Lexicon

of Rig Veda

pitṛ, father

The image for him, who procreates by inputing its consciousness-semen in its offspring. Often is used for Heaven, the Father of all, or for Rishi, who creates his sons, offering-hymns, or gives the birth in himself to the god. Or it may be a hymn giving embodiment to the god being also his father.

In double number this word often interpreted as Heaven and Earth, but analysis of the hymns in which this word occurs in a double number leads us to conclusion that it is two fathers (not Mother and Father) in mentioned meaning. These two fathers may be Rishi and his hymn.

See also:

•  earth (pṛthivī)

•  heaven (div)

•  offspring (prajā)

•  seed (retas)

•  son (tanaya)

•  son of the body (tanūnapa)

•  son; offspring (sūnu)