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Text replacement - "spiritual" to "adhyatmik"
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* [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]] (explanation of mantras and rituals)
 
* [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]] (explanation of mantras and rituals)
 
* [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] (texts which give philosophical interpretation of the rituals)
 
* [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] (texts which give philosophical interpretation of the rituals)
* [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge)
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* [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and adhyatmik knowledge)
 
A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of Samhitas and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.
 
A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of Samhitas and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.
 
==  परिचयः || Introduction ==
 
==  परिचयः || Introduction ==
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The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref name=":12">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 
 
The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref name=":12">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 
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Another opinion states: "The Samhitas and the Brahmanas form the Karma-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They are apparently concerned with the ceremonial rites and rituals. The Aranyakas and the Upanishads form the Jnana-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref name=":12222">Indian Scriptures [http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm Website]</ref>
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Another opinion states: "The Samhitas and the Brahmanas form the Karma-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They are apparently concerned with the ceremonial rites and rituals. The Aranyakas and the Upanishads form the Jnana-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and adhyatmikism.<ref name=":12222">Indian Scriptures [http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm Website]</ref>
    
Another learned author says: These are four different modes of expressing the same truths, each as a cross check against others so that misrepresentations are avoided, a method used and valid even today.<ref name=":22222" />
 
Another learned author says: These are four different modes of expressing the same truths, each as a cross check against others so that misrepresentations are avoided, a method used and valid even today.<ref name=":22222" />
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According to Swami Sivananda, the Mantra-Samhitas are hymns in praise of the Vedic God for attaining material prosperity here and happiness hereafter. They are mantras comprising prayers and incantations addressed to various deities, both subjective and objective. The Mantra portion of the Vedas is useful for the Brahmacharins.<ref name=":02" />
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According to Swami Sivananda, the Mantra-Samhitas are suktas in praise of the Vedic deity for attaining material prosperity here and happiness hereafter. They are mantras comprising prayers and incantations addressed to various deities, both subjective and objective. The Mantra portion of the Vedas is useful for the Brahmacharins.<ref name=":02" />
 
==  व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
 
==  व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
 
Samhita is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".
 
Samhita is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".
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The Samhitas form the first part of each of the Vedas. A Samhita is a collection of mantras, hence also referred to as the ‘Mantras’. Most of the mantras were concerned with the nature and addressed to the devi and devatas.
 
The Samhitas form the first part of each of the Vedas. A Samhita is a collection of mantras, hence also referred to as the ‘Mantras’. Most of the mantras were concerned with the nature and addressed to the devi and devatas.
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The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rig Veda is called the Rig-Veda-Samhita or the Rig-Samhita.  
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The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rigveda is called the Rigveda Samhita or the Rig Samhita.  
 
== ऋक् - संहिता || Rk Samhita ==
 
== ऋक् - संहिता || Rk Samhita ==
 
The Rigveda is the oldest, biggest of the four Vedas and the most highly valued work of the Hindus. This Samhita (Collection) is unique in its nature. The present form of this Samhita clearly indicates that the collection is not a single work, but consists of multiple elements, thus, intact through thousands of years are the seeds of India's religious and philosophical development. Various indications of language, style and ideas prove this point. The value of the Rigveda today is not confined to India, for its well-preserved language and mythology have helped a better understanding of languages, literatures and cultures of the whole world.   
 
The Rigveda is the oldest, biggest of the four Vedas and the most highly valued work of the Hindus. This Samhita (Collection) is unique in its nature. The present form of this Samhita clearly indicates that the collection is not a single work, but consists of multiple elements, thus, intact through thousands of years are the seeds of India's religious and philosophical development. Various indications of language, style and ideas prove this point. The value of the Rigveda today is not confined to India, for its well-preserved language and mythology have helped a better understanding of languages, literatures and cultures of the whole world.   
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Rigveda mantras are metered and chanted by the [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Hota (होता]]) (the Rigveda priest), to invoke the deities to the [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna]].    
 
Rigveda mantras are metered and chanted by the [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Hota (होता]]) (the Rigveda priest), to invoke the deities to the [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna]].    
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Important Rigvedic deities are [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni (अग्निः]]), [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra (इन्द्रः]]), [[Varuna (वरुणः)|Varuna (वरुणः]]), Ushas (उषस्), Savita (सविता), [[Pusha (पूषा)]], [[Mitra (मित्रः)]], [[Vishnu (विष्णुः)]], [[Rudra (रुद्रः)]], [[Marut (मरुत्)]] and [[Parjanya (पर्जन्यः)]]. Gayatri (गायत्री), Jagati (जगती), Brhati (बृहती), Pankti (पङ्क्ती), Trishtubh (त्रिष्टुभ्) and Anustubh (अनुष्टुभ्) are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 8<ref name=":2232222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref>).   
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Important Rigvedic deities are [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni (अग्निः]]), [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra (इन्द्रः]]), [[Varuna (वरुणः)|Varuna (वरुणः]]), Ushas (उषस्), Savita (सविता), [[Pusha (पूषा)]], [[Mitra (मित्रः)]], [[Vishnu (विष्णुः)]], [[Rudra (रुद्रः)]], [[Marut (मरुत्)]] and [[Parjanya (पर्जन्यः)]]. Gayatri (गायत्री), Jagati (जगती), Brhati (बृहती), Pankti (पङ्क्ती), Trishtubh (त्रिष्टुभ्) and Anustubh (अनुष्टुभ्) are widely used meters (Page No 7 of Reference<ref name=":2232222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref>).   
 
=== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ===
 
=== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ===
 
Taittriya Samhita emphasizes that practicing of karmas as prescribed by procedures given by Rks is stronger and those practiced by following the Sama (सामन्) and Yajus (यजुस्) will disintegrate.<ref name=":4">Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref>  
 
Taittriya Samhita emphasizes that practicing of karmas as prescribed by procedures given by Rks is stronger and those practiced by following the Sama (सामन्) and Yajus (यजुस्) will disintegrate.<ref name=":4">Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref>  
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For example, the Samhita states that Prajapati (प्रजापतिः) creates the world out of Himself and rules over it; He is omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). He is ever perfect, infinitely compassionate, easily approachable by the devotees and He grants us immortality. But the idea about actual process of creation of the universe finds a place only in the later Vedantic literature i.e. the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)]]. The concept of Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.
 
For example, the Samhita states that Prajapati (प्रजापतिः) creates the world out of Himself and rules over it; He is omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). He is ever perfect, infinitely compassionate, easily approachable by the devotees and He grants us immortality. But the idea about actual process of creation of the universe finds a place only in the later Vedantic literature i.e. the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)]]. The concept of Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.
 
==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Historical ====
 
==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Historical ====
The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools etc., which show the nature of society of those times though not exactly historical. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by spiritual consciousness. There was Samanvaya (समन्वयः) or harmony of life here and hereafter. Satya (सत्यम् । Truth) and Dharma (धर्मः। Righteousness) are glorified and Amritatva (अमृतत्वम् । Immortality) as the goal of life was accepted. Thus we see that the concept of Purusharthas were well adhered to by the people in Vedic age.  
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The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools etc., which show the nature of society of those times though not exactly historical. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by adhyatmik consciousness. There was Samanvaya (समन्वयः) or harmony of life here and hereafter. Satya (सत्यम् । Truth) and Dharma (धर्मः। Righteousness) are glorified and Amritatva (अमृतत्वम् । Immortality) as the goal of life was accepted. Thus we see that the concept of Purusharthas were well adhered to by the people in Vedic age.  
    
It may be noted that starting from Mandala 2 to Mandala 7 the collection of suktas involve those given by rishis of great lineages. Mandala 8 contains suktas given primarily by Kanva rishi. Mandala 9 includes suktas on the topic of Pavamana (Soma) given by rishis of different lineages.  
 
It may be noted that starting from Mandala 2 to Mandala 7 the collection of suktas involve those given by rishis of great lineages. Mandala 8 contains suktas given primarily by Kanva rishi. Mandala 9 includes suktas on the topic of Pavamana (Soma) given by rishis of different lineages.  
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=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
 
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
The Yajurveda is a ritual Veda for it is essentially a guide-book for the Adhvaryu priest who had to do practically all ritualistic works in a sacrifice. His works vary from the selection of a plot of land for the sacrificial altar down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. The Yajurveda-Samhitas are the mantra-books for the Adhvaryu priest.  
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The Yajurveda is a ritual Veda for it is essentially a guide-book for the Adhvaryu priest who had to do practically all ritualistic works in a yajna. His works vary from the selection of a plot of land for the yajna vedi down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. The Yajurveda-Samhitas are the mantra6-books for the Adhvaryu priest.  
 
* It is mainly meant for the purposes of yajnas, yagas and related rituals.
 
* It is mainly meant for the purposes of yajnas, yagas and related rituals.
 
* The Yajurveda is also important for its presentation of philosophical doctrines. It preaches the concept of Prana and Manas also.  
 
* The Yajurveda is also important for its presentation of philosophical doctrines. It preaches the concept of Prana and Manas also.  
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* गान ॥ Gana texts contain the information about how Samagana is to be sung. While singing the mantras, matras (मात्रा) such as deergha (दीर्घः), pluta (प्लुतः), and pathapaddhati (पाठपद्धतिः । recitation methods) are clearly mentioned in these texts.
 
* गान ॥ Gana texts contain the information about how Samagana is to be sung. While singing the mantras, matras (मात्रा) such as deergha (दीर्घः), pluta (प्लुतः), and pathapaddhati (पाठपद्धतिः । recitation methods) are clearly mentioned in these texts.
 
* Sama Gana or singing of mantras as per the rules of Sama Veda is said to be the basis and source of the seven svaras or notes fundamental to the Indian music systems. According to Narada Shiksha, the svaramandala of sama are given as 7 svaras (स्वराः), 3 grama (ग्रामम्), 21 murchna (मूर्छना) and 49 tana (तानम्). <ref name=":4" />
 
* Sama Gana or singing of mantras as per the rules of Sama Veda is said to be the basis and source of the seven svaras or notes fundamental to the Indian music systems. According to Narada Shiksha, the svaramandala of sama are given as 7 svaras (स्वराः), 3 grama (ग्रामम्), 21 murchna (मूर्छना) and 49 tana (तानम्). <ref name=":4" />
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
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===देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
 
All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''Udgata (उद्गाता''']]) priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and [[Soma]].<ref name=":0" />
 
All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''Udgata (उद्गाता''']]) priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and [[Soma]].<ref name=":0" />
 
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
 
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
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Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama (ललिता सहस्रनामम्), one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is Sama Gana Priye (सामगानप्रिये । one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).
 
Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama (ललिता सहस्रनामम्), one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is Sama Gana Priye (सामगानप्रिये । one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).
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''<nowiki/>''
    
Traditionally the three Vedas are spoken as''<nowiki/>'''Trayi (त्रयी), because they are composed of three kinds in mantras- Rks or verses, Yajus or prose, Saman or chants.
 
Traditionally the three Vedas are spoken as''<nowiki/>'''Trayi (त्रयी), because they are composed of three kinds in mantras- Rks or verses, Yajus or prose, Saman or chants.
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''<nowiki/>''
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''<nowiki/><nowiki/>''
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Here Indra, Agni and Soma deities are mainly invoked and praised but most of the time these prayers seem to be the invocations for the Supreme Being. In the spiritual sense Soma represents All-pervading Brahman, who is attainable only through devotion and musical chanting. Thus major theme of the Samaveda can be regarded as worship and devotion (Upasana).<ref name=":2232222" />  
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Here Indra, Agni and Soma deities are mainly invoked and praised but most of the time these prayers seem to be the invocations for the Supreme Being. In the adhyatmik sense Soma represents All-pervading Brahman, who is attainable only through devotion and musical chanting. Thus major theme of the Samaveda can be regarded as worship and devotion (Upasana).<ref name=":2232222" />
=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects ===
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===प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects ===
 
Firstly, the famous Chandogya Upanishad belongs to this veda. Many deep philosophical thoughts are associated with this Upanishad given in the form of samvaada suktas (dialogue hymns).
 
Firstly, the famous Chandogya Upanishad belongs to this veda. Many deep philosophical thoughts are associated with this Upanishad given in the form of samvaada suktas (dialogue hymns).
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As the Atharvaveda Samhita (अथर्ववेदसंहिता) has some special features, it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals with worldly things and the yajnas mentioned here are utilized as a means to acquire them. Amidst mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are found in this Veda.   
 
As the Atharvaveda Samhita (अथर्ववेदसंहिता) has some special features, it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals with worldly things and the yajnas mentioned here are utilized as a means to acquire them. Amidst mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are found in this Veda.   
 
* It contains numerous Mantras, which according to their subject-matter, can be broadly divided into three categories:<ref name=":4" />  
 
* It contains numerous Mantras, which according to their subject-matter, can be broadly divided into three categories:<ref name=":4" />  
*# Adhidaivata (अधिदैवतम्) : Related to different deities, yajna and their timing.  
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*# '''Adhidaivata (अधिदैवतम्)''' : Related to different deities, yajna and their timing.  
*# Adhibhuta (अधिभूतम्) : Related to kings, wars, governance, protection.  
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*# '''Adhibhuta (अधिभूतम्)''' : Related to kings, wars, governance, protection.  
*# Adhyatma (अध्यात्मम्) : Related to the nature of Supreme Reality, time, death and immortality.
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*# '''Adhyatma (अध्यात्मम्)''' : Related to the nature of Supreme Reality, time, death and immortality.
 
This Veda contains many types of mantras for the following worldly or materialistic purposes <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1">Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>
 
This Veda contains many types of mantras for the following worldly or materialistic purposes <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1">Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>
* भैषज्यसूक्तानि || Medicinal Suktas- The Atharvaveda is the oldest literary monument of Indian medicine. It is believed to be the origin of Ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine. We find mention and application of medicines and medicinal herbs which distinguishes the Atharvaveda from the rest of the Vedas. There are a series of mantras  
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* '''भैषज्यसूक्तानि || Bhaishjyasuktas''' (Medicinal Suktas) - The Atharvaveda is the oldest literary monument of Indian medicine. It is believed to be the origin of Ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine. We find mention and application of medicines and medicinal herbs which distinguishes the Atharvaveda from the rest of the Vedas. There are a series of mantras  
 
** related to cure of various physical (fevers, poisons) and mental diseases
 
** related to cure of various physical (fevers, poisons) and mental diseases
 
** related to physical strength
 
** related to physical strength
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** to ward off evils and supernatural forces such as demons
 
** to ward off evils and supernatural forces such as demons
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* आयुष्यसूक्तानि || Longevity Suktas - For longevity many mantras are given in this veda. Chanted particularly during family festivities such as the head-shaving ceremony for children, upanayana etc. Mantras for long lifespan, preventing certain diseases, warding of apamrityu (अपमृत्यु । untimely death) and wearing amulets for protection (रक्षासूत्रम्) are described at length.
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* '''आयुष्यसूक्तानि || Ayushyasuktas''' (Longevity Suktas) - For longevity many mantras are given in this veda. Chanted particularly during family festivities such as the head-shaving ceremony for children, upanayana etc. Mantras for long lifespan, preventing certain diseases, warding of apamrityu (अपमृत्यु । untimely death) and wearing amulets for protection (रक्षासूत्रम्) are described at length.
* पौष्टिकानि सूक्तानि || Suktas for Abundance - In this section prayers for construction of house, bringing ploughs, sowing seeds and growing foodgrains, wellbeing of tradesmen who go overseas for trade and other such matters are dealt with. Example : a beautiful description of rain and for abundance of rains a prayer is given (वृष्टिसूक्तम्).  
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* '''पौष्टिकसूक्तानि || Paushtikasuktas''' (Suktas for Abundance) - In this section prayers for construction of house, bringing ploughs, sowing seeds and growing foodgrains, wellbeing of tradesmen who go overseas for trade and other such matters are dealt with. Example : a beautiful description of rain and for abundance of rains a prayer is given (वृष्टिसूक्तम्).  
* प्रायश्चित्तानि सूक्तानि || Suktas for Expiation- Expiatory measures for removal of sins accrued from wrong actions (known and unknown) is the major topic dealt in this section. Actions which are deviations from what is prescribed in dharmashastras, such as marriages outside the framework of the shastras, younger brother getting married before the older one etc are to be remedied. Remedies for bad omens, dreams, inflictions, mantras to dispel the inauspicious effects of birth in certain nakshatras are described.   
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* '''प्रायश्चित्तसूक्तानि || Prayaschittasuktas''' (Suktas for Expiation_ - Expiatory measures for removal of sins accrued from wrong actions (known and unknown) is the major topic dealt in this section. Actions which are deviations from what is prescribed in dharmashastras, such as marriages outside the framework of the shastras, younger brother getting married before the older one etc are to be remedied. Remedies for badP omens, dreams, inflictions, mantras to dispel the inauspicious effects of birth in certain nakshatras are described.   
* स्त्रीकर्मसूक्तानि || Suktas related to Women - Matters related to women, marriage, love, gaining male progeny, winning over husband's affection are narrated including mantras to ward of other women from eyeing her husband. Such actions that are performed with a negative intent and bring evil to another person is called Abhicharika kriya (आभिचारिक क्रिया) where even death of a person can also be brought about.   
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* '''स्त्रीकर्मसूक्तानि || Strikarmasuktas''' (Suktas related to Women) - Matters related to women, marriage, love, gaining male progeny, winning over husband's affection are narrated including mantras to ward of other women from eyeing her husband. Such actions that are performed with a negative intent and bring evil to another person is called Abhicharika kriya (आभिचारिक क्रिया) where even death of a person can also be brought about.   
* राजकर्मणि सूक्तानि || Suktas related to Rajas - Rajas and rajaneeti (राजनीतिः) including statecraft, defense systems of the country, training for soldiers, winning strategy in wars, building war vehicles such as chariots, instruments and effects of their sounds such as dundhubhhi (Dundubhi sukta 5.20.5), shanka (counch), elections of kings and chiefs are extensively given, hence this veda is named as Kshtraveda also. Sukta for the reinstatement of a banished king (Athar. Veda. 3.3) is described vividly.   
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* '''राजकर्मसूक्तानि || Rajakarmasukatas''' (Suktas related to Rajas) - Rajas and rajaneeti (राजनीतिः) including statecraft, defense systems of the country, training for soldiers, winning strategy in wars, building war vehicles such as chariots, instruments and effects of their sounds such as dundhubhhi (Dundubhi sukta 5.20.5), shanka (counch), elections of kings and chiefs are extensively given, hence this veda is named as Kshtraveda also. Sukta for the reinstatement of a banished king (Athar. Veda. 3.3) is described vividly.   
* भूमिसूक्तम् || Sukta related to Earth- Comprising of 63 mantras the greatness of the motherly earth is poetically described in this section. Details of the devatas protecting the earth are explained. Atharvana rishi extols the greatness of mother land in the following way  
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* '''भूमिसूक्तम् || Bhumisuktas''' (Sukta related to Earth) - Comprising of 63 mantras the greatness of the motherly earth is poetically described in this section. Details of the devatas protecting the earth are explained. Atharvana rishi extols the greatness of mother land in the following way  
 
<blockquote>माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः । mātā bhūmiḥ putrō'haṁ pr̥thivyāḥ (Athar. Veda. 12.1.12)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Earth (bhumi) is my mother and I am her son. </blockquote>
 
<blockquote>माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः । mātā bhūmiḥ putrō'haṁ pr̥thivyāḥ (Athar. Veda. 12.1.12)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Earth (bhumi) is my mother and I am her son. </blockquote>
* ब्रह्मण्यानि सूक्तानि || Suktas related to Brahman - Related to Supreme Reality, Immortality and other philosophical matters, this section outlines the process of Creation and emergence of the Universe. Brahma the Creator is praised in different forms namely Virat (विराट्) Brahma (ब्रह्मा) Skambh (स्कम्भ) Rohita (रोहित) Vratya (व्रात्य) Ucchishta (उच्छिष्ट) Prana (प्राण) Svargodan (स्वर्गौदन) in this samhita.
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* '''ब्रह्मण्यसूक्तानि || Brahmanyasuktas''' (Suktas related to Brahman) - Related to Supreme Reality, Immortality and other philosophical matters, this section outlines the process of Creation and emergence of the Universe. Brahma the Creator is praised in different forms namely Virat (विराट्) Brahma (ब्रह्मा) Skambh (स्कम्भ) Rohita (रोहित) Vratya (व्रात्य) Ucchishta (उच्छिष्ट) Prana (प्राण) Svargodan (स्वर्गौदन) in this samhita.
 
The अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda was not considered as a Veda in the Vedic era, and was accepted as a Veda during later ages; though some schools do not consider it so even in modern era.
 
The अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda was not considered as a Veda in the Vedic era, and was accepted as a Veda during later ages; though some schools do not consider it so even in modern era.
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* पृथ्वीसूक्तम् || Prthvi Sukta
 
* पृथ्वीसूक्तम् || Prthvi Sukta
 
* मधुविद्यासूक्तम् ॥ Madhuvidya Sukta
 
* मधुविद्यासूक्तम् ॥ Madhuvidya Sukta
* काण्ड ॥ Kanda 15 is called व्रात्यकाण्डः || Vratya kanda. It deals about people whose origin and nature is debated by many scholars, and they did not follow any kind of वैदिकक्रियाः ॥ vaidika kriyas, nor had respect for any rituals.<ref name=":2232222" />
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* Kanda 15 is called Vratya kanda (व्रात्यकाण्डः). It deals about people whose origin and nature is debated by many scholars, and they did not follow any kind of vaidika kriyas (वैदिकक्रियाः), nor had respect for any rituals.<ref name=":2232222" />
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
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<references /><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>''<nowiki/>''
 
[[Category:Vedas]]
 
[[Category:Vedas]]

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