Atharva Veda in English
Atharva Veda: Introduction and Importance
Atharva Veda is the fourth among the four sacred Vedas of Hinduism. It is also called Brahma Veda. This Veda contains mantras related to medicine, science, philosophy, tantra-mantra, and witchcraft along with praise of the gods. Atharva Veda is considered to be a wonderful confluence of practical aspects of life and spiritual knowledge. The state in which the knower of Atharva Veda lives, there is peace, prosperity and progress in that state.
It is believed that God first imparted the knowledge of Atharva Veda to Maharishi Angira, who conveyed it to Brahma.
First Mantra of Atharvaveda:
“Ye Trishaptah Pariyanti”
Introduction to Atharvaveda
Structure:
Chaand: 20
Sukta: 730
Mantras: About 6000 (sometimes 5987 or 5977)
Out of these, 1200 mantras have been taken from Rigveda.
Important Topics:
Brahm Gyan
Medicine and Treatment
Disease Prevention
Tantra-Mantra
Witchcraft
Marital Life:
It describes the duties of husband and wife, rules of marriage, and dignity.
Many mantras of Brahma Bhakti have been mentioned.
Other Names of Atharvaveda
Atharvangiras
Brahmaveda
Bhaishajyaveda
Mahiveda
Period of Composition of Atharvaveda
In the Vedic period, Atharvaveda was not given the same status as the other three Vedas.
Its language is clearly later than the Rigveda.
The period of composition is estimated to be 1000 BCE.
It is said to have been composed by sages Atharva and Angiras.
Branches of Atharvaveda
Atharvaveda has a total of 20 chapters and 730 hymns. It has two major branches:
Pippalada
Shaunaka
Subject matter of Atharvaveda
First to seventh chapters:
Prayers related to Tantra-Mantra.
Mantras for long life, disease prevention, curses, love spells, sin atonement, and success in Veda studies.
Eighth to twelfth chapters:
Cosmic principles and esoteric topics related to the Upanishads.
Thirteenth to twentieth chapters:
Mantras related to marriage, funeral rites, Vratya Mahima, rituals, and hospitality.
Features of Atharvaveda
It includes mantras taken from Rigveda and Samaveda.
It describes the powers of Tantra-Mantra, demons, vampires, etc.
Description of belief in ghosts and Tantra-Mantra is found.
It provides information on Ayurveda, bacteriology, and medicines.
National sentiment is mentioned through Bhumi Sukta.
Importance of Atharvaveda
The mantras of Atharvaveda are considered useful for organizing life, preventing diseases, and maintaining peace in society. As the original source of Ayurveda and pharmacology, this Veda is also considered fundamental for modern medical science.