Jataveda

Jataveda (Sanskrit: जातवेद, IAST: jātaveda, "He who knows all creatures") is a term used in Rig Veda and is an epithet for agni, that is, fire-god. In some references, the term has also been used as an epithet of Shiva. The meaning of Jatveda has been explained in the following five ways:

• Knowledge of all the created beings
• Knowledge of all creatures or everything existent
• Being known by all created things
• Knowledge of the Vedas as representing the ultimate riches and wealth
• Knowledge of the Vedas as the ultimate and the absolute source of wisdom

In some references, the term Jataveda has been used to personify the one who has produced the Vedas. According to some scholars, its real meaning and significance has been lost in antiquity.

References

• A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology & Religion by John Dowson