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The Atharva (Sanskrit: , Atharvaveda from atharv as and veda meaning "knowledge")
is the "knowledge storehouse of atharv as, the procedures for everyday life".[1] The text is the
fourth Veda, but has been a late addition to the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism.[2][3]
The Atharvaveda is composed in Vedic Sanskrit, and it is a collection of 730 hymns with about
6,000 mantras, divided into 20 books.[4] About a sixth of the Atharvaveda text adapts verses from
the Rigveda, and except for Books 15 and 16, the text is in poem form deploying a diversity of
Vedic meters.[4] Two different recensions of the text the Paippalda and the aunakya have
survived into modern times.[5] Reliable manuscripts of the Paippalada edition were believed to
have been lost, but a well-preserved version was discovered among a collection of palm leaf
manuscripts in Odisha in 1957.[5]
The Atharvaveda is sometimes called the "Veda of magical formulas",[1] an epithet declared to be
incorrect by other scholars.[6] The Samhita layer of the text likely represents a developing 2nd
millennium BCE tradition of magico-religious rites to address superstitious anxiety, spells to
remove maladies believed to be caused by demons, and herbs- and nature-derived potions as
medicine.[7] Many books of the Atharvaveda Samhita are dedicated to rituals without magic and to
theosophy.[6] The text, states Kenneth Zysk, is one of oldest surviving record of the evolutionary
practices in religious medicine and reveals the "earliest forms of folk healing of Indo-European
antiquity".[8]
It was likely compiled as a Veda contemporaneously with Samaveda and Yajurveda, or about
1200 BC - 1000 BC.[9][10] Along with the Samhita layer of text, the Atharvaveda includes
a Brahmana text, and a final layer of the text that covers philosophical speculations. The latter
layer of Atharvaveda text includes three primary Upanishads, influential to various schools
of Hindu philosophy. These include the Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and
the Prashna Upanishad.[11][12]
Contents
[hide]
2Text
o 2.1Recensions
o 2.2Organization
4Contents
o 4.1Samhita
o 4.2Brahmana
o 4.3Upanishads
4.3.1Mundaka Upanishad
4.3.2Mandukya Upanishad
4.3.3Prashna Upanishad
o 6.2Literature
7See also
8References
9Further reading
10External links
Text[edit]
A page from the Atharva Veda Samhita, its most ancient layer of text.
The Atharvaveda is a collection of 20 books, with a total of 730 hymns of about 6,000 stanzas.
[4]
The text is, state Patrick Olivelle and other scholars, a historical collection of beliefs and rituals
addressing practical issues of daily life of the Vedic society, and it is not a liturgical Yajurveda-
style collection.[17][18]
Recensions[edit]
The Cara avyuha, a later era Sanskrit text, states that the Atharvaveda had nine shakhas, or
schools: paippalda, stauda, mauda, aunakya, jjala, jalada, brahmavada, devadara and cra
navaidy.[19]
Of these, only the Shaunakiya recension, and the more recently discovered manuscripts of
Paippalda recension have survived.[5] The Paippalda edition is more ancient.[20] The two
recensions differ in how they are organized, as well as content.[20]For example, the Book 10 of
Paippalada recension is more detailed, more developed and more conspicuous in
describing monism, the concept of "oneness of Brahman, all life forms and the world".[21]
Organization[edit]
The Atharvaveda Samhita originally was organized into 18 books (Knd as), and the last two
were added later.[22] These books are arranged neither by subject nor by authors (as is the case
with the other Vedas), but by the length of the hymns. [18] Each book generally has hymns of about
a similar number of verses, and the surviving manuscripts label the book with the shortest hymns
as Book 1, and then in an increasing order (a few manuscripts do the opposite). Most of the
hymns are poetic and set to different meters, but about a sixth of the book is prose. [18]
Most of the hymns of Atharvaveda are unique to it, except for the one sixth of its hymns that it
borrows from the Rigveda, primarily from its 10th mandala.[18][22] The 19th book was a supplement
of a similar nature, likely of new compositions and was added later.[18] The 143 hymns of the 20th
book of Atharvaveda Samhita is almost entirely borrowed from the Rigveda. [23]
The hymns of Atharvaveda cover a motley of topics, across its twenty books. Roughly, the first
seven books focus primarily on magical poems for all sorts of healing and sorcery, and Michael
Witzel states these are reminiscent of Germanic and Hittite sorcery stanzas, and may likely be
the oldest section.[24] Books 8 to 12 are speculations of a variety of topics, while Books 13 to 18
tend to be about life cycle rites of passage rituals.[24]
The Srautasutra texts Vaitna Stra and the Kauika Stra are attached to the Atharvaveda
Shaunaka edition, as are a supplement of Atharvan Prayascitthas, two Pratishakhyas, and a
collection of Parisisthas.[25][26] For the Paippalada edition of Atharvaveda, corresponding texts were
Agastya and Paithinasi Sutras but these are lost or yet to be discovered. [27]
Contents[edit]
The Atharvaveda Samhita contains hymns many of which were charms, magic spells and
incantations meant to be pronounced by the person who seeks some benefit, or more often by a
sorcerer who would say it on his or her behalf.[22] The most frequent goal of these hymns charms
and spells were long life of a loved one or recovery from some illness. In these cases, the
affected would be given substances such as a plant (leaf, seed, root) and an amulet.[22] Some
magic spells were for soldiers going to war with the goal of defeating the enemy, others for
anxious lovers seeking to remove rivals or to attract the lover who is less than interested, some
for success at a sporting event, in economic activity, for bounty of cattle and crops, or removal of
petty pest bothering a household.[22][35][36] Some hymns were not about magic spells and charms,
but prayer qua prayer and philosophical speculations.[37]
The contents of the Atharvaveda contrasts with the other Vedas. The 19th century Indologist
Weber summarized the contrast as follows,
The spirit of the two collections [Rigveda, Atharvaveda] is indeed widely different. In the Rigveda
there breathes a lively natural feeling, a warm love for nature; while in the Atharva there prevails,
on the contrary, only an anxious dread of her evil spirits and their magical powers. In the Rigveda
we find the people in a state of free activity and independence; in the Atharva we see it bound in
the fetters of the hierarchy and superstition.
As this comfortable cave, O Indra!, furnishing a safe abode hath become pleasing to all life,
thus may this woman be a favourite of fortune, beloved, not at odds with her husband!
Do thou ascend the full, inexhaustible ship of fortune;
upon this bring, hither the suitor who shall be agreeable to thee!
Bring hither by thy shouts, O lord of wealth, the suitor, bend his mind towards her;
turn thou the attention of every agreeable suitor towards her!
Brahmana[edit]
The Atharvaveda includes Gopatha Brahmana text, that goes with Atharva Samhita.[56]
Upanishads[edit]
The Atharvaveda has three primary Upanishads embedded within it.[57]
Mundaka Upanishad[edit]
The Mundaka Upanishad, embedded inside Atharvaveda, is a poetic-style Upanishad, with 64
verses, written in the form of mantras. However, these mantras are not used in rituals, rather they
are used for teaching and meditation on spiritual knowledge. [58] In ancient and medieval era
Indian literature and commentaries, the Mundaka Upanishad is referred to as one of the Mantra
Upanishads.[59]
The Mudaka Upaishad contains three Mudakams (parts), each with two sections.[60][61] The first
Mundakam, states Roer,[60] defines the science of "Higher Knowledge" and "Lower Knowledge",
and then asserts that acts of oblations and pious gifts are foolish, and do nothing to reduce
unhappiness in current life or next, rather it is knowledge that frees. The second Mundakam
describes the nature of the Brahman, the Atman (Self, Soul), and the path to know Brahman. The
third Mundakam continues the discussion and then asserts that the state of knowing Brahman is
one of freedom, fearlessness, liberation and bliss.[60][61] The Mudaka Upaishad is one of text that
discuss the pantheism theory in Hindu scriptures.[62][63]The text, like other Upanishads, also
discusses ethics.[64]
Through continuous pursuit of Satya (truthfulness), Tapas (perseverance,
austerity), Samyaja (correct knowledge), and Brahmacharya, one attains Atman (Self, Soul).
Mandukya Upanishad[edit]
The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest of all the Upanishads, found in the Atharvaveda text.
[66]
The text discusses the syllable Om, presents the theory of four states of consciousness,
asserts the existence and nature of Atman (Soul, Self).[66][67]
The Mandukya Upanishad is notable for inspiring Gaudapada's Karika, a classic for
the Vedanta school of Hinduism.[68]Mandukya Upanishad is among the oft cited texts on
chronology and philosophical relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism. [69]
Prashna Upanishad[edit]
The Prashna Upanishad is from the Paippalada school of Atharvavedins.[70]
The text contains six Prasha (questions), and each is a chapter with a discussion of answers. [71]
[72]
The first three questions are profound metaphysical questions but, states Eduard Roer,[72] do
not contain any defined, philosophical answers, are mostly embellished mythology and
symbolism. The fourth section, in contrast, contains substantial philosophy. The last two sections
discuss the symbol Om and Moksha concept.[72]
The Prashna Upanishad is notable for its structure and sociological insights into the education
process in ancient India.[73]
Influence[edit]
Rishi Caraka (above), the author of Caraka Samhita credits Atharvaveda as an inspiration.[76]
See also[edit]
Ayurveda
Charaka Samhita
Sushruta Samhita
Upanishads
Vedas
References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to:a b c Laurie Patton (2004), Veda and Upanishad,
in The Hidu World (Editors: Sushil Mittal and Gene Thursby),
Routledge, ISBN 0-415215277, page 38
11. Jump up^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume
2, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814691, pages 605-609
16. Jump up^ Michael Witzel (2003), Linguistic Evidence for Cultural
Exchange in Prehistoric Western Central Asia Sino-Platonic
Papers, No. 129, page 38
20. ^ Jump up to:a b Jan Gonda (1975), Vedic Literature: Sam hits and
Brhmanas, Vol 1, Fasc. 1, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN978-
3447016032, pages 273-274
21. Jump up^ Jan Gonda (1975), Vedic Literature: Sam hits and
Brhmanas, Vol 1, Fasc. 1, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN978-
3447016032, pages 296-297
23. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva Veda, Volume
2, 2nd Edition, EJ Lazarus, pages 321-451
24. ^ Jump up to:a b Michael Witzel (2003), "Vedas and Upanis ads", in
The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism (Editor: Gavin Flood),
Blackwell, ISBN 0-631215352, page 76
25. Jump up^ Jan Gonda (1977), The Ritual Sutras, in A History of
Indian Literature: Veda and Upanishads, Otto Harrassowitz
Verlag, ISBN 978-3447018234, pages 543-545
27. Jump up^ Michael Witzel (2003), "Vedas and Upanis ads", in The
Blackwell Companion to Hinduism (Editor: Gavin Flood),
Blackwell, ISBN 0-631215352, pages 100-101
28. ^ Jump up to:a b Carl Olson (2007), The Many Colors of Hinduism,
Rutgers University Press, ISBN 978-0813540689, page 13
29. Jump up^ Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins,
Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, page
135
30. Jump up^ Alex Wayman (1997), Untying the Knots in Buddhism,
Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120813212, pages 52-53
32. Jump up^ Michael Witzel (1997). "The Developmet of the Vedic
Cao ad its Schools : The Social ad Political Milieu. Harvard
Uiversity, Harvard Orietal Series." (PDF). Retrieved 30
Jue 2014.
36. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, Atharva Veda Vol 1, EJ Lazarus, pages
344-352
37. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva Veda: Hymn
13.4, Volume 2, 2nd Edition, EJ Lazarus, pages 154-158
38. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva Veda, Volume
1, EJ Lazarus, page v
40. Jump up^ Jan Gonda (1975), Vedic Literature: Sam hits and
Brhmanas, Vol 1, Fasc. 1, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN978-
3447016032, pages 277-297
41. ^ Jump up to:a b Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins,
Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages
137-139
42. Jump up^ Kenneth Zysk (2010), Medicine in the Veda: Religious
Healing in the Veda, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814004,
pages 7-9
44. Jump up^ Kenneth Zysk, Religious Medicine: The History and
Evolution of Indian Medicine, Transaction, ISBN 978-1560000761,
pages 238-247, 249-255
45. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, Atharva Veda, Hymn VII Vol 1, EJ
Lazarus, pages 408-411
47. Jump up^ Max Muller, The Sacred Books of the East, Volume 42,
p. 100, at Google Books, Oxford University Press, pages 99-101
48. Jump up^ Max Muller, The Sacred Books of the East, Volume 42,
p. 107, at Google Books, Oxford University Press, pages 107-108
49. Jump up^ Max Muller, The Sacred Books of the East, Volume 42,
p. 94, at Google Books, Oxford University Press, pages 94-95
53. Jump up^ WD Whitney, Atharva Veda, Book X.2 Vol 2 Books VIII
to XIX, Harvard University Press, pages 568-569
55. Jump up^ Ralph Griffith, Atharva Veda, Book 7 Vol 1, EJ Lazarus,
page 351, Hymn LII
56. Jump up^ Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins,
Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages
80-82
58. Jump up^ Max Muller (1962), The Upanishads - Part II, Dover
Publications, ISBN 978-0486209937, pages xxvi-xxvii
62. Jump up^ Norman Geisler and William D. Watkins (2003), Worlds
Apart: A Handbook on World Views, Second Edition,
Wipf, ISBN 978-1592441266, pages 75-81
67. Jump up^ Hume, Robert Erest (1921), The Thirtee Pricipal
Upaishads, Oxford Uiversity Press, pp. 391393
68. Jump up^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume
2, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814691, pages 556-557
69. Jump up^ Michael Comans (2000), The Method of Early Advaita
Vednta: A Study of Gaudapda, akara, Surevara, and
Padmapda, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 97-98
83. ^ Jump up to:a b Rita Langer (2007), Buddhist Rituals of Death and
Rebirth, Routledge, ISBN 978-0415544702, pages 19-23
Further reading[edit]
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Atharvaveda (original
Sanskrit text)
English translation by
William Dwight Whitney
English translation by
Ralph T. H. Griffith
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