Vedic Wellness Times | Issue #4
9th Sept 2025 | International University of Vedic Wellness | 1 E, Bode Rd., Streamwood, IL, USA
The First Veda - Ṛigveda as a Fountain of Wellness
Words from the Chief Editor
In our last issue, we celebrated the Sun as the eternal source of vitality, from the hymns of the Vedas to the solar panels on our rooftops. This month, we turn our gaze to the Ṛigveda, the first and oldest of the four Vedas-a compendium of over 1,000 hymns that span spirituality, science, health, and ecology.
The Ṛigveda is more than a sacred text. It is a manual of wellness, reminding us that human flourishing is inseparable from cosmic order (ṛta), community harmony, and ecological balance. From the praise of healing herbs to the invocation of mental clarity, its wisdom resonates with modern biomedical science and integrative health.
As we launch this series exploring each Veda, we invite you to rediscover the Ṛgveda not only as literature, but as a living guide to holistic wellness.
Prof Abhimanyu Kumar MSc, MD, PhD ,
Chief Editor - ak@iuvw.org
Ṛgveda 10.137 - Hymn to Agni as Healer
‘Agni, drive away disease, remove all that is harmful, grant us long life and strength.’
Meaning: Here, fire (Agni) is invoked as the universal purifier, the remover of disease, and the source of longevity.
Scientific Explanation: Just as Agni consumes impurities, our body’s metabolic fire digests food, detoxifies harmful substances, and generates the energy needed for repair. Modern immunology shows how innate immunity ‘burns away’ pathogens, echoing this ancient imagery. Studies on oxidative metabolism and immune resilience reveal that cellular energy systems are central to maintaining health, validating the Ṛigvedic metaphor. Read More
Wellness Through Ṛta - Living in Cosmic Order
Rise and Rest with the Sun: Align your daily rhythm with natural light. Circadian biology now confirms that sunrise and sunset cycles regulate hormones, mood, and sleep.
Practice Sūrya Prāṇāyāma at Dawn: Breathing with sunrise synchronizes body and mind. Clinical studies show pranayama reduces stress hormones and improves lung health.
Seasonal Living (Ṛtucaryā): The Ṛgveda refers to the cycles of seasons; Ayurveda later elaborated these as lifestyle guidelines. Following them prevents seasonal illnesses and boosts immunity.
By living in harmony with Ṛta, we tune our physiology to the same cosmic rhythms that inspired the Ṛigvedic sages. Read More
Bhagavad Gita 2.70
“As rivers enter the ocean but do not disturb it, so a person of peace remains undisturbed.”
This metaphor continues the Ṛgvedic reverence for rivers- symbols of abundance and flow. Just as the ocean remains steady amidst rivers entering it, wellness is the ability to remain balanced amidst life’s challenges.
Scientific Parallel: Psychology calls this resilience-the capacity to return to equilibrium after stress. Studies show mindfulness and meditation, rooted in Vedic practices, increase resilience by regulating the nervous system and reducing inflammatory stress. Read More
Interesting Facts about Rigveda
Oldest Living Text : The Ṛigveda is over 3,000 years old- probably the world’s oldest scripture still studied and chanted today.
Human Hard Drive : For millennia, it was never written down. Instead, it was memorized word-for-word using unique recitation methods that kept it error-free.
Grand Structure : It contains 10 books (Maṇḍalas), 1,028 hymns (Sūktas), and about 10,600 verses in Vedic Sanskrit.
Roots of Ayurveda & Yoga : Hymns on herbs, breath, and cosmic order (Ṛta) form the seed knowledge that later blossomed into Ayurveda and Yoga.
Nature as Family : Over half its hymns honor the Sun, rivers, dawn, and Earth reminding us that wellness depends on harmony with nature.
First Philosophical Question : The Hymn of Creation asks: “Who knows how the universe began?”-an early example of human curiosity and scientific spirit.
World Heritage : Vedic chanting is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
IUVW Launches V.I.S.I.O.N Program
The International University of Vedic Wellness (IUVW) has launched an inspiring new initiative-V.I.S.I.O.N (Vedic Inspiration for Students through Innovation, Observation, and Nurturing).
The program reflects IUVW’s commitment to nurturing young global citizens by blending timeless Vedic wisdom with modern tools of learning. Through a focus on innovation, keen observation, and compassionate nurturing, VISION aims to foster a generation of students who embody wisdom, creativity, and empathy- empowered to lead with purpose in both personal and community spheres.
Learn with Us
Impower your life with timeless Vedic insights and practical wellness tools. Explore our current programs and join a journey of knowledge, balance, and transformation with IUVW.
Our courses range from Ayurveda and Yoga for daily wellness to Vedic sciences for personal growth, blending ancient wisdom with modern understanding to create practical tools for healthier, more meaningful living.
Website: iuvw.org | contact@iuvw.org
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Disclaimer: The content herein is educational. Always consult a qualified professional before making health or lifestyle changes.
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