Q. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the religious worship and rituals of the Early Vedic Period?
1.Worship was centered on Yajnas accompanied by the recitation of hymns to gain material prosperity, cattle, and sons.
2.Sacrificial rituals were performed inside monumental stone temples containing sculpted idols of deities.
3.Prayers and sacrifices were directed toward personal spiritual salvation rather than worldly gains.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The primary purpose of Early Vedic worship was utilitarian and material (Praja, Pashu, Dhana, Annakam).
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Early Vedic religion was aniconic and non-temple based. Sacrifices were conducted in open altars (Vedi).
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Spiritual liberation (Moksha) was not a central theme of the Early Vedic phase; it became prominent later in the Upanishadic age.
