Explanation: Vedic Religion and Rituals:

• Religion and rituals played an important role in Vedic society. In the Rig Veda, the natural forces sun, moon, rivers, mountains and rains were defined as divinities. The religion was naturalistic and polytheistic.
• Indra was the most important god and he was called Purandara. Agni was seen as intermediary between god and people. Surya was a god who removed darkness. Ushas was the goddess of dawn. Aditi, Prithvi and Sinivali are other goddesses. Varuna, the god of water was next in importance.
• This god was the upholder of natural order. Soma was the god of plants and the drink was named after him. Soma drink was part of the ritual and the preparation of this intoxicating drink is explained in many hymns.
• Maruts was the god of strength. Interestingly there are few references to Rudra or Siva. Rituals were adopted as a solution to many issues and the problems of dayto-day life and thus the priests had an important role in the society.

Source: Tamil Nadu Board Class 11