Question

Which gods and goddesses were worshipped by the Aryans during the Early Vedic Period? Describe the changes that took place in their religion in the Later Vedic Period.

Answer 1

Instructions :

1. This is a 3 mark question. It should have at least 3-4 points explaining the changes in the religious beliefs and practices.

Solution :

• During the early Vedic period, the Aryans worshiped the different forces of nature like the sun, earth, sky, wind, rain and fire as gods and goddesses.
• They were Indra, Agni, Surya, Varuna, Vayu, Aditi, Prithvi, Usha and Yama
• Early Aryans performed yajnas and offered prayers and chanted hymns.
• During the Later Vedic period, the mode of worship became complex and complicated.
• The Early Vedic gods such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, etc lost their importance and were replaced by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
• Religious rituals and yajnas and sacrifices became complicated and too elaborate.