In which ancient Hindu text is the famous Purusha Sukta hymn, describing the cosmic being from whose sacrifice the social order emerges, primarily found?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to ancient Indian religious literature. The Purusha Sukta is one of the most famous hymns in Vedic literature because it symbolically describes the cosmic being (Purusha) whose sacrifice is said to give rise to the universe and the four varnas. Examinations often ask where this hymn is found because it connects discussions of social order and religious authority to a specific textual source.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks in which text the Purusha Sukta is found.
• The options include the Bhagavad Gita, Rigveda, Manusmriti and Atharvaveda.
• We assume familiarity with the basic classification of Vedic and post-Vedic texts.
• We focus on the primary and most cited location of this hymn.

Concept / Approach:
The Purusha Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda, usually identified as hymn 10.90. It presents a cosmic vision where the universe and social order emerge from the sacrificial dismemberment of the primordial cosmic person, Purusha. From different parts of his body arise the four varnas: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. Although later texts like Manusmriti discuss varna and social law, the original poetic and cosmological description associated with Purusha Sukta belongs to the Rigveda, not to the Bhagavad Gita or Atharvaveda.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Purusha Sukta as a Vedic hymn, not a later philosophical dialogue or law code.Step 2: Recall that the Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and consists of hymns addressed to various deities and cosmic principles.Step 3: Remember that Purusha Sukta, with its description of the cosmic being and origin of varnas, is specifically numbered as Rigveda 10.90.Step 4: Note that the Bhagavad Gita, although it discusses varna and duty, is a part of the Mahabharata and not the source of this particular hymn.Step 5: Manusmriti is a Dharmashastra dealing with social and legal norms; it refers to varna but is not the home of Purusha Sukta.Step 6: The Atharvaveda contains its own collection of hymns and charms but is not the primary text associated with Purusha Sukta.Step 7: Therefore, the correct answer is the Rigveda.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard introductions to Vedic literature and most religion-oriented history books explicitly state that the Purusha Sukta is Rigveda 10.90. They often quote or summarise this hymn when discussing the religious justification of social hierarchy. Exam preparation guides on ancient India and Hindu religious texts repeatedly list “Purusha Sukta – Rigveda” as a key fact, confirming that the Rigveda is the expected answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Bhagavad Gita: A philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna within the Mahabharata, not a collection of early ritual hymns like those in the Rigveda.The Manusmriti: A law code discussing varna and dharma but not the original poetic hymn known as Purusha Sukta.The Atharvaveda: Contains many hymns and spells, but Purusha Sukta is not primarily associated with it.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students associate Purusha Sukta with social law and therefore wrongly think of Manusmriti. Others mix up general discussions of varna in the Bhagavad Gita with this specific cosmological hymn. To avoid mistakes, remember the clear mapping: Purusha Sukta = Rigveda 10.90, which links the origin of the social order to a cosmic sacrificial act described in Vedic poetry.

Final Answer:
The Purusha Sukta hymn is primarily found in the Rigveda.