2.4. Atharva Veda

The Atharva Veda is one of the four Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. It is believed to be the last of the Vedas and is named after the ancient sage Atharva, who is said to have composed around 1200 BCE to 1000 BCE. The Atharva Veda consists of hymns, prayers , charms, spells, and incantations for various purposes, including healing, protection, and success in life.

Unlike the other three Vedas, the Atharva Veda deals with practical aspects of life such as healing, protection, and the management of everyday affairs. It is also notable for its inclusion of magic and sorcery, which were used by the priests and healers to aid in their work.

The Atharva Veda also includes hymns and mantras for healing and curing diseases, and is considered to be a source of Ayurvedic medicine. It contains spells and charms for various purposes, including protection from evil spirits and enemies, and success in love and marriage.

The Atharva Veda contains 20 books, with a total of 730 hymns. These hymns are addressed to various deities, including Indra, Agni, and Soma. The Atharva Veda also contains a number of hymns addressed to the goddesses of fertility and prosperity, such as Saraswati, Ushas, and Prithvi.

The Atharva Veda has been translated into several languages and is still studied and recited by scholars and practitioners of Hinduism today. It remains an important source of knowledge about ancient Indian culture, religion, and medicine.

Overall, the Atharva Veda provides a rich and diverse picture of ancient Indian culture and society, and is a valuable source of information on the spiritual and intellectual traditions of ancient India.

Vedas