The Four Vedas: Rgveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda (Set of 9 Volumes) - Sanskrit Text with English Translation

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When we take to the study of language, the first and foremost question stands as to how when and where the language originated. More the linguists troubled their head in this direction, the less they achieved success. So far it has remained an unsolved conundrum. The more it was solved, the more it became, complex. Now many linguistic societies in the world have banned to raise this question again on the forum. Among the hosts of theories put forward on the origin of speech, one is regarding the divine origin of speech. So long it has been contended by almost all the scholars both at home and abroad that the Vedas are the propounder of this theory. In this connection a number of observations made by Vedic Seers have been cited, e.g.

Simply quoting these observations without understanding the actual intended sense of the speakers, everybody assumed without applying mind that they support the divine origin of I speech. Nobody least bothered as to what system or method was followed g to determine the origin of various names/words, etc. by the ancient Indian etymologists and other authorities who discussed at length the factors behind the origin of various names.

Types of Speech

Vedic visionaries divided the whole linguistic phenomenon into two types, viz. para and apara.

l. Para—vak

Para - vak or para-speech was studied purely as a psychological phenomenon. Though it was an unarticulate speech (avyakta-vak), it was also used to convey the speaker’s intention; it was transmitted at the mental level or Manomayakosa. A person sitting at one place was able to transmit his message to another person sitting at another place through the mental waves or the waves of consciousness activated by the power of samkalpa (will). In fact, the consciousness is also pervading the whole universe like that of matter in the form of electrons. However, this type of communication is not possible by a laity. Only the Yogis or Rsis who completely master their mental faculties through concentration and contemplation are able to communicate through para-vak or para- speech.

In the modern times, the communication has though been made fast through wireless, telephone and satalite controls, it has become expensive and one has to depend upon so many apparatuses and other operators. On the other hand, communication through telepathy needn’t the expense of a single mite and anybody’s help. It requires no media like telephones, satellite, etc. Communication through telepathy is possible from one country to another country, from one planet to another planet.

2. Apara-vak

Apara-vak or vyakta-vak (articulate speech) was studied as a physiological phenomenon, since the Vedic seers meant by apara— vak the vyakta- vak or articulate speech. Before a speech is articulated at physiological level, it passes through two stages. First one being the pasyanti (visual) stage. At this stage, an individual with inquisitive perception visualises some physical action in the objects/things around him in his own idiosyncratic way.

At the second stage, i.e. at the stage of madhyama - vak, the physical actions are imprinted in his mind in the form of concept (pratyaya). The Vedic seer had it as:

‘He appreciates the visualised object. Thus by appreciating some object or thing, one registers the samskara (imprint) of the action of visualised object in his mind in the form of some concept’.

In fact pratyaya or concept may be called as a psychological action. Bhartrhari, a great ancient linguist of India dilates upon the concept or pratyaya as under:
'athedamdntaram jnanam suksmavagatmana sthitam vyaktaye svasya rupasya sabdatvena vivartate.

‘Pratyaya or concept is an internal or psychological awareness that gets registered in the consciousness.

It is often articulated in the form of sounds. Further he observes:
‘na so 'sti pratyayo loke yah sabdanugamad rte anuviddhamiva jnanam sarvam sabdena bhasate’

‘There is no such concept in the world as can be expressed/articulated without sound. All concepts or conceptualized actions are released only by way of sounds (uttered by men or animals).’

This process of conversion of actions into sounds (action sounds) may be illustrated as under :
Perception of action present in the object outside
Conceptualization of the subject action, or concept formation in mind. (This may also be known as conversion of physical action into psychological one.)

Articulation/expression of concept into sounds/action sounds by perceiver. (This process may be known as the conversion of psychological action into physiological action.)
The action sounds or sounds thus articulated or expressed in the very beginning were called by ancient linguists or etymologists as akhyatas (literally meaning expressed or articulated sounds). Since the akhyatas, or action sounds embodied in them the concept of the action present in the outside object at the time of its perception, it was invariably described by ancient Indian linguists or etymologists as bhava (action) dominated.

bhava pradhanamakhyatam.
Madhva, the author of Dhatuvrtti, also takes bhava as meaning the concept behind the coining of root. According to him:
bhavastu kevalo dhatvarthah (Dhatuvrtti, Bhvadigana. P.21) In fact, those akhyatas actions were the first type of the articulate speech.

After the derivation of large number of actions was over, various actions began to be associated permanently to the various objects or animals in the surrounding. Slowly and steadily the permanently associated actions became agents of their respective objects and animals and thenceforth the objects and animals began to be recognized with the help of their agents. The actions or action sounds thus transformed into agents were later came to be known as naman or nouns. For instance Yaska observes in this regard as:

murtam sattvabhutam sattvanamabhih (Nirukta 1.10) Similar are the observations of Saunaka, the author of Brhaddevata. He had it as:
murtam sattvabhutam bhavam namasabdenabhidhiyate. (Brhaddevata, 11.13)

‘The action that has become the agent of some object or thing is called nama or noun.’
For instance the action of adatte, i.e. taking or drawing (water- vapours) was associated to the object in the night sky (Sun), hence in course of time it became the agent of the object in night sky and so the object was forthwith known as aditya.

Similarly the action of ahan ‘non-killing’ was associated with the animal cow; hence the agent sound produced for it was aghanya.
aghanyd 'hantavya bhavati
‘Cow is that which is not to be killed.’

Thus from the foregoing examples it can easily be inferred that all the agents, or names embody some action. This is why, the BD. and Nirukta speak of embodiment of actions into nouns or nouns as embodiment of actions, e. g.

ndnyatra bhavanamani tasmat sarvani karmatah
‘Nouns are not without actions, so all the nouns are formed from some or other action.’
namani akhyatajani ” ‘Nouns are born of actions.’

The author of Brhaddevata enumerates several such actions as are embodied in the names of Vedic deities or laukika objects or things, e.g. actions of residing, appearing, speaking or sounding, praying, living or abiding in close proximity were embodied in the names of various objects and things in the Vedic times. According to Flnunaka (Brhaddevatd: 1.27; 28)

sarvanyetani namani karmatastvaha Saunakah
asi' rupam ca vacyam sarvam bhavati karmatah
yadrchayopavasnat tathamusyayanacca yat
tatha tadapi karmaiva tacchrnudhvam ca hetavah

‘All the names are formed from actions; this was the view of Saunaka. According to him, benediction and appearance are all expressed by action. The accident, residence and ‘being the posterity of some one’ are all actions. I’ll let you know the reasons behind this.’

In fact, all the above cited actions helped the early man to coin names of various objects in the natural surroundings. This fact also substantiate the idea that the Vedas were written first ever since the humanity arose from its primitive stage.

Attributives as the Prototypes of Nouns
The first development of nouns embodying some actions took place in the form of attributives/adjectives or qualifiers. The glaring examples in support of this historical fact, i.e. regarding the development of actions into attributive names can be located in earliest literary record of Vedic texts.

For instance, the action of mitrava ‘roaring in measures’ became the agent sound of winds. hence gets embodied in their name maruta. The name marutta first of all come to be used as attributive one. The RV 1.182.2. records the attributive behavior of the same as maruttama where the agent sound marut partakes of the suffixes of comparison. This is also the pointer to the fact that till the time of RV. since its origin the embodied action (mitrava) remained alive in its agent, but by and by with the passage of time it (the embodied action) lost its colour, and receded to the back- ground and so its attributive behaviour was also abandoned and it assumed the character of a proper noun. This is why, later Vedic and post Vedic texts are conspicuous with the absence of its use as an attributive.

Similarly on account of the action of destroying clouds (iram drnati), or passing into earth (indau ramati), or surging towards earth (indave dravatiti va), or lightning the objects in darkness (indhe bhutani), electricity or lightning was called Indra. RV attests its earliest attributive form as indratama. The VS. Kan. and MS. also register its attributive behaviour as indratame, but in the post Vedic literature it loses its embodied action and assumes the character of a proper name.

During the course of my study I have come across hundreds of such examples in the Vedas as are used as attributive names, but in the Brahmanas the same attributive names have appeared as synonyms or alternate words.

For example, the word bhanu has occurred in the Veda attributing surya, as in:
bhanuna sam suryena rocase
But later on the same word becomes the synonym of surya. For more detail see author (Researches into Vedic and Linguistic Studies. 1991, p. 7).

Thus from the foregoing discussion, it is proved that all the proper names in their early stages of development have passed through the stage of their being attributive names.

If we describe the actions as fluids, adjectives will be semi- fluids and proper names/nouns will be the rigid ones. So the tendency of origin of human speech may be defined from fluid stage to the rigid stage. This is why; Yaska and other etymologists strived to locate the lost action while etymologizing Vedic vocables. In fact, their attempts were towards the fluid stage of the rigid nouns.

To sum up, it can be maintained that so long as the action embodied in agent-sound is alive, the agent-sound is known as adjective or attributive name, but as soon as the action loses its colour and recedes to the background, the agent sound assumes the character of a proper noun.

The first articulate speech consisting of action sounds, attributive names and proper names was in undefined form in the beginning. Satpatha Brahmana (4.1.3.16) maintains that the articulate speech, or vyakta/turiya Vak spoken by men, animals, birds or creepers was in nipata or undefined, (anirukta) form.

tadetat turiyam vaco’niruktam yat manusya vadanti
athaitat turiyam vaco ’niruktam yat pasavo vadanti
athaitat turiyam vaco ’niruktam yat vayamsi vadanti
athaitat turiyam vaco ’niruktam yadidam ksudrasarisrpam vadanti

‘The speech articulated either by men, or animals, or birds, or creepers, etc. is always unetymolized or undefined form.’
Later on, Patanjali, the author of Mahabhasya (Paspasanhika) substantiate the same view as:
caturnam padajatanamekaiksya caturtha bhagam
manusya avaiyakarana vadanti

‘That of the four types of speech, i.e. para, pasyanti, madhyama and vaikhari, the fourth form, i.e. nipata form, or undefined form of the fourth type, i.e. vaikhari is spoken by men who don’t know grammar at all.’

Thus from the foregoing discussion, it is crystal clear that origin of speech first took place in the form of onomatopoetic utterances that were undefined.

For thousands of years together this type of speech remained in vogue. The RV describes this type of speech as primitive articulate speech.

With the passage of time, scholars got together to discuss the issue of articulate speech at length. Many scholars emphasized the need to standardize the speech by way of defining it into the possible components of root and suffix sounds. References of this type of assembly of scholars are made in the Samhitas itself. TS. records the minutes of one of such assembly of scholars over the issue of defining the speech sounds into roots and suffixes.

The records of Samhitds had it as:
vag vai pragavyakta ’vadat te deva indram abruvanni mam no vacam vyakurrvita tam indro madhyato ’vakramya vyakarot, yadaindram padam tena vacam kalpayanti vaghye vaindri
‘Previously speech was grammatically undefined. The scholars (devah) got together and approached Indra to say that the speech should be defined (into the components of roots and suffixes). Indra took this job in his hands’.

Thus with the view to define the speech in terms of grammar, a big operation was carried out by scholars at collective level. This operation was named in typical Vedic terms as Yajna. It went on for thousands of years at stretch. We come across the pointed references of this type of effort put in by a long tradition of scholars. Rgveda (8.100.11) records this historical fact as:

daivim vacamayajanta devastam
visvarupah pasavo vadanti.

‘The scholars gave birth to a grammatically defined or scientifically standardized speech, i.e. a divine speech which was earlier spoken in many forms of dialects by the then illiterates in the society.’

In fact, in typical Vedic terms, devas were none others, but the scholars well versed in the philology and other sciences. The Brahmanas have clearly defined the term devas as scholars. They have repeatedly said it as:

vidvamso vai devah
‘The scholars are devas.’
The language thus evolved by scholars/devas was also known as daivi.
Tandya Brahmana (5.7.1) also reflects ample good light on this fact as:

deva vai vacam vyabhajanta
'Scholars defined the language grammatically or analysed the naipatika words into the components of root + suffix.’
The RV, (10.66.14; 7.103.8) records the names of two classes of scholars who performed this job as Vasisthas and Somins.
nasah somino vacamakrat

The greatest tradition of scholars that handled this massive Work effectively was described in the Rktantra Vyakarana as to have started by Brahma.
Brahma Brhaspataye provaca Brhaspatirindraya Indro
Bharadvajaya, Bharadvaja rsibhyah rsayo brahmanebhyah

The first scholar to analyse the speech was Brahma. He passed on this tradition to Brhaspati. In fact, he was named as Brhaspati, because of handling this vast and greatest work amicably.

vag vai brhati tasya esa patistasmadu Brhaspatih
He spoke this to Indra and Indra to Bharadvaja.
Brhaspatirindraya divyam varsa sahasram
Sabda-parayanam provac. (Mahabhasya Paspasanhika)
Indro bharadvajaya (ABr. 2.2.4)
Bharadvaja was the most genious among all the rsis who were engaged in this work.

Bharadvajo ha va rsinam anucanatamah. (Ait. Ar. 1.2.2)
His authority in linguistics was accepted by everyone. Panini also quotes his view with the address rto Bharadvdjasya.

Bharadvaja passed on this tradition to other rsis and rsis to the succeeding scholars.
Thus the work to give origin to a divine speech accomplished in the course of thousands of years by a long tradition of scholars well versed in linguistic science.

This is why, it was termed in explicit terms as :
samskrtam nama daivi vaganvakhyata maharsibhih.

‘That is, Sanskrit is the name of a scientifically standardized language evolved by the seers out of the primitive articulate speech by subjecting it to grammatical analysis.’

In fact, this was not an easy job. The Vedic seers described it all like that of sieving grains with the help of a siever. The Rgvedic (RV 10.71.2) seer had it as: br> saktumiva titaund punanto yatra dhira manasa vacamakrata.
‘The scholars sieved the language with great care and presence of mind, likewise the grain is sieved with the help of siever.’

During the course of first operation/yajna, i.e. scientific standardization of language, the plethora of vocables of the spoken language was scrutinized and it was found that most of the words had evolved with a central sound prefixed or suffixed with other sounds. The central sound was identified as an action sound and was taken as the root of the evolved word. So the entire language was defined into root + suffix or prefix combinations. Sounds preceding the central sound were defined as prefixes and sounds succeeding the central sound (root) were defined as suffixes. All such forms as could be defined in terms of root + suffix combinations mainly formed the structure of the standardized language and the forms which couldn’t be defined on the above pattern were abandoned from the well defined language. However, some of the undefined forms were so vital to the life of newly structured language that they could not be dropped altogether. Hence, they were also permitted to form the structure of the standardized language. Since they remained undefined by the set grammatical rules, they were defined only as indeclinables or nipatas, nipatanat siddham. (They are proved only by their being indeclinables). Panini reads this type of forms under prsodaradi group (gana) as prsodaradi yathopadistam (6.3.109) and accepts their validity as it is. Here the comments of Kasikakara may be taken into account. According to him, prsodaradini iabda rupani, yesu lopqgama varna vikarah sastrena na vihitah drsyante ca tani yathopadistani sadhuni bhavanti. yani yothopadistani sist airuccaritani prayuktani tathaivanugantavyani.

When the first operation/yajna, i.e. standardization of language was over. The devas, or scholars started second operation/yajna, i.e. operation chandas, or composition of literary couplets with the help of first operation/yajna, i.e. standardized language. In this connection the Vedic seers themselves had it as:
yajnena yajnamayajanta devastani
dharmani prathamanyasana
te ha nakam mahimanah sacanta
yatra purve sadhyah santi devah. (RV. 1.164.50)

‘Thc scholars carried out the operation/yajna chandas, i.e. Composition of mantras by means of the/first operation/yajna, i.e. by means of standardized language. The literary couplets ((chandas) pronounced/composed during the, second operation/yajna became the first ever (Dharmas) literary compositions in the literary history of mankind. They composed those (Chandas after appreciation of properties of the luminous matter (naka). Those properties were also approved by the earlier rsis.’

In fact, all the mysteries unravelled by the seers regarding the luminous matter were pronounced in the forms of literary couplets, or (Chandas. Those couplets or Chandas were regarded as Dharmas. This is why, Yaska, an ancient Indian Vedic scholar alludes to the Origin of Vedas (Chandas) as:

Saksatkrtdharmanah rsayoh babhuvu. (Nirukta, 1.20)
‘There were rsis to whom was revealed Dharma (Chandas). Thus the pronouncers of various scientific truths or mysteries in the form of Mantras or Chandas or literary couplets were known as Rsis.

rsayoh vai mantradrastarah
‘Rsis were those to whom were revealed Mantras.’

At another place it is explicity described that
yasva vakyam sah rsi
‘Rsi is the speaker of scientific truth, or a Mantra.’

And the scientific truth revealed by him in the Mantra or the subject matter of his speech was known as devata.
‘ya tenocyate sa devata.’

The records of Vedas tell us that the second great operation/yajna was not solely carried out or performed by one two or three rsis or individual scholars, but collectively by all the scholars or rsis. One of the seers of Vajasaneyi Samhita reflects an ample good light on the fact as:

tasmad yajnatsarvahutah rcah samani jajnire
chandamsi jajnire tasmad yajustasmadajayata

‘From the yajna, in which oblations were made by all rsis originated Rcas, Samans, Yajusas and other Chandas.
In fact in that great operation/yajna or composition of Chandas, no material oblation was offered, as usual, by Rsis. They made oblations in the form of pronouncement of literary couplets or Chandas. The pronouncement of Rcas was considered as the oblations of milk. Similarly composition of Yajusas worked as oblations of Ghi, and the composition of Samans was their oblation of Soma. This fact has very carefully been disclosed in the Satapatha Brahmana (11.5.6.3; 4; 5) as follows:

paya ahutayo ha va eta devanam yad rcah
ajyahutayo ha va eta devanam yad yajumsi.
somahutayo ha va eta devanam yat samani.

Classification of literary couplets, or Chandas:

As a result of the second great operation/yajna, a huge number of couplets/Chandas were composed by various enlightened Rsis on various aspects of scientific truths unravelled by them regarding psychological matter (consciousness) pervading the physical matter (electrons) which is present in the whole material creation/universe in three forms.

1. In latent form as Agni, a dominating factor in the terrestrial sphere.
2. In violent form as Vayu and Indra, a dominating factor in the midsphere.
3. In ionized or luminous form as Surya, a dominating factor in the celestial sphere.

Thus the couplets pronounced regarding the latent form of physical matter, i.e. Agni and its co-deities dominant in the terrestrial sphere were christened as Rcas. The couplets produced on Vayu, Indra and their co—deities were named as Yajusas and the couplets on Surya were called as Samans. The later Vedic scholars have alluded to this fact as under:

Svetasvatara Upanisad (6.18), Aitreya Brahmana (25.7) and Manusmrti (1.23) had it as:
agni vayuravibhyastu trayam brahma sanatanam
dudoha yajna siddhyartham rg-yajuh— samalaksanam,

‘To make the great operation/yajna a success, three types of (brahma) couplets were derived. From Agni were derived Rcas; from Vayu, Yajusas and from Surya, Samans.
N.B. Here brahma means ‘Veda’ that is why, brahmacari is always known who undertakes the study of Veda.

According to Satapatha Brahmana (1 1.5.8.3)
tebhyastaptebhyastrayo veda ajayanta
agner rgvedo vayor yajurvedah suryatsamavedah.

'On account of three forms of hot matter (tapta) three Vedas or couplets of knowledge came into being. On account of Agni came into being couplets called Rcas or Rgveda, on account of Vayu came into being Yajusas or Yajurveda and on account of Surya came into being Samaveda or Samans.’

The Vedas are the foremost record of great advance made first ever by humanity since its awareness of the physical world around and the metaphysical element pervading it althrough.

The composition of Vedas could have been possible only after the humans had developed the language as the means of their commu- nication and defined it into the components of phonemes (vocalic and consonantal), and morphemes (i.e. root + suffix combinations). We have reference in the Vedas themselves that prior to the compositions of Vedic hymns, the intellectual defined the crude from of language into the possible combination of root + suffix. daivim vacamayajanta devastam visvarupam pasavo vadanti.

‘The scholars sacrificed for standardization of language, which was spoken earlier in many forms of dialects by the then illiterates in the society?

In fact yajna was taken by the Vedic Scholiasts to mean operation. This yajna/operation was carried out always to make improvement upon the earlier situation and so it was called as the noblest act.
yajno vai sresthatamam karma.

Thus when the operation Standardization of language’ was over operation ‘Composition of hymns’ was started. We have references to this type of operation from RV. 1.164.50; 10.90.16; AV. 7.5.1.; VS. 31.16; TS. 3.5.11 as follows
yajnen yajnamayajanta devastani
dharmani prathamanyasan/
te ha nakam mahimanah sacanta
yatra purve sadhyah santi devah//

The Scholars carried out the operation/yajna (chandas), i.e. composition of hymns by means of first operation i.e. by means of standardized language. The literary couplets composed during second operation/yajna became the first ever dharmas i.e. literary compositions in the literary history of mankind. The seers composed these chandas after appreciation of the properties of the luminous matter (naka) which were already approved by the earlier thinkers’.

In fact all the mysteries unravelled by the seers regarding the luminous matter were pronounced in the forms of literary couplets, or chandas. These couplets or chandas were regarded as dharmas.

This is why, Yaska an ancient Indian Vedic scholar alludes to the origin of Vedas (chandas) as :
saksatkrtadharmanah rsayo babhuva. Nir. (1.20)
‘There were rsis to whom was revealed dharma’.

Thus to sum up, it can be maintained that as a result of the second great operation, huge number of couplets / chandas were composed by various enlightened rsis on various aspects of scientific truths unravelled by them regarding psychological matter (consciousness) pervading the physical matter (electrons) which is present in the whole material creation / universe in three forms.

l. In latent form present as agni on the earth.
2. In violent form as vayu and indra, a dominating factor in mid- sphere.
3. In ionized or luminous form as surya, a dominating factor in the celestial sphere.

Thus the couplets pronounced regarding the latent form of physical matter, i.e. agni and its co-deities dominant in terrestrial sphere were christened as reds. The couplets produced on vayu, indra and their co-deities were named as yajusas and the couplets on surva and its allied subjects were called as samans. The later Vedic scholars have alluded to this fact as under.

The svetasvatara Upanisad (6.18), Aitreya Brahmana (25.7) and Manusmrti (1.23) had it as
agni vayu ravibhyastu trayam brahma sanatanam
dudoha yajna siddhyartham rgyajuh samalaksanam.

‘To make the great operation a success, three types of brahmas (couplets) were derived. From agni were derived reds, from vayu, yajusas and from surya, samans. Here brahma signifies mantra, this is why, brahmacari was meant for the person who undertook the study of Vedas.

According to .S.Br. (11.5.8.3)
tebhyastaptebhyastrayo veda ajayanta agner
rgvedo vayoryajurvedah suryat samavedah/

‘On account of the three forms of hot matter (tapta) three Vedas, or couplets of knowledge came into being. On account of agni came into being couplets called reds, compiled as Rgveda; on account of vayu, came into being couplets called yajusas, compiled as Yajurveda and on account of surya came into being samans compiled as Samaveda.

The earlier classification of literary couplets in Rk Sama and Yaju was though done on the basis of their subject matter.

The presently available compilation of Samhitas as Rgveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda does not seem to substantiate the above mentioned basis. The extant Samhitas have neither been compiled in view of rsis nor deities. Rather the literary style seems to underline their compilation. Rk Samhita consists of couplets embodying the readings of prayer, benediction, praise, etc. (rgarcani); Yajurveda consists of couplets read like prose (yatpraslistapathitam Tata yajuh) and Samaveda consists of couplets (reds) set to the tune of music (gitisu samakhya). Atharvaveda seems to have couplets of miscellaneous nature.

Compilation of Yajurveda

Yajurveda is the collection of Yajusas. All the yajusas were compiled in the form of` Yajurveda keeping in view the various Adhvaras and the person or priest who conducted the Adhvaras was also known as Adhvaryu. Adhvaryu is the name of yajna. Yaska clarifies the very intention of the word Adhvaryu as;

adhvara iti yajnamana, dhvarati himsa—karma tatpratisedhah (Nir.1.8.)
‘Adhvara is the name of Yajna. The root dhvara signifies violence. Hence, Adhvara is the act in which voilenee is prohibited.’

While etymolizing Adhvaryu, Yaska clarifies that Adhvaryu is the priest who deals with the Yajnas.

Adhvaryur adhvaram yunaktyadhvarasya netadhvarm
kamayata iti va api vadhiyane yurupabandhah (Nir. 1.8.)

In fact this concept behind the act of Adhvaryu didn't develop out of Yaska's imagination. But ranging from the Vedic period itself the demarcation of duties of various priests had taken place. Yaska also takes the help of a red while describing the various duties of various priests.

The rca can be read us under
rca tvam posamaste pupusvan
gayatram tvo gayati sakvarisu
brahma tvo vadati jata vidyam
yajnasya matram vimimita utvah/ (RV.10.7l.11)

The above rca was the light house for Yaska to describe and define the various duties of priests. Duty of Adhvaryu priest can be had from the last stanza of the rca which has been explained by Yaska as under-
Yajnasya matram vimimita eko adhvaryuh.

Thus from the foregoing discussion it is crystal clear that Yajurveda was mainly associated with Yajnas. The derivation of Yaju from yaj ‘to perform sacrifice’ also bear out testimony of the above concept. Moreover an etymology of Yaju is discernible in S.Br.10.3.5. 1-2 as ‘yat+ju’ which also suggests the concept of ‘juhoti’ or ‘to perform sacrifice’.

Yajna

Now the question arises as to what is meant by Yajna. While defining Yajna, the author of Kaiyayana Srauta-sutra maintains as;
Dravyam devata tyagah (1.1)
‘To sacrifice a particular material in view of a particular devata is called Yajna’. Karkacarya futher elucidate this concept as under-
‘agnyadidevatamuddisya yo dravyasya purodasadeh tyaga utsargah sa yajnah. Tenaitat siddham devatoddesyena dravyatyago yago yajanamistiriti paryayah.

‘Yajna is sacrificing the purodasa, etc. material keeping in view agni, etc, devata and so it is proved that yaga, yajana isti or whatsoever it may be called, is always sacrificing the material in view of devata.’

In fact all the yajnas described in the Yajurveda are not the sacrifices in the literal sense, rather they are the metaphorical acts symbolizing physical, astronomical and spiritual significances. This fact has been disclosed in the Sankhayana Grhyasutra as under:
adhidaivamathadhyatmamadhiyajnamititrayam
mantresu brahmanesu caiva srutamityabhidhiyate (1.2.18.19)
Now we may discuss here under the origin of rituals.

Importance and Utility
The Vedas are the most important record of the religion and the institutions of the Aryans. The last and the latest Veda is the Atharvaveda. This Veda is not included in the Trayividya, which proves its late origin. Alike every division or segment of Veda, Atharvaveda has its some characteristic on the basis of which a number of Veda learned persons consider it unique. The branches of the Vedas have their own particular directions but when we talk of Atharva Veda, it appears as it has embedded the corpus of life with all meanings in its ambit. The most cryptic mysteries of universe, the divine prays, applications of offerings (Yajniya), cure for the ailments, marriage, reproduction, family, social pattern and self- protection etc. all aspects of the universe and the human life are embedded with it. Pure science with the cryptic knowledge is include with others streams of Veda. But simultaneous to cryptic streams of the knowledge and science, Atharvaveda is an applied science too.

Out of the four Rtvija (performer of the offering as suggested by the Rsis for executing perfectly the offering ceremonies with an objective to make the life of pleasure and free from the pains and sorrows; the principal Rtvija Brahma is directly related to this very Veda. The place of Brahma among the Rtvijs of Council of offering is at the top. i.e. he is chairperson. The responsibility assigned to Brahma is to supervise the methods of offerings and rectify the errors. He can only handle such particular liability when all Vedas are well learnt to him. He should also possess a strong will power too. It has been stated in Gopatha Brahmana at 1.3.2 that – “Only a part of offering is processed by application of the three Vedas. The second part of it, is processed by Brahma through the application of mind or mental power.

Aitareya Bra. (5.33) declares that there are two routes for executing the offering – first is Vak (speech) and the other is mind. Three Vedas (Rk, Yaju, Sama) processes one part of offering through the speech and the other part is processed by Brahma through Brahmaveda (Atharvaveda) applied through the mind. This Veda mainly contains mantras used in which – craft or sorcery, in the curing of diseases, for destruction of enemies etc.

Actually, Atharvaveda describes the application of both type of ceremonies viz. Peaceful affirmation and the witchcraft (Abhicarika) ceremonies. A particular importance of such application has been accepted for the king. The king requires performing the Santika – Paustika deeds and Tulapurusa Mahadana etc…The priest should be expert in application of Atharva hymn and Brahmana. It has been mentioned in Atharvaparisista that the nation where resides the priest, expert in Santikarma and well learned to Atharvaveda, attains accession – to without any fear of invasions and disturbances. “Hence, it is necessary for a king that he should honour daily with pray, donation and respect to the priest well learned to Atharvaveda and commander of his sensory organs.

Perhaps a certain number of Acaryas have accepted it as the first Veda on the premise of this very significance that Atharvaveda holds. Jayant Bhatta in his Nyaya Manjari (Page 237 – 38) has accepted it as the first Veda among the total four Vedas. Nagara Khanda to submit while accepting is as the first Veda – “As Atharva is mainly used for the accomplishments of all worldly acts; it is called as the first Veda. As it is fruitful for this material world, it would have perhaps due to this reason, called the first Veda. The other three Vedas, having their metaphysical blessings and fruits, they come in the second number, while writing the Introduction of Atharvaveda composed by him, Acarya Sayana observes in the introduction of this Veda that the three earlier Vedas are for spiritual ends while the fourth and last Atharvaveda is for both worldly and higher purpose.

Several Nomenclature of Atharvaveda
The Vedic literature, Atharvaveda is addressed with a number of names such as – Atharva Veda. Amrta Veda. Atmaveda. Amgiro Veda, Atharvangirasa, Bhrgvangirasa, Ksatra, Bhaisajya and Chando – Veda etc.

The Atharvaveda presents its own name as Atharvangirasah along with names of other Vedas. While interpreting the term “Atharva” Nirukta of Yaska at 11.2.18 states – “Tharva” root is applied in the meaning of rudeness, curvey, dynamically, violence etc. Hence, the term “Atharva” is meant by attainment of the stability of mind with exercising modesty and non – violence. It leads to the conclusion that its negation must necessarily mean one who is deprived of movement; that is to say a stable being.

Atharvaveda is also addressed as Brahma Veda. Actually, this Veda is determined for the use of Brahma, the chairperson of offering Council (Yajna Samsada). It has been prescribed that Brahma should be well learned with four Vedas but outstanding knowledge in Atharvaveda is unavoidable for him as Brahmaveda contains all that which is separately found in four Vedas.

On account of the priority of the Brahmakarma of Brahma, it is construed as Brahma Veda. Atharvaveda has been addressed as Brahmaveda in Gopatha Brahmana, Chandogya upanisad etc. scriptures too.

The most ancient name of Atharva is Atharvangirasa Veda too. This composite word seems containing the two words i.e. “Atharva” and “Angira”, two clans of Rsis. As the sage Atharvan born in the family of Angira had given this Veda in the present form, it is called Atharvangirasa Veda.

One more thing to be noted is that the hymns of Atharvan are with the deeds of peace and confirmation and the hymns of Angiras are witchcraft (Abhicarikak). As the peace and confirmation hymns fall first and only than the witchcraft hymns come, the name of this Veda as Atharvangirasa (Atharva + Angirasa) is therefore, outright. Here Bloomfield states the distinction between said two sets. He says that Atharvana mantras are for the good purposes while Angirasa mantras are for the evil.

Atharvaveda is also addressed as “Bhrgvangirasa Veda” too. This appellation seems to bring out the importance of two priests Bhrgu and Angirasa. Bhrgu was the disciple of Angira. The Rsi Bhrgu had played an active role in propagation and publicity of Atharva Veda. It was therefore, addressed as Bhrgvangirasa Veda and the supremacy among all.

In addition to the appellation mentioned above some more names are also given to the Atharva Veda. This appellation is perhaps unknown to many Vedic scholars. Atharva itself shows this in the text. In Chandamsi – Atharva. 11.7.24 it is addressed as Chandoveda and Rcah Sama Yajurmahi – Atharva. 10.7.14, as Mahiveda. In Sata. Bra. 14.8.14, as Ksatra Veda and in Atharva, 11.6.14, it is addressed as Bhaisajya Veda. All these names of Atharva Veda, make very clear the wide enunciated topics of it, but here a significant question arises, why only the name ‘Atharvaveda’ came into vogue? Here Dr. Karmabelkar gives the scholarly statement that “This title is abbreviated form of the oldest and original title ‘Atharvangirasah’ which with probability, not only includes the names of the two ancient mythical sages but also represents their very characteristic representations and contributions. In the later period, the name to be known as ‘Atharvangirasah’ an finally this title was shortened into the convenient and handy title ‘The Atharvaveda’.

Of course, the name Atharvan, Angirasa and Bhrgu also occur in the Rgveda many times but there they designate only some mythic personages, nowhere do they refer to any kind of literary composition. In the period of the Brahmana literature the position of the Atharva appears to have swung in a bewildering manner, for sometimes it is referred to while at other times it is neglected. At one place Satapatha Bra. Omits the name of this Veda, but at some places this text speaks for this Veda by its very name Besides this, some of the Srautasutras also mention the name of this Veda.

Subject Matter of the Atharva – Veda
Many scholars of Vedic literature like Macdonell, Bloomfield etc. categorised the hymns of Atharvaveda in different classes as the hymns are meant to secure long life (Ayusya – suktani), to get good wishes of the deities in many household manner (Pustikani), to ward off misfortune (Mrgara suktani), to pardon the misdeeds (Prayascittani – suktani), to obtain the kingship (Rajakarmanisuktani), as well as Abhicarikani suktani and Bhaisajya suktani are classified with their subject matter. Besides all these, a class of hymns of cosmogonic and theosophic category occupies a good place in the Atharva – Veda. The subject matter of these mantras is Brahmavidya character of Rohita (Cosmogonic power), Kala (time) Prana and Kama (love). Kala is described such as an important personality as the creator, controller of the heaven, midsky and earth.

According to Kausika Sutra, there are fourteen topics worth description in Atharva Veda. These are – 1. Ceremonies and offerings 2. Paustika deeds 3. Anista – nivarana and Santikarma, 4, Prosperity, 5. Administration, 6. Accession to and accomplishment, 7. Education, 8. Harmony –sense of unity, 9. Pharmaceutical, 10. Witchcraft application, 11. Women Welfare, 12. Interior Decoration, 13. Provision for regret, 14. Prediction. A broad description was added with these topics worthelucidation. On the basis of such elucidation made subsequently, the fourteen topics increased to twenty nine. The names of the topics were given as -

1. Pakayajna, 2. Medhajanana, 3. Brahmacarya Siddhi, 4. Promotion of villages and cities, 5. Prosperity of son, wife, subjects and animals etc. 6. Harmony – spirit of unity, 7. Ruling (Raja karma), 8. Satru Sadana, 9. Victory in war, 10. Seizure of weapons, 11. Dazzling of army (Sainya Stambhana), 12. Protection of Army (Sainya Pariraksana) 13. Concept of Victory and Defeat, 14. Deeds of Army commanders etc., 15. Policy of spying Army (Sainya Bhedaniti), 16. Reinstatement of King (Reestablishment) 17. Deed of regret, 18. Promotion of agriculture etc., 19. Accession to family, 20. Pharmaceuticaldeed, 21. Ceremony, 22. Conference – means of victory, 23. Vrst I – Prayoga. 24. Deeds for accession to (Abhyudaya Karma), 25. Commercial activities, 26. Discharge off debt, 27. Abhicara Nivarana, 28. Ayusya Karma and 29. Offering ceremonies.

The Atharvaveda Samhita has been divided in two sections – 1. Kandas, Suktas and hymns and 2. Kandas, Anuvakas. Prapathakas, Suktas and hymns. The entire subject matte on. Atharvaveda is arranged in twenty Kandas. A division of Kandas, Sukta and hymn only appears easy and universally accepted. It seems that the second section has been made for the convenient recitals as it incorporates Anuvaka, Prapathaka, Sukta and hymns. It is not so popular today and not so convenient. The Atharvaveda can be divided in four parts from the angle of composition.

(i) First division – (from 1 to 7 Kandas) – There are small Suktas in this section. In every sukta of first Kandas, there are 4 hymns, 5 hymns in second, 6 hymns in third Kandas, 7 hymns in fourth Kanda and 8 hymns in fifth Kandas. A majority of Suktas in seventh Kanda have only one or two hymns.

(ii) Second division (from 8 to 12 Kandas) – All these Kandas have large Suktas but the topics of each Kandas and suktas bear different subject:

Prthvi Sukta is existed at the beginning of twelfth Kanda. There are 63 hymns and the geographical sites and political principles have been described herein.

(iii) Third division (from 13 to 18 Kandas) – Uniformity in subjects lies in all suktas in each Kanda of this part. There are hymns related to metaphysics in thirteenth Kanda. The fourteenth Kanda bears hymn related to the marriage. There are metaphysical hymns relating to the offerings of Vratyas in fifteenth Kanda. The sixteenth Kanda bears hymns of removing the nightmares. The seventeenth Kanda a sukta and thirty hymns in which Sammohana hymns (Enchanting hymns) is also existed. There are hymns relating to funeral and offering for the appeasement of incestors in eighteenth Kanda.

(iv) Forth Part (19 to 20 Kandas) – The nineteenth Kanda contains the hymns relating to cure, medicine, growth of the nation and metaphysics. The twentieth Kanda bears the hymns relating to Soma – yoga. A majority of hymns are from Rgveda or have nexus with the hymns of Rgveda.

It can be concluded that the hymns of Atharvaveda lay down the following three main topics:

(i) Pharmaceutical viz. proposition of the medicines for relieving the ailments, (ii) Immortality viz. laying down the means that can keep the death at bay (iii) Brahman, viz. laying down the supreme knowledge. (see Go. Bra. 1.3.4). The author of Atharva Parisista has stated in a single sentence while enunciating the magnificence of the hymns in Atharva Veda – “All industry will achieve success with the due knowledge of hymns in Atharva Veda”. The descriptive topics: The scope of topics worth description is very wide. Acarya Sayana has divided it into fourteenth sections. Later on, a statement of 29 topics is found in the list framed by the scholars who were gone in depth.

These are the main topics as laid down in Atharva Veda. These can further divided in sub – divisions, sections and thus, the number may be increased more. Having gone over the entire subject – matter of Atharva Veda, it can be concluded that this Veda embeds within its ambit, the styles of living perfect life, effacing the hurdles with keys of a peaceful, successful and prosperous formulae of life.

Three Samhitas
In Darila Bhasya of Kausika Sutras in Atharva Veda, three Samhitas of Atharvaveda have been described, while other three Vedas has one Samhita each as presently available. The three Samhitas enunciated in Darila Bhasya for Atharva are – (i) Arsi Samhita (ii) Acarya Samhita and (iii) Vidhi Prayoga Samhita. Arsi Samhita is a compilation of hymns received by the seers traditionally from one generation to another is called Arsi Samhita. The Atharvaveda as available presently duly divided in Kandas, Suktas and hymns addressed as Saunakiya Samhita is actually Rsi Samhita or Arsi Samhita.

Acarya Samhita -It has been stated in Darila Bhasya about this Samhita that the teaching from of Acarya applied for his disciple after Upanayana ceremony (Sacrificial thread ceremony) is called as Acarya Samhita.

Vidhi Prayoga Samhita - When the hymns are applied for any deed under ceremony, one hymn is divided in several Padas and the ceremonial hymns is formed. The compilation of such hymns is called Vidhi Prayoga Samhita. It is the first type of Vidhi Prayoga Samhita. Similarly, it has four more types also…In the second type, new words are added with hymns. In the third type, the frequency of any particular hymn is made with the counter hymn of that Sukta. Thus, the number of hymns of Sukta is doubled. In the fourth type. This order of hymns arranged in any Sukta is changed/altered. In the fifth type, the half part of any hymn is applied as treating it complete hymn.

It can be concluded now that Arsi Samhita is the basic Samhita. Acarya Samhita is its abridged form or compendium and Vidhi Prayoga Samhita is its expanded form.

Branches of Atharva Veda
Atharvaveda has more than one branches like other Vedas. The branches of Atharvaveda have been mentioned in introduction of Sayana Bhasya Prapanca Hrdaya, Carana Vyuha of Vyasa and Mahabhasya of Patanjali. The renowned seer Patanjali has stated nine branches of Atharvaveda in his Mahabhasya. Two opinions have been extracted in this regard in Sarvanukramani or seer Katyayana. As per first opinion, Atharvaveda has fifteen branches. A scripture “Carana Vyuha” stating the authoritative description of the branches of Vedas, as much as nine branches have been accepted. These are – 1. Paippala 2. Danta 3. Pradanta 4. Snata, 5. Saula, 6. Brahmadabala, 7. Saunaka, 8. Devadarsata and 9. Carana – vidya. Acarya Sayana too has accepted its nine branches in his Atharvaveda Bhasya Bhumika but their names are distinct than as stated in “Carana Vyuha”. A majority of scholars have considered as authoritative, the names as stated by Sayana. These are – 1. Paippalada 2. Tauda, 3. Mauda, 4. Majority of scholars have considered as authoritative, the names as stated by Sayana. These are – 1. Paippalada 2. Tauda, 3. Mauda, 4. Saunakiya, 5. Jajala, 6. Jalada, 7. Brahmavada, 8. Devadarsin and 9. Carana Vaidya.

Thus, as much as nine branches of Atharvaveda are popular but a Samhita related to two branches is only available at present. The seven other Samhitas are not available. Out of these two branches as available, only Saunaka Samhita is the presently prevailing Samhita. The other Samhita i.e. Paippalada Samhita is only available in any library merely to see but not for study. Thus, the really available and prevalent Samhita is Saunaka Samhita.

Svami Gangesvarananda has specially contributed for providing dynamicity to the tradition of Vedic study He has published four Vedas in a single volume. The Atharvaveda so complied by him contains 736 suktas.

An appropriate analysis of these all Samhitas goes in favour of treating it as containing total 759 Suktas. It has been confirmed in Brhatsarvanukrmani, and the Atharva Samhita published with the Bhasya of Sayana from Vedic Sodha Samsthana, Sadhu Asrama Hosiarapura, Punjab. The Atharva Samhita published from Sanatana Dharma Yantralaya Moradabad in 1929 also contains 759 Suktas. Following the same trend, present Samhita also bears 759 suktas. Generally it has been stated that the Atharvaveda contains as much as 6000 hymns while Whitney states the number of hymns 5038. A few Samhitas contain 5987 hymns but there are only 5977 hymns in the prevalent Samhita. This Samhita is specially in vogue in South India. The Bhasya of Acarya Sayana too is available in this Samhita.

Other Samhitas of Atharvaveda
Apart from the above said two main Samhitas, the other seven Samhitas are for name sake. Some references of Mauda Samhita have been given in Mahabhasya (4.1.86) and Sahara Bhasya (1.1.30). Atharva Parisista it has been mentioned that the persons belonging to Mauda and Jalada Branches should not be made priest. Doubts of nations’ destruction has been raised if such persons are made priest (Purohita). Some information regarding Carana Vaidya. The last branch of Atharva is available from the explanation of Kausika Sutra (6.37) and Atharva Parisista (22.2). As per Vayu Purana. There were 6026 hymns in this Samhita but no copy of this Samhita is available. Other branches like Tauda, Jajala, Brahmavada and Devadarsa are in vogue for name sake and no authoritative information is available on them.

The Literature Related to Atharva Veda
The Brahmana texts, Upanisads. Pratisakhya. Siksa. Kalpasutras etc. all components of Atharvaveda are available. These can be classified as under -
(A) Brahamanas – 1. Gopatha 2. Paippalada
(B) Upanisads – 1. Prasna 2. Mundaka. 3. Mandukya. 4. Atharvasiras, 5. Atharvasikha 6. Brhat Jabala 7. Nrsimha Tapani, 8. Narad – Paribrajaka, 9. Sita, 10. Sarabha 11. Mahanarayana, 12. Ramarahasya, 13. Ramatapani, 14. Sandilya, 15. Paramahansa Paribrajaka, 16. Annapurna, 17, Surya, 18. Atman, 19. Pasupata, 20. Parabrahma, 21. Tripuratapani, 22. Daivi, 23. Bhavana, 24. Brahma, 25. Jabala, 26. Ganapati, 27. Mahavakya, 28. Gopalatapani. 29. Krsna, 30. Hayagriva, 31. Dattatreya and 32. Garuda.

(c) Pratisakhya – (a) Atharvapratisakhya or Saunakiya Caturadhyayika (compiled by W.D. Whitney) (b) Atharvaveda Pratisakhya Sutra (compiled by Visvabandhu). (c) Atharvapratisakhya (Compiled by Dr. Suryakanta)

(D) Siksa – Manduki Siksa
(E) Sraurta Sutra – Vaitana Sruta Sutra
(F) Grhya Sutra – Kausika Grhya Sutra
(G) Anukramani etc. – 1. Atharva Parisista, 2. Carana Vyuha, 3. Pancapatlika, 4. Dantyaustha Vidhi, 5. Brhatsarvanukramani, 6. Naksatrakalpa, 7. Angirasa – kalpa, 8. Santikalpa, 9. Caranavyuha Sutra, 10. Atharvaprayascitta.
(H) Upaveda – 1. Sarpaveda, 2. Pisacaveda, 3 Asura Veda, 4. Itihasa Veda, 5. Purana Veda.

Commentaries and Translations
The commentators on Atharvaveda can be classified in two divisions – 1. Ancient, 2. Modern.
1. Sayana – Among the ancient commentators on Atharva Veda, the only commentary available and it also two third parts only pertains to Commentator Acarya Sayana of fourteenth century. One third part of this commentary is still out of sight. The Kandas without commentary are 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 ‘Kandas. Apart from it, commentary of Sayana is partially available on Kandas eighth and twentieth.

There are three Samhitas so far published on the basis of Sayana commentary. These are – 1. Nirnaya Sagar Press, compiled by Late Shri Samkara Panduranga Pandit, 1895 – 98 2. Sanatana Dharma Yantralaya. Moradabada (U.P) Compiled by Sri Ramacandra Sarma in 1929 and 3. Visvesvarananda Vaidika Sodha Samsthana. Hosiarapura (Punjab), compiled by Sri Visabandhu in 1960 – 64.

Among modern commentators, Western and Indian both scholars are existed . A brief introduction of them can be given as under -
1. R.T.H. Griffith had published a translating of entire Atharvaveda in English with two parts during 1895 – 96.

2. William Dwight Whitney; It was published under Harvard Oriental Series. The entire subject – matter on Atharvaeda was translated with critical and exegetical commentary by W.D. Whitney in English and it was edited by Charles Rockwell Lanman during 1905. Our translation is also based on this edition.

3. Bloomfield: A substantial part of Atharvaveda was translated into English by M.Bloomfield. It was published under the series of sacred books of the east, edited by Max – Muller.

4. Ludwig – Atharvaeda was translated in German by A. Ludwig and J. Grill.
Besides of this, Weber’’s translation also available on single books.

Rsis Devatas and Chandas
The concept of Rsi. God and Chandas in opening the meanings of Vedas has an important role. It will be appropriate to keep an eye on the particularity of Rsi, god and Chandas of Atharva Veda.

Rsi - The Rsi of a majority of suktas in Atharva Veda are Atharva (i.e. intelligence undeviated). The name of Atharva is added with the Rsis of other several suktas. For example- Atharvacarya, Atharvakrti. Atharvangira. Bhrgvangira, Brahma etc. Among Rsis of Atharva Veda, there are several such names, which are not personal but abstractional i.e. intangible. For example – Narayana, Brahma, Bhuvana Sadhana, Bharga, Ayu, Yaksmanasa, Surya, Savirtri etc. It is clear that the scholar who first got the hymns, treated the conscious as Ysi and not himself. It is perhaps the conscious streams appeared them as a living person.

God - The number of gods in Atharvaeda is more then double than other Vedas. It is so because its topics worth description are in considerable number and to whom the hymn is targeted is called god. Its being in abstract from is common, but an address to gods in Atharva Veda are someway strange. For example Aja (Ajanma), Matrnama, Irsyopanayana, Yaksmanasana, Krtyadusana, Kalatma, Kamatma etc.

Chanda - There is more diversity of Chandas in Atharvaeda than other Vedas. There are several Chandas about which nothing is written in the available volumes of the rhythemology. A few chandas are composed by adding with several chandas. Probably, the Rsi will have felt it necessary for his efficient expression. In Kuntapa Sukta (Kanda 20 su. 129) bears the parts of hymns and only one word hymns are found in somewhat places. They cannot be taken in any settled streams of the chandas and to understand their meaning too is difficult.

The mantras of the Atharvaeda exhibit a different style of expression in accordance to the contents. The Sutra text of Atharvaeda is the Kausika Sutra. Special applications of hymns has been described therein. Acarya Sayana puts the meanings of hymns on the basis of their applications as described in Kausika Sutra.

Hymns of Vedas are of multi – meanings because the learned seers have tried their best to explain the cryptic mysteries through application of figure of speech, by taking illustration of the formidable things or the processes. It is however difficult to understand properly the illustrations refereed by so brilliant seers and it becomes more difficult when style of language meaning is resorted. However, it can be said the grace of Vedas that enough comments/notes are given wherever the crux to understand the language expressed through gemical saying in easier way. Thus the Mantras of the Atharvaeda deal with blessing, harming and curing in the specific poetic tone.

Gems (Mani): The use of several types of gems and their importance has been described in number of suktas in Athara Veda. References are found at several places regarding processing of gems, its receipt and method of holding on body. An address of gem has been applied in wide meanings in Veda. These can be made powerful through spell of respective hymns but some gems automatically hold divine powers.

In Atharvaeda the terms Sraktyamani (8.5.3.) and Trisandhya Mani etc. are used for the gems,. Which are in the form of power seed. An effort to explain the hymn with their feature has been made wherever the of gems are given.

Matrnama: Matrnama has been described in Sukta 4.20 in the form of Rsi and god. Some Acaryas have added this name with the Trisandhya and Sadampuspa gems. The benevolent/energizing medicines can be said as Matrnama (i.e. impressive as mother). However is appears good to treat them as the divine flow of mother entity on the basis of their effect as described in several hymns. The meaning of hymn are naturally understood on the basis of this concept.

Krtyadusana: This name is used as the god of several suktas. Krtya – dusana or the experiments to set – aside either the effect of Krtya or the Krtya itself has been described at several places. The term “Krtya” is meant by a function worth doing and” Krtya – dusana” is meant by a reaction for the action done. The use of term “Krtya” in this sense can be made in good and bad both meanings. However, the use of word “Krtya” is exclusively made in the form of murdering power since beginning. Operation of Krtya is made for destruction of enemy but such acts made with resolution to destroy not only give favourable but also some undesirable results also. For example- The sea was churned with a resolution to obtain gems but there also appeared he poison. On one side, the factories provide the humanity with comfortable goods but they generate the pollution on the other. In order to develop the resolution of work and power to act; the body, sensory organs and desires are necessary to be with the man. Sometimes, these means act otherwise too and at this stage, these can be said as Krtya. The sensuality provided for reproduction is sometime misused and called Krtya. Thus. Uncountable forms ths formidable and arisen Krtya or Krtyadusana becomes necessary. The meanings of Vedic hymns can be made ex – facie when resolution of Krtya is taken in such wide description. It is not good to confine it to the practices traditionally accepted. Hence, coincide the Vedic tradition, broad applications have been embedded in this volume.

Brahmajaya - A god Brahmajaya has been described in, %thara. 5.17. Jaya is meant by the wife. Its meaning as wife of Brahma or the wife of a brahmana is not relevant here as it cannot clear the connotation. If it is understood as Brahmavidya. It the traditional meaning of the other.

Brahmagavi: A majority of scholars construe it as the cow of brahmana. This word has been appeared as god in sukta 5.18. The obeisance for cow and a step to increase their importance, the abnormal effects described in hymns is added with the cow but this meaning does not explain clearly the inherent sense. It is the loyal tendency of he cow of a brahmana who provides him maintenance. Hence right meaning to this term will be the profession of a Brahmana. It is hoped that the meanings to the terms “Sataudana gau, Vasa gau, Skambha etc. as given in this book by due study and taking in tradition as well will not only satisfy but also provide a new outlook to the readers. The application of figure of speech ha been made easy through the comments/notes inserted in the middle of hymns. For example – In Atharva. 4.7.3, The patient has been suggested that he should eat Karambha (mixture of medicated foodstuff) and the use of Pivapaka (to cook lipid) method will save him from the poisonous effect. This explanation of cooking the lipid is necessary to be here otherwise any person not understood it properly map cook the lipid and prepare its mixture for effacing the effect of poison.

Some Mysterious Events
Generally, all Vedas are cryptic and it is must difficult to understand properly the senses conveyed by them yet other Vedas except Atharvaeda only can be partially understood on the basis of their language. Atharva holds a number of events full of mystery and misconceptions arise due to not understanding them properly.

Misconception of Magic: A number of mysterious applications have been mentioned in Atharvaeda for avoiding from the hurdles and suppression of the wicked. Some foreigner therefore, allege that it contains the magic while a few others allege that it holds the meanful activities that throw others in adversities. However all such allegations are proved meaningless when a wise analysis is made.

All people are known to this fact very well that there are all types of good and bad people and the formidable as also. Micro flows of positive and negative effects are existed. To make oneself competent and politic by observance of the etiquette and to defend from the evil tendencies and evil acts are equally necessary. Along with application of self defending measures, sometimes one has to resort the aggressive efforts also. In order to relieve from the disease, one has to resort the preventive measures and a strong blow on disease with equal force. The wit too becomes conspiracy if not used properly while a hate too protects from the evils if utilised properly. Hence, the efforts killing the defects and distorted processes can not be addressed as a mean process. Such learning is also worth use in regular intervals. Magic is nothing else than indicative of our ignorance. There are several people who exhibit a number of scientific phenomenons and the skill of their trickly hands. The people who understand it, appreciate them as skill and expert processes but the rest of people say them as skill and expert processes but the rest of people say them as magic. The term “magic” is not always used in wrong senses.

There are a number of hymns in Atharvaeda whose meanings and objectives become clear but the words used there have meanings difficult to find. Yaska in his Nirukta too keeps a mum in this matter. For example, it has been very clearly stated that Tabuva and Tastuva has destroyed the poison of snake but what are these things is still unknown even to the commentators.

A certain other words are – Khrgala. Visapha. Kabava. Karsapha etc. The medicines to application of medicines are not mentioned in any of the book on pharmaceutical. In same manner, what are the Jangida Mani, Pratisaramani, Astrtamani etc, which are used for protection and killing of enemies, Sayana here explains it as Aushadhivishesh only.

The implied and ornamented vocabulary like – Kokayatu (sensuous tendency like Cakravaka bird), Surpayatu (Vanity like Garuda), Svayatu (enimity with clan like dog) etc. have been explained at the spot in parenthesis.

The suktas from 127 to 136 in twentieth Kandas of Atharvaeda are called Kuntapa Sukta. A few scholars consider them as Khila (added) but they have been accepted as the part and parcel of Samhita by he flux of time. We are giving a note on Kuntapa Kukta from the book of C.V. Vaidya’s History of Sanskrit literature as under:

Note – The Kuntapa Suktas
The Kuntapa suktas are given in the Atharvaeda chapter xx (127-236). The are not found in the Rgveda Sakala Samhita as we have it. They must have been taken by the compiler of the twentieth chapter of the Atharvaeda which, as we have said, was added later on for sacrificial purposes, from some other Sakha of the Rgveda of from a khila as supposed by Sayana. That they are required for sacrificial purposes is certain from Aitareya VI 32, 33 and Kausitaki XXX 5. The former does not use the word Kuntapa but the latter does. The former, however, gives the particular names of the parts Narasamsa, Raibhi, Karavya Pariks itiya and so on which are assigned to them from actual words used in the verses. The Gopatha Brahmana follows here the Kausitaki almost word for word and with certain additions such as an explanation of the name Kuntapa as will be noted in the section of Brahmanas. Whether of Atharva compilation is referred to here in the Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas or whether these quote from floating materials or from another Sakha of the Rgveda, it is difficult to decide. It is possible to suggest that the Atharvaveda compilation is earlier than Kausitaki alias Samkhayan at least, as it gives the name Kuntapa, gives the name of the component parts of the hymn, the mentioning of the name Kuntapa not being absolutely necessary. But we find in Kausitai (IV 10, 11) a mention of three Vedas only by name and the fourth priest Brahmana is shown as knowing and working with the aid of these three Vedas only as in the Satapatha. The mention of Kuntapa hymns and the name Kuntapa, therefore, lead to no conclusion as to priority. (History of Sanskrit Lit. pp. 173-74)

Book I
The first book is made up mostly of hymns of 4 verses each, and no other ground of its existence as a book needs to be sought. It contains 30 such hymns, but also one (34) of 5 verses, two (II and 29) of 6 verses, one (7) of 7, and one (3) of 9. There are conjectural reasons to be give in more than one of these cases for the exceptional length. Hymns of 4 verses are also found in books vi. And vii. (12 in vi., and II in vii.), also 9 in xix. The whole book has been translated by Weber, Indische Studien, vol. iv. (1858), pages 393 – 430.

Book VII
The seventh book is made up mostly of hymns of one verse or of two verses. No other one of the books i.-xviii. Contains such hymns. Book vii. Is thus distinguished from all the others of the three grand divisions (to wit, books i.-vii., books viii. – xii, and book xiii. –xviii.) of the Atharvan collection and constitutes of the close of the first of those divisions. If we consider the facts set forth forth in the paragraphs introductory to the foregoing books (see pages 1, 37, 84, 142, 220, 281, and especially 142), it appears that this division is made up of those seven books in which the number – normal or prevalent – of verses to a hymsn runs from one to eight.

Book XIV – [Nuptial Hymns]
Nuptial ceremonies – This fourteenth book is the second of the six books (xii – xviii.) that form the third grand division of the Atharvan collection, and shows very clearly that unity of subject which is the distinguishing characteristic of the books of that division. The book has been translated by Weber, Indische Studien, vol. v. (1862), pages 178 – 217; and the parts peculiar to our text by Ludwig in his Der Rgveda, vol. iii. (Die Mantra – literature), pages 470 – 476. The bhasya is again lacking.