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* [[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)
* [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual 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 ==
The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed Vedic texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling<ref name=":22222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>
The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed Vedic texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling<ref name=":22222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>
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.
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.
== ऋक् - संहिता || Rig 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.
Different mantras of this Samhita were composed long before they were systematically arranged. Being a compilation of different stages, there is something which stamps the Rigveda with an individuality of its own. It is much more natural in character and form than other Samhitas.
Different mantras of this Samhita were composed long before they were systematically arranged. Being a compilation of different stages, there is something which stamps the Rigveda with an individuality of its own. It is much more natural in character and form than other Samhitas.
=== Origin of Rig Samhita ===
=== Origin of Rk Samhita ===
Purusha sukta states that Richas (ऋचाः) arose from the Thousand-headed Purusha (स॒हस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः) who is yajna-swaroopa Himself.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋच: सामानि जज्ञिरे । छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-090/ Mandala 10 Sukta 90])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tasmādyajñātsarvahuta r̥ca: sāmāni jajñirē । chandāṁsi jajñirē tasmādyajustasmādajāyata ॥9॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)</blockquote>
Purusha sukta states that Richas (ऋचाः) arose from the Thousand-headed Purusha (स॒हस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः) who is yajna-swaroopa Himself.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋच: सामानि जज्ञिरे । छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-090/ Mandala 10 Sukta 90])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tasmādyajñātsarvahuta r̥ca: sāmāni jajñirē । chandāṁsi jajñirē tasmādyajustasmādajāyata ॥9॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)</blockquote>
* The Samhita of the Rigveda in general comprises of 10 Mandalas, 85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10552 Mantras. Usually Anuvaka is not mentioned for the reference of a Mantra of the Rigveda. For example Rig. Veda. 3.16.7 simply means the seventh Mantra of the sixteenth Sukta of the third Mandala of the Rigveda.
* The Samhita of the Rigveda in general comprises of 10 Mandalas, 85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10552 Mantras. Usually Anuvaka is not mentioned for the reference of a Mantra of the Rigveda. For example Rig. Veda. 3.16.7 simply means the seventh Mantra of the sixteenth Sukta of the third Mandala of the Rigveda.
* [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic Language]] of Rigveda is believed to be the oldest even among the four vedas. The information regarding Vedic Language, the tones and accents used are explained in [[Shiksha (शिक्षा)|Shiksha]] part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedaangas]].
* [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic Language]] of Rigveda is believed to be the oldest even among the four vedas. The information regarding Vedic Language, the tones and accents used are explained in [[Shiksha (शिक्षा)|Shiksha]] part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedaangas]].
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
===देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
Every Mantra of a Sukta has a Rishi (Mantra Drashta), a Devata (deity) and a Chandas (meter).
Every Mantra of a Sukta has a Rishi (Mantra Drashta), a Devata (deity) and a Chandas (meter).
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]].
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|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>).
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>).
=== 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>
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).
Secondly, Bharatamuni (भरतमुनिः), the author of Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्रम्), cites Samaveda as the origin of music.<ref name=":22224">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref><blockquote>जग्राह पाठ्यं ऋग्वेदात्, सामभ्यो गीतमेव च यजुर्वेदादभिनयान् रसमाथर्वणादपि।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote><blockquote>jagrāha pāṭhyaṃ ṛgvedāt, sāmabhyo gītameva ca yajurvedādabhinayān rasamātharvaṇādapi।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote>Meaning : Samaveda is the origin of geeta (गीतम् । music).<blockquote>सामवेदादिदं गीतं संजग्राह पितामहः (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote><blockquote>sāmavedādidaṃ gītaṃ saṃjagrāha pitāmahaḥ (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote>Meaning : Brahma (ब्रह्मा) collected musical notes (गीतम् । geeta) from सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda.
Secondly, Bharatamuni (भरतमुनिः), the author of Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्रम्), cites Samaveda as the origin of music.<ref name=":22224">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref><blockquote>जग्राह पाठ्यं ऋग्वेदात्, सामभ्यो गीतमेव च यजुर्वेदादभिनयान् रसमाथर्वणादपि।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote><blockquote>jagrāha pāṭhyaṃ ṛgvedāt, sāmabhyo gītameva ca yajurvedādabhinayān rasamātharvaṇādapi।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote>Meaning : Samaveda is the origin of geeta (गीतम् । music).<blockquote>सामवेदादिदं गीतं संजग्राह पितामहः (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote><blockquote>sāmavedādidaṃ gītaṃ saṃjagrāha pitāmahaḥ (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote>Meaning : Brahma (ब्रह्मा) collected musical notes (गीतम् । geeta) from Samaveda.
According to Sarangadeva (सारङ्गदेवः), the author of Sangeeta Ratnakara (सङ्गीतरत्नाकरम्), musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":22224" />
According to Sarangadeva (सारङ्गदेवः), the author of Sangeeta Ratnakara (सङ्गीतरत्नाकरम्), musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":22224" />
The Atharvaveda Samhita is meant to be used by the Brahma, the Atharva-Vedic priest, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may be accidentally be committed by the other three priests<ref name=":22" />.
The Atharvaveda Samhita is meant to be used by the Brahma, the Atharva-Vedic priest, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may be accidentally be committed by the other three priests<ref name=":22" />.
The Atharva-Samhita, contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals. ''Atharvan'' denotes directions and mantras especially in connection to ward off evil and hardship and also contains philosophical thoughts. '''Atharvan''<nowiki/>' originally means 'priest' and the Mantras in the Atharvaveda-Samhita were brought to light by Rishi Atharva.
The Atharva-Samhita, contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals. Atharvan (अथर्वन्) denotes directions and mantras especially in connection to ward off evil and hardship and also contains philosophical thoughts. 'Atharvan' originally means 'priest' and the Mantras in the Atharvaveda-Samhita were brought to light by Rishi Atharva.
=== Structure of Atharvaveda ===
=== Structure of Atharvaveda ===
* It is the Shaunaka-Samhita that is frequently meant when the Atharvaveda is mentioned in ancient and modern literature. It is a collection of 730 Suktas containing 5987 Mantras, divided into 20 books (''Kandas'') with 36 Prapathakas. Some 1200 verses are derived from the Rigveda.<ref name=":1" />. [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda vargeenkarana]] of Atharvaveda has more information regarding the structure and shakas.
* It is the Shaunaka-Samhita that is frequently meant when the Atharvaveda is mentioned in ancient and modern literature. It is a collection of 730 Suktas containing 5987 Mantras, divided into 20 Kandas with 36 Prapathakas. Some 1200 mantras are derived from the Rigveda.<ref name=":1" />. [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda vargeenkarana]] of Atharvaveda has more information regarding the structure and shakas.
* About one sixth of the text of the Atharvaveda including two entire books (15 and 16) is written in prose, similar in style and language to the Brahmanas, the rest of the text is in metered structure.
* About one sixth of the text of the Atharvaveda including two entire books (15 and 16) is written in prose, similar in style and language to the Brahmanas, the rest of the text is in metered structure.
* According to Patanjali, Atharvaveda had nine Shakhas, but the Samhita of the Atharvaveda is today available only in two recensions - '''Shaunaka and Paippalada'''.
* According to Patanjali, Atharvaveda had nine Shakhas, but the Samhita of the Atharvaveda is today available only in two recensions - '''शौनक ॥ Shaunaka and पैप्पलादः ॥ Paippalada'''.
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
===देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
Like Rigveda from where Atharvanaveda takes a significant part, the chandas here includes अनुष्टुप् ॥ Anustup, त्रिष्टुभप् ॥ Tristup along with many other new chandas or metrical forms.
Like Rigveda from where Atharvanaveda takes a significant part, the chandas here includes Anustup, Tristup along with many other new chandas or metrical forms.
Worship of many devatas is also seen along with the acceptance of the '''ब्रह्मा''' as Supreme Being. No other vedic text has such extensive yet minute description of Him as seen in the Atharvasamhita. Many viewpoints of Brahmatattva have been discussed in this veda and the concept of Brahmavidya elaborated in the Upanishads is borrowed from here.
Worship of many devatas is also seen along with the acceptance of the Brahman as Supreme Being. No other vedic text has such extensive yet minute description of Him as seen in the Atharvasamhita. Many viewpoints of Brahmatattva have been discussed in this veda and the concept of Brahmavidya elaborated in the Upanishads is borrowed from here.
The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''ब्रह्मा || Brahma''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.
The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''Brahma (ब्रह्मा)''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
===विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
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 (अधिदैवत) : Related to different deities, yajna and their timing.
*# Adhidaivata (अधिदैवतम्) : Related to different deities, yajna and their timing.
*# Adhibhuta (अधिभूत) : Related to kings, wars, governance, protection.
*# Adhibhuta (अधिभूतम्) : Related to kings, wars, governance, protection.
*# Adhyatma (अध्यात्म) : Related to the nature of Supreme Reality, time, death and immortality.
*# 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>
* 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
* 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
** 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
** to ward off evils and supernatural forces such as demons
** 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.
* 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.
* 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).
* 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).
* प्रायश्चित्तानि - 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.
* 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.
* स्त्रीकर्मणि - 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.
* 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.
* राजकर्मणि - Kings 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.
* 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.
* भूमिसूक्तम् - 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
* 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
<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 - 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.
* 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.
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.