R C Kotwal
Atharvaveda is a sacred text of snathan dharma and is one of the four Vedas oftenly called 4th Veda. According to tradition, Atharvaveda was mainly composed by two groups of sages(rishis)namely Atharvanas and Angirasa, however traditionally it is also attributed to other rishis like Kausika, Vasistha and Kasyapa.
Atharvaveda has high philosophical ideas similar to the thought patterns of the Upanishads. The Atharvaveda Samhita gives us an interesting picture of society of its times. The land in which the people lived extended from Gandhara (Afghanistan) to Magadh and Anga (Bihar and Bengal). The Vama system had been well established .People lived in harmony. Kings were powerful, trade and commerce was prosperous. Agriculture was the chief source of living at that time. The cow was highly venerated and Godana (gifts of Cows) was considered highly meritorious. There are reference to the Rajasuya sacrifice and wars among kings. The institute of marriage was very similar to that of the Rigvedic times. The three well known Upanishads belong to this Veda.
*The Prasna, *The Mundaka
*The Mandukya
The core of Atharvaveda like Bhaisjya Suktas deal with diseases, their causes and cures, shows a remarkable insight into the subject of health sciences. That is why this Veda is considered to be precursor of Ayurveda or the science of health and longevity. Sometimes, Ayurveda is listed as an Upaveda or subsidiary of the Atharvaveda. These Suktas contain many prayers for health and longevity. The various names of the parts of the body given here speak of an intimate knowledge of human anatomy. Several diseases like fever, leucoderma, leprosy, jaundice, diabetes, dropsy, skin disorders, troubles of the ear, nose and throat, fracture of bones, diseases of the heart, and tuberculosis are mentioned with their respective cures. These diseases are caused by germs violation of the laws of the nature, anger of deities, malevolent spirits and sins committed previously. Apart from medicines and physical remedies, use of chants and charms was also in plenty. A deep knowledge of the herbs and their various medicinal properties can be inferred from many of the mantras.
Rajakarma Suktas gives an account of the political system during those days. The king was elected by the people. National and social problems were discussed by or decided in a (Samiti) a parliament of the people. The Rajapuro-hita (Chief priest of the state) had an enviable place in the affairs of the state. Prayers for victory in war and hymns expressing devotion to the motherland given here are highly poetic and moving.
There are other suktas also in Atharvaveda like Ayusya Suktas, Paustika Suktas, Abhicarika Suktas, Prayascitta Suktas. This Veda is very much relevant in our day to day life. It has great significance in Hinduism. Ayurveda is what a buzzword now-a-days in India and western world as well. So Atharvaveda gives immense insight into the great heritage, culture, religion, we in India are following despite, lot of information Vedas needs to be looked into for further guidance for the welfare of the global village and this whole universe.
SAMAVEDA
Samaveda (derived from Saman means “melody” and Veda means “knowledge”) is the third of the four Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, along with other Vedas. It ranks next to Rigveda in sanctity and liturgical importance. It consists of a collection of hymns, portions of hymns and detached verses, all but 75 taken from the Sakala Sakha of the Rigveda, the other 75 belong to Bashkala Sakha, to be sung, using specifically indicated melodies called Samagana by priests at sacrifices in which the juice of the Soma plant, clarified and mixed with milk and other ingredients, is offered to various deities.
The Samaveda or Veda of Holy songs collection made up of hymns, portions of hymns and detached verses taken mainly from Rigveda transposed and re-arranged without reference to the original order, to suit the religious ceremonies in which they were to be employed. There is no clue to the date of compilation and compiler’s name of Samaveda. The Samaveda represents the force of spiritual knowledge and power of devotion. Samaveda is the Veda of Bhakti.
Samaveda is shortest of all four Vedas. Traditionally the Vedas are also spoken as “Trayi”, the three fold knowledge because they deal with Jhana (knowledge), Bhakti and Karma. Rigveda underlines the path of Jhana or knowledge, the Yajurveda that of karma or action and Samaveda that of Bhakti or devotion. In Samaveda, Agni, Indra and soma deities are mainly invoked and praised but most of these prayers seem to invocations of Supreme Being.
YAJURVEDA
The Yajurveda (“Yajur” means sacrificial formulae) and is one of the four Vedas. Estimated to be composed about 1500-122 BC. The Yajurveda Samhita or Compilation contains the mantras needed to perform the sacrifices of the historical Vedic religion. There are two primary versions or Samhitas of the Yajurveda. Shukla (white) and Krishna (black). Both contain the verses necessary for rituals but Krishna Yajurveda includes the Brahmana prose discussions mixed with the Samhita while the Shukla yajurveda has separately a Brahmana text, the Shatapatha Brahmans.
Yajurveda in Sanskrit means wisdom of sacrificial formulaes. In the Vedic scarifies a God or Gods are invoked by the hymns or mantras. Offerings of food, butter or Soma are prepared and offered to the fire, which as an intermediary God conveys these to the other Gods. This Veda is the most important text for the priests because it concerns itself with the correct performance of sacrifices. The priests of this Veda are called Adhwaryas. Agni, the fire God plays a central role in the sacrifice. With the passage of the time the sacrifice became increasily elaborate, and priests becomes highly skilled specialists. There were many different kinds of sacrifices like the famous Horse sacrifice, the Soma sacrifice, sacrifices performed during various ceremonies like the Coronation ceremonies of kings marriage ceremonies etc. Of them all the highest sacrifice was considered to be sarvamedha in which a person offered all of his possessions as the fee at the end of the ceremony.
(The author is Superintendent of Police Academy Udhampur.)
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