HistoryAncient India: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Which of the following was NOT among the deities especially praised i…

Which of the following was NOT among the deities especially praised in the hymns of the Rigveda?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Shiva

Option (1) Agni — Especially praised in the Rigveda. Agni, the god of fire, is one of the three deities the Rigvedic hymns praise most. He was linked with the sacrificial fire that carried offerings to the gods.

Option (2) Indra — Especially praised in the Rigveda. Indra is one of the three deities the hymns of the Rigveda praise most.

Option (3) Shiva — Not among the deities especially praised in the Rigveda. The hymns praise many deities, but the special three are Agni, Indra and Soma. Shiva is not one of them.

Option (4) Soma — Especially praised in the Rigveda. Soma, with Agni and Indra, is one of the three deities the Rigvedic hymns praise most.

NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 The sacrificial tradition
There were several pre-existing traditions of thought, religious belief and practice, including the early Vedic tradition, known from the Rigveda, compiled between c.1500 and 1000 BCE. The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra and Soma. Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed, where people prayed for cattle, sons, good health, long life, etc.”