Atharvaveda (/ˌʌθɑrvəˈveɪdə/) is a sacred text of Hinduism that contains hymns, mantras, and spells. The word is derived from two Sanskrit words, "Atharva" and "Veda". The first part, "Atharva", refers to an ancient Rishi or seer, while "Veda" means knowledge. The spelling of the word "Atharvaveda" reflects its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "v" sound represents a voiced labiodental fricative. The word is often transliterated as "Atharva Veda" or "Atharvaveda".
The Atharvaveda is a sacred text in Hinduism and one of the four Vedas, the ancient scriptures of India. It is named after the sage Atharva, who is said to have composed the hymns contained within this Veda.
The Atharvaveda is composed of hymns, prayers, incantations, and spells, making it distinct from the other three Vedas, which primarily consist of hymns addressed to gods. It is regarded as a comprehensive collection of knowledge, covering a wide range of subjects including rituals, medicine, astrology, magic, and social customs.
This Veda is considered to be a valuable source of wisdom and guidance, as it deals with practical matters of everyday life. It contains hymns and prayers for personal well-being, protection against evil spirits, prosperity, and success. The Atharvaveda not only focuses on religious and spiritual aspects but also addresses the practical concerns and challenges faced by individuals and society.
The text consists of 20 books known as "kandas," containing a total of 730 hymns. The hymns are organized thematically and contain poetic expressions, metaphors, and imagery. The Atharvaveda has been influential in shaping Hindu rituals, customs, and beliefs, and it continues to be studied and revered by scholars and practitioners of Hinduism.
In summary, the Atharvaveda encompasses a collection of hymns and rituals that provide guidance for various aspects of life. It serves as a key source of spiritual and practical wisdom, offering insights into ancient Indian culture, tradition, and religious practices.
The word "Atharvaveda" traces its etymology to two Sanskrit words: "Atharva" and "Veda".
1. Atharva: The term "Atharva" is believed to be derived from the name of a Rishi (sage) called Atharvan. Rishis were ancient seers and composers of sacred hymns and texts in Vedic literature. Atharvan is considered to be one of the primary sages associated with the Atharvaveda.
2. Veda: The word "Veda" means knowledge, wisdom, or sacred text in Sanskrit. In the context of the Vedic literature, it refers to the ancient scriptures composed by the Rishis. The term "Veda" is derived from the root word "Vid", which means "to know" or "to see".