Atharvaved
A. Nature and importance:
The Veda of the Atharvanis the Atharvaveda. Atharvan denotes instructions and mantras mainly in connection to push back evil and worry and additionally incorporates philosophical thoughts. ‘Atharvan’ originally manner ‘priest’ and the Mantras inside the Atharvaveda- Samhita were introduced to light by means of Rishi Atharva.
In keeping with the etymology of the Nirukta, Atharvan is the name given to a strong-minded person who is immovably company i.e., Yogi. The oldest name, but, by using which this Veda is known in Indian literature is ‘Atharvangirasa-Veda’, this is the ‘Veda of the Atharvans and the Angiras’. Angiras too have been a group of faculties and clergymen. In line with Patanjali, Atharvaveda had nine Shakhas, but the Samhita of the Atharvaveda is these days available only in recensions – the Shaunaka and the Paippalada.
It’s far the Shaunaka-Samhita that is often supposed while the Atharvaveda is cited in ancient and modern-day literature. it is a set of 730 hymns containing 5987 Mantras, divided into 20 books (Kandas). A few 1200 verses are derived from the Rigveda. approximately one-sixth of the text of the Atharvaveda along with complete books (15 and 16) is written in prose, similar in fashion and language to the Brahmanas, the rest of the text is in poetic verses.
Some traditions prescribe that this Veda should be referred to as Brahma Ritvik who used to supervise the procedure of Yaga or sacrifice. In sacrificial ceremonies, he was purported to recognize all three Vedas, but usually, he used to symbolize the Atharvaveda. due to his affiliation, the Atharvaveda is also named ‘Brahmaveda, the Veda of Brahma priest.
The Atharvaveda is the oldest literary monument of Indian medicine. it is believed to be the origin of Ayurveda, the Indian technology of medicine. There are a series of Mantras associated with the cure various bodily and mental sicknesses. another magnificence of hymns includes prayers for safety from the chew of snakes or injurious insects. we discover point out and application of drug treatments and medicinal herbs. this selection distinguishes the Atharvaveda from the rest of the Vedas.
Philosophical quantities of this Samhita present a fairly excessive improvement of metaphysical concepts. The chief ideas of the Upanishads, the concept of a highest god as writer and preserver of the sector (Prajapati), or even the thoughts of an impersonal innovative principle, besides some philosophical terms inclusive of Brahman, Tapas, Asat, Prana, Manas have to were the commonplace belongings of large circles – at the time whilst these hymns originated. therefore, the examination of the philosophical ideas, revealed inside the Atharvaveda, is critical to apprehend the improvement of Indian Philosophical thought.
Atharvaveda is the most effective Veda that’s related to each worldly happiness and religious expertise. Vedic commentator Sayana has praised this for enjoying both ends – this world and the alternative world. therefore, it appears to be thrilling textual content for a trendy reader of the Vedic literature.
B. Contents:
The Atharvaveda is seemed upon because the Veda of various know-how. It consists of severa Mantras, which in line with their problem-depend, can be extensively divided into 3 categories: 1. associated with the treatment of diseases and destruction of destructive forces. 2. related to set up peace, protection, fitness, wealth, friendship and long lifestyles. three. related to the character of excellent reality, time, loss of life and immortality.
Bloomfield has divided the concern of Atharvaveda into many classes, such as Bhashijya, Paushtika, Prayashotta, Rajakarma, Strikarma, Darshana, Kuntapa and so on. here some vital and famous Suktas of Atharvaveda are listed to have a wellknown view its situation:
1. Bhumi-Sukta (12.1)
2. Brahmacarya-Sukta (11.5)
3. Kala-Suktas (11.53, 54)
4. Vivaha-Sukta (14th Kanda)
5. Madhuvidya-Sukta (9.1)
6. Samanasya-Sukta (3.30)
7. Rohita-Sukta (13.1-9)
8. Skambha-Sukla (10.7)
So, the Atharvaveda is an encyclopedia of many subjects. It reflects the lifestyles of the Vedic human beings. Their thoughts associated with philosophical, social, instructional, political, agricultural, scientific and medical topics are located on this Samhita.