What was the name of the world’s first dog as per Rig Veda

The Rig Veda is the collection of ancient Indian Vedic Sanskrit hymns. Of all the tales and anecdotes mentioned in the holy Rig Veda, there is one early mention of the divine dog-like deity, known as Sarama. She is referred to as one of the most obedient messengers of the gods, and the mother of all canines. Sarama's tale is much more than the story of just any other animal; it is one of the ideas concerning loyalty, truth, and the search for knowledge.

Sarama's legend appears throughout many hymns of the Rig Veda, but she is most prominently mentioned in Mandala 10, Hymn 108, the "Dialogue of Sarama and the Panis." In this hymn, she is commissioned by Indra, the god-king, to locate the cows that were stolen and hidden by the Panis, a race of beings who personify greed and deceit.

She is also referenced in Rig Veda 1.62.3, 1.72.8, 3.31.6, 4.16.8, and 5.45.7. In these verses, she is described as "swift-footed" and "shining," symbolizing divine purpose and courage. Her name, Sarama, likely derives from the Sanskrit root sṛ, meaning "to go" or "to move." This etymology reflects her role as a voyager, a wanderer, and a bridge between the worlds of gods and men

When the Panis had stolen the divine cows and taken them to hide behind the cosmic river Rasā, Indra directed Sarama to follow them. She traveled long distances to reach the secret place of the Panis. Upon her arrival, they laughed at her and asked for what reason she came.
Sarama sternly informed them that she had arrived on behalf of Indra to seek the release of the cows. The Panis attempted to entice her with words of riches and friendship if she decided to remain among them. But Sarama was a devoted servant of the gods. She would not be tricked, threatening the Panis that Indra would punish them shortly for their deception.
In later versions, the narrative is further developed. The Panis provide her with milk from the stolen cattle to soften her determination. Sarama consumes it but later owns up to Indra, who forgives her after she assists in recovering the cattle. These later versions emphasize her internal conflict and ultimate act of honesty.

The story of Sarama and the Panis is more than just a tale about a divine dog retrieving stolen cows; it is a timeless reflection of humanity’s quest for light and truth. In Vedic scriptures, the cows symbolize the sun’s rays hidden by darkness. Sarama also represents loyalty and ethical rectitude. When the Panis attempted to bribe her, she remained steadfast. Her decision embodies the Vedic principle that truth is greater than temptation and that fidelity to the divine path will ultimately prevail over ignorance. This ancient myth still inspires seekers to uphold integrity, resist illusion, and walk the path of spiritual awakening and inner light.

Later, in Vedic and Puranic mythology, Sarama is considered the mother of all dogs, referred to as the Sarameyas. These are said to be the two four-eyed dogs of Yama, the god associated with death. They serve as the guards of the road to the dead and the keepers of the worlds of the afterlife. Through them, Sarama’s influence extends into Hindu cosmology as a threshold guardian and a maintainer of sacred order.