The term "nasadiya sukta" (na-sa-di-ya su-kta) refers to a hymn from the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /nəsədi jə suktə/. The word "nasadiya" is derived from "na" (not), "asat" (existent), and "ya" (which), meaning "that which is not real." "Sukta" means a hymn or a group of hymns. Together, "nasadiya sukta" is a philosophical hymn about the creation of the universe and the nature of existence.
Nasadiya Sukta, also known as the Hymn of Creation, is a philosophical hymn found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in the Hindu scriptures. This hymn can be seen as a contemplation on the origins of the universe and the nature of existence.
The Nasadiya Sukta consists of ten verses written in Vedic Sanskrit. It begins with a philosophical question: "What was there before the creation?". The hymn explores various ideas and possibilities, exploring the concept of the universe arising from nothingness or non-existence. It delves into the realm of metaphysical speculation, pondering the nature of reality, time, and cosmic order.
The hymn discusses the emergence of gods or deities and their self-sustaining power. It acknowledges the uncertainty and mystery surrounding the origins of the universe and questions whether anyone truly knows the answers. The Nasadiya Sukta is often considered a poetic and philosophical reflection on the limits of human knowledge and the concept of ultimate truth.
Many scholars interpret this hymn as an acknowledgement of the limitations of human understanding and the incomprehensibility of the divine. It explores the idea that the ultimate truth behind the creation of the universe may forever remain beyond human comprehension.
In summary, the Nasadiya Sukta is a profound hymn found in the Rigveda, contemplating the origins of the universe, the nature of existence, and the limits of human understanding. It is a poetic expression of philosophical speculation on the mysteries of creation.
The term "nasadiya sukta" is derived from Sanskrit. "Nasadiya" is a compound word consisting of two parts: "na" meaning "not" or "non", and "asadiya" meaning "existence" or "being". The word "sukta" translates to "hymn" or "verse" in Sanskrit.
Therefore, "nasadiya sukta" can be loosely translated as the "hymn of not-being" or the "verse on non-existence". The term is used to refer to a particular hymn or verse in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.