Gotama
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
In Ṛgveda[edit]
Gotama is a sage mentioned in the Ṛgveda several times,[1] but not as the seer[2] of mantras. He was closely connected with the Aṅgirasas.[3] His patronymic was Rāhugaṇa.[4]
In Śatapatha Brāhmana[edit]
The Śatapatha Brāhmana[5] says he was the purohita (family priest) of Māthva Videgha and a bearer of Vedic civilization.
In Atharvaveda[edit]
Gotama also finds a place in the Atharvaveda.[6] Vāma-deva and Nodhas were his sons. He is considered as one of the original sages who started the gotra tradition.
References[edit]
- ↑ Ṛgveda 1.62.13; 1.78.2; 4.4.11
- ↑ Seer means draṣṭā.
- ↑ Aṅgirasas are the descendant of Aṅgiras.
- ↑ Rāhugaṇa was the descendant of Rahugaṇa.
- ↑ Śatapatha Brāhmana 1.4.1.10
- ↑ Atharvaveda 4.29.6
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore