ऋग्वेद The Rig Veda, dating back to approximately 1500-1200 BCE, is the oldest of the four sacred Hindu scriptures known collectively as the वेदाः Vedas. Comprising over a thousand hymns dedicated to various deities, it is not only a religious text but also a philosophical and poetic document reflecting the thoughts and culture of ancient India. Its verses provide invaluable insights into the spiritual, social, and intellectual milieu of the Vedic civilization, setting the foundational tone for much of subsequent Indian thought and spirituality.