Question

Match List I with List II based on the famous verse from the Rigveda (1.164.46):
List I (Verses):
A. Indram mitram...
B. Atho divyah sa...
C. Ekam sadvipra...
D. Yamam...
List II (Completions):
I. Suparno garutman
II. Matarishvanamahuh
III. Bahudha vadantyamnim
IV. Varunamagnimahuh

• A. A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
• B. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
• C. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
• D. A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV

Hint:

Memorize the verse as a melody or a single string: "Indram-Mitram-Varunam-Agnim... Divya-Suparna-Garutman... Ekam-Sad-Vipra-Bahudha... Agnim-Yamam-Matarishvanam". This will help you solve any fragment-matching question on this verse instantly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is based on one of the most celebrated verses in the entire Rigveda (1.164.46), which establishes the fundamental principle of Indian monism. Composed by the sage Dirghatamas, it declares that although there are many names for the divine (Agni, Yama, Varuna), the ultimate Reality (Sat) is one. This verse is frequently cited in philosophical debates to prove that Vedic religion was not merely polytheistic but recognized an underlying Unity. Identifying the specific word order of this verse is a classic requirement for Vedic literature exams.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's reconstruct the verse and match the fragments:

The Verse Structure:
The verse is divided into four quarters (Padas):
1. Pada 1: indraṃ mitraṃ varuṇamagnimāhur
2. Pada 2: atho divyaḥ sa suparṇo garutmān
3. Pada 3: ekaṃ sad viprā bahudhā vadantyagnim
4. Pada 4: yamaṃ mātariśvānamāhuḥ

Mapping based on the List:
- A. Indram mitram... matches with IV. Varunamagnimahuh. (They call Him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, and Agni).
- B. Atho divyah sa... matches with I. Suparno garutman. (...and also the celestial, well-winged Garutman).
- C. Ekam sadvipra... matches with III. Bahudha vadantyamnim. (Truth is one, sages call it by many names, starting with Agni...).
- D. Yamam... matches with II. Matarishvanamahuh. (...Yama, and Matarishvan).

Philosophical Significance:
This mantra is the bedrock of the 'Ekam' (Oneness) philosophy. It teaches that the various deities of the Vedic pantheon are different functional aspects or names of the same absolute Truth. Dirghatamas, the blind seer, is credited with many such riddles and profound philosophical insights in the Asyamavasya Sukta. In the NTA exam, questions on this verse are common because it bridges the gap between the ritualistic Samhitas and the monistic Upanishads. The matching requires a precise memory of the Pada divisions.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II. Therefore, option (1) is correct.