The Vedic fathers of geology

Tue Rveton oF Tar Orie or Lire. 99

the region of the sacred river Sarasvati, situated in A'rydvarta—the Land of the Seven Rivers. Besides, a careful glance at the Vedic works, and especially a perusal of the Rig-Veda, will convince the Reader, that the Sarasvati was not only deemed by the Rig-Vedie Rishis to be the most sacred river, but was actually supposed to he specially their own, as they often used to say with extreme delight, “our sacred Sarasvati” ( पावका नः सरस्वती । Rig-Veda I. 3. 10), evidently establishing thereby their exclusive claim on her, even debarring others from participation in her favours, and enjoying themselves the privilege denied to others by Nature herself. Tt was obviously for this reason, that the river Sarasvatl was ever associated with the utmost sanctity, and as such, sacrifices were always performed in the regions and on the banks of the said river: (षयो वे सरस्वत्यां सञज्जमासत । Aitareya Br. I. 19; साध्यमाः सरस्वत्यां सवसासत । Kaushitaki Br. XII. 3). Whilein the Rig-Veda, the said river was even eulogised as the best of Mothers, the best of Rivers, and the best of G'oddesses : ( sifaतने नदते देवितमे सरस्वति । 14ध-ए०० [. 41. 16 ). And all these praises seam to have been lavished on her, evidently for the reason that she was supposed to be the site not only of the A’ryan Home and the Human Cradle, but was