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Line 159: − + − * The Atharvaveda is the oldest literary monument of Indian medicine. It is believed to be the origin of Ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine. + − * There are a series of Mantras related to cure various physical and mental diseases. Another class of hymns includes prayers for protection from the bite of snakes or injurious insects. We find mention and application of medicines and medicinal herbs. This feature distinguishes the Atharvaveda from the rest of the Vedas.+ − + − + − − − + + + + + + + + + − * For prolonging life
→Structure of Atharvaveda: adding content
The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''ब्रह्मा || Brahma''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.
The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''ब्रह्मा || Brahma''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.
=== विषयम् || Vishayam (Content) ===
=== विषयम् || Vishayam (Content) ===
As the Atharvaveda Samhita (अथर्ववेदसंहिता ) has some special features, it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals more with worldly things than with the other worlds 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" />
*# Adhidaivata (अधिदैवत) : Related to different deities, yajna and their timing.
* It contains numerous Mantras, which according to their subject-matter, can be broadly divided into three categories:
*# Adhibhuta (अधिभूत) : Related to kings, wars, governance, protection.
*# Related to the cure of diseases and destruction of adverse forces.
*# Adhyatma (अध्यात्म) : Related to the nature of Supreme Reality, time, death and immortality.
*# Related to establish peace, protection, health, wealth, friendship and long life.
*# 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=":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=":1">Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>
* To ward off evils and hardship, snakes, and supernatural forces such as demons.
* भैषज्यानि सूक्तानि - 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 physical strength
** for protection from the bite of snakes or injurious insects
** to ward off evils and supernatural forces such as demons
* आयुष्याणि सूक्तानि - 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 - 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 -
* To destroy enemies
* To destroy enemies
* Marriage, cremation and other संस्काराः ॥ [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]]
* Marriage, cremation and other संस्काराः ॥ [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]]
* Description of diseases,their cure and herbal remedies
* Description of diseases,their cure and herbal remedies
* For fulfilling one’s desires
* For fulfilling one’s desires
* For wealth, trade and commerce
* For wealth, trade and commerce