Which sacred hymn from the Rigveda describes the sacrifice of Purusha, the primaeval man?
1) Upanishad sukta
2) Bhagavad Gita
3) Purusha sukta
4) Aranyakas hymn
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
To support their assertions, Brahmanas frequently referred to a hymn from the Rigveda known as the Purusha sukta, which narrates the sacrifice of Purusha, the primaeval man. According to this hymn, all components of the universe, including the four social categories, were believed to have originated from Purusha's body. Specifically, it states:
The Brahmana emerged from his mouth, The Kshatriya was created from his arms, His thighs gave rise to the Vaishya, And the Shudra was born from his feet.