In this article, we will explore the theme of Vāc with the aim of delving into its importance and relevance in today's society. Vāc is a topic that has generated broad interest in different areas, from the academic field to the social and cultural field. Over the years, Vāc has been the subject of study and debate, generating divergent and enriching opinions that allow us to better understand its scope and influence on our daily lives. Through the exploration of Vāc, we will be able to delve into its multiple dimensions and analyze the impacts it has on our society, as well as reflect on the implications it entails for the future.
Vac (Sanskrit: वाच्, vāc) is a Vedic goddess who is a personified form of divine speech. She enters into the inspired poets and visionaries, gives expression and energy to those she loves; she is called the "mother of the Vedas" and consort of Prajapati, the Vedic embodiment of mind.[1] She is also associated with Indra in Aitareya Aranyaka.[2] Elsewhere, such as in the Padma Purana, she is stated to be the wife of Vision (Kashyapa), the mother of Emotions, and the friend of Musicians (Gandharva).[2]
She is identified with goddess Saraswati in later Vedic literature and post-Vedic texts of Hindu traditions. Saraswati has remained a significant and revered deity in Hinduism.[3] Because of this, Goddess Saraswati is also known as Goddess Vaceshwari.
Thomas McEvilley gives goddess Vac and the area of her divine purview treatment in 'Appendix E: Philosophy and Grammar' to his magnum opus The Shape of Ancient Thought.[4]