he is the father of the Maruts (the storm-gods) and the master of all animals (Pashupati). The 2nd Mandala, being one of the oldest, uses these raw, powerful animal metaphors to describe the divine. Identifying this specific word requires memorization of the Samhita text, which is a common testing pattern in NTA examinations. This hymn (2.33) is also known for mentioning Rudra's 'Kaparda' (braided hair) and his 'Ghatayach-charam' (destroying arrows), emphasizing his fierce yet protective role.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The missing word in the phrase "Eva babhro..." is "vrsabha". Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.