The Satapatha Brahmana is one of the most significant prose texts of the Vedic corpus, offering detailed instructions on sacrificial rites and the mythological explanations behind them. In 3.1.3.3-4, the text narrates the divine origin of the elephant. It states that the elephant evolved from Martanda, one of the sons of Aditi, the mother of gods.
The Myth of Martanda
Martanda is a somewhat enigmatic figure in Vedic mythology. Aditi, the mother of the gods, gave birth to several sons, most of whom are known as the Adityas, representing various cosmic principles and deities, such as Varuna (god of water), Mitra (god of contracts), and Surya (the Sun). However, Martanda was often considered the rejected or imperfect son. His name is sometimes interpreted as "the one born out of dead matter" or the "fading sun" (the Sun at twilight). Due to his imperfection or difference from his divine brothers, Martanda was cast aside. From his form, the divine elephant was believed to have evolved, symbolizing a unique connection between celestial energy and earthly existence.
Symbolism of the Elephant
Connection with Cosmic Forces: The elephant, having evolved from a divine being like Martanda, holds a special place in Vedic cosmology. Martanda’s connection to the fading Sun imbues the elephant with the symbolic essence of both creation and destruction, birth and death—cycles that govern the universe.
Strength and Majesty: Elephants are naturally seen as symbols of power, majesty, and wisdom. In Hindu culture, they are revered for their physical strength and intelligence. Their divine origin in the Satapatha Brahmana reinforces this status, associating elephants not only with earthly might but with divine, cosmic authority.
Ganesha and the Elephant Symbolism: Although Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is a later deity, there may be echoes of the elephant's divine origin in his mythology. Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and a symbol of intellect, prosperity, and good fortune. The divine status of elephants in the Vedic tradition likely influenced the evolution of Ganesha's form and symbolism.
Elephants in Royalty and Warfare: Given their divine connection, elephants came to symbolize royalty and military power in ancient India. Kings often rode on elephants, and war elephants were a key part of armies. This association can be traced back to the Vedic view of the elephant as having evolved from a cosmic, divine source, symbolizing strength, protection, and royal dignity.
Importance of the Elephant in Rituals and Texts
Sacrificial Importance: The Satapatha Brahmana, being primarily a text on Vedic sacrifices, may hint at the role of elephants in rituals. While elephants were not typically sacrificed, their symbolic presence and connection to cosmic entities like Martanda elevated their importance in certain contexts.
Earthly Representation of Cosmic Forces: The Shatapatha Brahmana and other Vedic texts often draw parallels between natural phenomena and cosmic principles. The elephant, through its divine origin, can be seen as an earthly manifestation of the Sun's power and the cycle of creation.
Other Vedic and Post-Vedic Myths about Elephants
Elephants as Dwarapala (Gatekeepers): In later Hindu architecture and symbolism, elephants often serve as dwarapalas (gatekeepers) at the entrance to temples. This could reflect their mythic status as protectors of sacred spaces, possibly stemming from their divine origin in Vedic literature.
Airavata: The myth of Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, the king of gods, is another significant tale. Airavata is said to have emerged from the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) and serves as Indra's mount. Airavata’s celestial origin and association with Indra parallels the divine status accorded to elephants in the Shatapatha Brahmana, connecting them to royal and cosmic power.
Elephants and Rain: In many later myths, elephants are associated with rain and fertility. The association between Martanda (a Sun god) and the elephant may symbolically link elephants with the cycle of rain and drought, tying them to both the Sun and water. This duality of creation and destruction (wet and dry, fertile and barren) is key to understanding the elephant's role in ancient Indian thought.
Lesser-Known Facts
Elephants and Vedic Astrology: In Vedic astrology, elephants are often associated with the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati), which governs wisdom, expansion, and prosperity. The elephant’s connection to Martanda, a celestial being, may also link it to Jupiter’s attributes.
Gajalakshmi: The goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity, is often depicted with elephants in the Gajalakshmi form. These elephants symbolize abundance, wealth, and fertility, again reinforcing the divine and auspicious nature of the animal.
Elephants in the Rigveda: Though the elephant is mentioned sparingly in the Rigveda, its divine stature in later texts like the Satapatha Brahmana marks an evolution in the symbolic status of elephants. The Rigveda refers to elephants as "Mriga Hastin" (the animal with a hand), hinting at the early recognition of their unique form and intelligence.
Similar Symbolism in Other Cultures
Elephants in Buddhism: Elephants also play an important role in Buddhist mythology. The white elephant is particularly sacred, symbolizing purity and wisdom. In Buddhist legend, Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb, symbolizing the birth of a great spiritual teacher.
Elephants in Jainism: In Jainism, elephants represent the god Vimala and the Tirthankara Ajitnatha, who is often depicted riding an elephant. This highlights the animal's association with spiritual power and protection in various Indian religious traditions.
African and Southeast Asian Symbolism: In various African cultures, elephants are symbols of strength and wisdom. Similarly, in Southeast Asian cultures like Thailand and Cambodia, elephants are associated with kingship and divine authority, reflecting a similar reverence seen in Vedic and Hindu traditions.
The divine origin of the elephant in the Satapatha Brahmana highlights the animal's cosmic significance, its association with Martanda, and its importance in Vedic and later Hindu symbolism. From being a symbol of cosmic cycles to embodying strength, wisdom, and royal power, the elephant's spiritual and cultural significance permeates many layers of Indian mythology and religion. Its divine connection enriches the symbolic and religious role elephants continue to play in various traditions across South Asia and beyond.