ATHARVA VEDA- AN OVERVIEW- PART 1

Contents

• Geographical references in Atharvaveda
• Social and Cultural background in Atharvaveda
• Economic conditions
• Different streams of Knowledge
• Religious Background
• Reference

Geographical references in Atharvaveda

The Study of Atharvaveda gives us many references about Places, Rivers and Mountains. The word Nation is used at many places but not specified by any name [3.4.1, 3.8.1, 12.3.10 etc.] Atharvaveda says that there are three continents on this earth; scholars think that Eurasia, Africa and America are the continents that are being referred to in this statement- Tisrah Pruthivi [तिस्रः पृथिवी][19.27.3].

Many regions are also mentioned in Atharvaveda which are Gandhari[गन्धारि], Moojvat[मूजवत्], AngAअङग], and Magadh[मगध] [5.22.14]. In ancient times the region from Takshashila to Kabul was known as Gandhari [गन्धारि]. Today the districts of Peshawar and Rawalpindi are in Gandhari[गन्धारि] region [India at the time of Panini pg. no’s 42.50.and 62]. Moojvat[मूजवत्] is the name of a range of Hindu Kush Mountain which is towards north-west of India. AngA[अङग] region was in Bihar in the south-east plains of Ganga river. Today this region is known as Monger and Bhagalpur districts. Magadh[मगध] region today includes Patna and Gaya districts which are located in southwest plains of Ganga River. Maagadh[मागध] are called as friends of Vratyas in Atharvaveda [15.2.5]

Seven rivers are mentioned at many places in Atharvaveda [4.6.2, 6.61.3, 7.112.1, 20.17.3] Experts say that these rivers are most probably five rivers from Punjab   which are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Bias and Sutlej. The other two rivers are Sarasvati [सरस्वती] and Sindhu[सिन्धू]. At one place, 90 rivers are mentioned and it is said that the black magic mantras of Angirasa[अङगिरस] and the devils may go across 90 rivers. [8.5.9]. The importance of Earth is explained at many places. It is said that the earth rotates around the sun [6.31.1]. First Sukta of 12^th Kanda is known as Bhoomisukta[भूमिसूक्त][prayers of land], while emphasizing the importance of earth, it is said to be the mine of jewels, the one who gives all kinds of wealth, who nourishes all mankind and shows the right path. She is our mother.

Social and Cultural background in Atharvaveda

Society reflected in Atharvaveda is more advanced and developed in economic as well as cultural terms. The society was divided according to the four fold varnashram[वर्णाश्रम ] system where the class used to be decided by the work. Three times these four classes are mentioned in Atharvaveda. In the verse regarding Viratpurush [विराटपुरुष], it is said that Brahmins are the face and Kshatriyas are the arms of this Giant  whereas Vaishyas[वैश्य] constitute the middle part and the Shudras [शूद्र]are the feet.[19.6.6] While comparing it to Rigveda and Yajurveda this class system can be said to be in its developed form, although this development has occurred step by step. One more interesting detail must be mentioned that the word Panchjan [‘पञ्चजन’] is used in Atharvaveda. Scholars have different opinions about the interpretation of this term. Yaska[यास्क] author of Nirukta[निरूक्त] thinks that this means four classes and Nishad[निषाद] means tribes. Aupamanyav,[औपमन्यव] another expert’s opinion matches with Yaska[यास्क] [Niruktaनिरूक्त 3.8]. Saayanacharya[सायणाचार्य] agrees with the above mentioned opinion. Roth thinks that Panchjan[पञ्चजन] means whole mankind on earth. Griffith and McDonald think that the five tribes living on the same side of Sindhu[सिन्धू] River like Aryans are  Panchjan[पञ्चजन]. Turvash[तुर्वश], Yadu[यदु], Anu[अनु], Druhya[द्रुह्य] and Puru[पुरू]are these five tribes [McDonald’s Sanskrit literature Pg. No154]. In Rigveda also this term is used.

Panchjanah mam hotrajushdhvam[“पञ्च जनाः मम होत्र जुषध्वम्”] [ऋ.10.53.4].

In Atharvaveda also there are prayers for the welfare of Panchjan[पञ्चजन] [3.24.3]

Ashram system was very much popular in Vedic times. When a person fulfills all his duties properly he is following the Ashram code [Aashramyati Asmin[आ श्राम्यति अस्मिन्]. Indian tradition divides a man’s entire lifespan into four parts. In the first part a person is supposed to follow the orders of his Teacher, to live with him and undergo education which will enable him to earn a livelihood and equip him in all aspects. This part is known as Brahmcharyashram [“ब्रह्मचर्याश्रम”].

The second is Gruhasthashram[” गृहस्थाश्रम”] - in this a person is supposed to get married and take care of his parents, children ,wife/ husband, relatives and guests and perform all duties expected from a married person. After fulfilling his all marital duties, when his own son enters into Gruhasthashram[गृहस्थाश्रम], a person stays in his house detached from all physical pleasures this is known as Vaanprasthashram[“वानप्रस्थाश्रम”]. In the fourth a person goes into a forest to live away from home in peace and spend his remaining life there worshipping God. This is known as Sanyasashram[“सन्न्यासाश्रम”].

In Atharvaveda first two Ashrams are discussed in detail. The thread ceremony before stepping into Brahmacharyashram[“ब्रह्मचर्याश्रम”], going to live with a teacher, education, rules for Brahmachari[‘ब्रह्मचारी’], his duties and importance of Brahmacharyashram[‘ब्रह्मचर्य’] - all these are discussed in detail [11.5].

Gruhasthashram[”गृहस्थाश्रम”] is also described in detail. Husband, wife and their duties towards their family are explained in detail. The husband is said to provide all the pleasures along with a respectable place in society, which will make his wife to be honest with him. The wife is mentioned with great respect and even said to be the queen of the house. In her duties it is mentioned that she should be honest, kind, good natured, of good character, and trust worthy of her husband and in-laws [14.1]

The other two Ashrams are not much discussed in Atharvaveda.

v  Family and society are given much length of thought in Atharvaveda. Our family is a small form of society indeed. So duties towards society are the same as duties towards a family. Atharvaveda strongly believes that every living being can be happy in pious and faithful surroundings. If everybody is truthful and kind, the society will be nourished with happiness. Unity is important for society which is based on understanding and generosity. The emotion of equality is a very strong base for society, even Mother Earth takes care of everybody living on her as part of her own family although people are from different countries, languages and religions [12.1.45].

Women were equally respected and held an important place in society. It is mentioned in many places in Atharvaveda that women had the right to attend many social ceremonies, sacrifices and even wars

 [Sahotram smapura naari samanm vav gachchhati

[सहोत्रम् स्म पुरा नारी समनम् वाव गच्छति।] 20.126.10]

Detailed descriptions of their daily duties, rights and responsibilities can be found. The proper age of a girl for marriage, as well as for a boy is specified. Rules for marriage are also stated [18.1.3], [5.17.8]. At one place second marriage for a widow is suggested. In the absence of any source to earn livelihood or if she wants to have a child then a widow can marry again [18.3.1]

v  Many types of food are discussed in Atharvaveda. Grains like rice, barley, sesame and Urad, food items like cakes Apoop[अपूप] many snacks and desserts made up of milk , honey and curd are mentioned [6.140.2,20.134-135,18.4.16 to24]

v  Clothes – Clothes are mentioned at many places. Three types of fabrics are mentioned. Cotton {Vasas[वासस्] 14.1.21}, silk {Tarshya[तार्ष्य] 18.4.31} and woolen {Urnamradas[उर्णम्रदस्] 14.3.49}. Bedcovers, bed sheets, blankets and mats are described. E.g Dress for widow used to be red in colour [1.17.1]. Dupatta used to be known as Adhivastra[अधिवस्त्र], when it used to be woven with golden thread it was called as Hiranyadrapi[हिरण्यद्रापि] [5.7.10]

v  Jewelry- Two types of jewelry were popular. With Precious stones and without precious stones. Gold was the most precious metal, many golden ornaments are described. Nishka[निष्क]necklace [5.17.14], Rukma[रुक्म]long necklace, chain worn by women as well as by men [6.22.2], Pravart[प्रवर्त] ear rings [15.2.5]. Importance and benefits of wearing golden as well as silver jewelry are also stated [19.26.1, 2, and 3].

Other than these kajal in eyes, fragrant powders, perfumes, oil were also part of the accessories.

v  Different types of homes are also described [9.3]. It is said that a Store room Havirdhanam[हविर्धानम्], a  kitchen Agnishala[अग्निशाला],  a bedroom Patnisadan[पत्नीसदन],  a drawing room Sadah[सदः] and a Room for Gods Devsadanam[देवसदनम्] should be in a house[9.3]. Royal palaces used to be embedded with gold. At one place the description of a royal palace is given, the air circulation system is mentioned which can compared with today’s Air Conditioned homes [6.106.3]

An ideal home is also described which should be with strong roof, kept clean and tidy, with cows and horses, with plenty of milk and ghee. Treasures could be safe in this house. Clean and fresh water should be available in this house which will keep all the diseases away from home. Guests must be welcomed and treated properly. Everybody living in the house should be happy and truthful. Sacrifice should be performed in the house regularly [3.12].

v  A City was known as pur [पुर] which is said to be built by Gods [12.1.43]. The city where people used to live was known as Jeevpur[जीवपुर]. The word [ग्राम] village is used at many places in Atharvaveda. In villages they had small assemblies to regulate the activities in village. The leader was known as Gramani[ग्रामणी]. These leaders had their right to vote for the selection of the King [19.31.12].

v   Bullock cart Anas[अनस्]and chariot were the main modes of transport.

v  Aksh[अक्ष],Mrugaya[मृगया]hunting, Dhanurvidya[धनुर्विद्या], Mallavidya [मल्लयुद्ध] and Mushtiyudha [मुष्टियुद्ध] boxing were entertaining games popular with the masses.

v  Dance, drama, singing, instrumental music were all parts of music. Dundubhi[दुन्दुभि], Veena[वीणा], Shankh[शङख],  Conch Toonav[तूणव][ shahnai] , Tabla[तबला][Tabla]  -these are the instruments described.

Economic Conditions

v   Agriculture was a major profession. Atharvaveda says that Virat [विराट्] reached humans, people named it as prosperity of food Iravati[इरावती]. People extracted  agriculture and food from the land[8.10.24]

Types of land, types of soil and agriculture, descriptions of how to farm, and equipment of farming, sources of irrigation, and troubles in farming are described [10.6.33, 5.29.7, 3.17,19.311.3, 7.18.2].

Importance of food, different crops, many medicinal herbs, trees flowers, fruits, cattle, wild and domestic animals, different types of birds are mentioned. 

Other than farming many other professions are mentioned, like Twashta [त्वष्टा] carpenter[12.3.33], Karmar[कर्मार] blacksmith [3.5.6], Hiranyakar[हिरण्यकार] goldsmith, Vapta[वप्ता] barber [8.2.7], Malag[मलग] washer man [12.3.21], Vasovayवासोवाय] cloth maker, Soochikarm [सूचिकर्म] tailor [7.48.1], Naukasanchalak[नौकासञ्चालक] sailor [8.5.9], Bhishaj [भिषज्] doctor [2.9.3]. Some metals like Pearls [19.31.8], gold & silver [19.26.2], iron and copper [5.28.1], tin [11.3.8], and lead [11.2.20] are also mentioned. Currency was Nishka[निष्क] 

[Shat Nishkan [शत निष्कान्] 20.127.3] This word is also used to describe a golden necklace. But in Shatpath Brahmin [शतपथ ब्राह्मण] this word is said to be the name of currency. Word Rukma[रुक्म] is also used for currency; descriptions like Panch Rukma[पञ्च रुक्मा][9.5.25-26] proves this.

Different Streams of Knowledge

v  Nirvachan [निर्वचन] etymology- In Atharvaveda some mantras are provided with their interpretation. Experts think that these are the roots of Nirukta [निरूक्त]. For example-

Nadi[नदी]-Nad[नद्], Anadat[अनदत्], tasmatnadyohnam[तस्मात् नद्योः नाम] [3.13.1]

Aapnot[आप्नोत्], tasmataapahnam[तस्मात् आपः] [3.13.2], maghairmaghonah[मघैर्मघोनः][18.1.38] etc.

v  Linguistics- Many important thoughts about linguistics can be found in Atharvaveda. Origin of speech is said to be soul of Brahma [ब्रह्मा][9.10.14]. Four types of speech are explained. Para[परा], Pashyanti[पश्यन्ती], Madhyama[मध्यमा] and Vaikhari[वैखरी]. First three among these are invisible, means these three are the stages of the brain process before speaking any word so they are said to be confined to the mind. Fourth Vaikhari[वैखरी] is visible, through speech [9.10.27]. The science of linguistics is very serious and experts work very hard to develop this science. Language is said to be the Kamdhenu[कामधेनु] cow [9.2.5] and seven cases Vibhakti[विभक्ती] are likened to the seven oceans [20.92.9]. Prefixes which change the meaning of verbs/roots are mentioned in seven mantras [18.2.38 to 44].

v  Mathematics- one to hundred number, and tables from 1 to 11 are given[5.15;16] In two Sukta Shat [शत] 100, Sahasra[सहस्र] 1000, Ayut[अयुत] 10,000, Nyarbud[न्यर्बुद] 10, 00, 00,000and Asankhey[असङख्येय] infinite are mentioned [8.8.7, 10.8.24].

v  Science- Vigjan[विज्ञान] is Sanskrit word for science. Seven Suns are mentioned, who always stay together and give light to everything [20.123.2]. Moon gets light from Sun [20.41.3]. Thirty places of sun are mentioned which make a month [20.48.6]. The earth rotates around sun [6.31.1]. Sun, moon and rain are the parents of plants [1.3.1, 4, 5] Rain gives life, moon gives nourishment and energy is given by sun. This can be inferred from the saying ‘may these Herbs make our life happy’ [8.2.15]. Chlorophyll which gives green colour to plants is also mentioned at one place named as Avi [अवि] and it is said that this keeps plants green.

Avirvai Naam Devata Rutenaste Parivruata।

 Tasya Rupeneme VrukshaHarita Haritasraja।।

[अविर्वै नाम देवता ऋतेनास्ते परिवृता।

तस्या रूपेणेमे वृक्षा हरिता हरितस्रजः।। [10.8.31].]

v  Astrology- We can find the reference in Atharvaveda that earth rotates around sun. The part which is in front of the sun has day and the other has night [13.2.43]. Every day has 30 intervals (hours) consisting of 48 minutes. And 30 days make a month; twelve months are the spokes of the wheel of the year [4.35.4]. The reference to a 13^th month can also be found called as Malamaas /Adhias[मलमास/ अधिमास]. This is even followed today by Hindus.

Six seasons have been described. Sharad[शरद], Shishir[शिशिर], Hemant[हेमन्त], Vasant[वसन्त], Grishma[ग्रीष्म] and Varsha[वर्षा] are the six seasons.[3.11.4, 8.2.22, 6.55.2, 12.1.36] One Sukta explains that every season is for two months[15.4.2 to 18]. In one mantra prayers are offered to the moon to protect the months, so it can be derived that the calendar was calculated according to moon [19.27.2]. As mentioned above the thirteenth month is described, the theory says that where the calendar year is according to moon; there are thirteen months in every fourth year; for convenience of calculation. This thirteenth month is called as the home of sun at one place [5.6.4]. 27 Nakshatra[नक्षत्र] constellations are also mentioned [19.8.2].

v  Ayurveda- The origin of Ayurveda is said to be lying in Atharvaveda. Healthy, long life is praised at many places in Atharvaveda. Prayers are offered for a person to live till hundred years of his age with all his senses strong and fit. Even the diet for a healthy life is suggested [19.69.1 to 9]. It is said that one who practices all these regularly can live long and healthy. The doctor’s duty is to cure disease and to make a person / animal healthy [5.29.1,2]. The references of many medicinal herbs prove that thousands of medicines were known at that time [2.9.3]. The concept of an ideal doctor was, the one who always improvises his skills, discusses with other doctors, who can cure diseases and who spends his life sincerely. There were hospitals at that time [8.7.11] and people used to be treated in them and cured [8.2.25]. Medicines are also described in detail. They are categorized by their colour [8.7.1], structure [8.7.4], according to their size and qualities [8.7.12, 13, 16, 17]. Medicines can be found on mountains, plains, in rivers, ponds and in oceans [2.3.1&4, 8.7.17&9]. Qualities of medicines are also mentioned, barley Yav[यव] is said to have Pranshakti[प्राणशक्ती]and Rice grain is said to have Apanshakti[अपानशक्ती][11.4.13] in Sukta 20. 83 basic three elements in our body Vaatवात Gas, Pitta [पित्त] Acidity and Kafa[कफ] cough are mentioned. Nerves are said to be the support of the body and their four types are mentioned [18.4.33]. Many diseases are discussed in detail. Fever & its types [5.22.1,2,5,7,10,11] two types of bacteria are mentioned. One which causes disease and the other one which is beneficial. [8.6.4 & 15]. Viral diseases and their treatments are also mentioned [2.3.1]. Water therapy, medicinal therapy and Soma treatment- these three types of therapies are also described [4.4.5]. Treatment is said to be of four types

1.   Human- in which the doctor treats the patient and this includes tablets, ointments etc.

2.   Divine- Includes water therapy, mud therapy, sunlight therapy, wind therapy (breathing) and sacrificial therapy.

3.   Angirasi[आङगिरसि]- mind power

4.   Aatharvani[आथर्वणी]-related to Yoga.

Surgery is also mentioned [4.12.2]. Anti-poison treatments are also mentioned. 18 types of snakes find mention as also their treatment [5.13.1 to 9]. Other than these heart diseases and remedies are also discussed in 3.7.2 and 1.22.1. Eye, ear diseases, gynecological problems, contagious diseases, indigestion, skin diseases, hereditary diseases are discussed. Psychological disorders are also discussed [6.43 1&2].

Religious Background

Agni [अग्नि], Indra[इन्द्र], Varun[वरुण], Mitra[मित्र], Bhag[भग], Pooshan[पूषन्], Ashwini[अश्विनी], Brahmanspati[ब्रह्मणस्पति], Som[सोम]and Rudra[रूद्र], Soorya[सूर्य], Vishnu [विष्णू], Saraswati[सरस्वती], Vaayu[वायु], Sawita[सविता] -these are the deities mentioned in the Atharvaveda and worshipped. They may protect us from all types of sins.[3.16.1 and 3.20. 2 to 7]

Raajsooy[राजसूय], Vajpeya[वाजपेय], Agnishtom[अग्निष्टोम], Ashvamedh[अश्वमेध], Atiratra[अतिरात्र], Satrasadya[सत्रसद्य], Dwadashah[द्वादशाह], Prajaptya[प्राजापत्य] - these are sacrifices that were performed [9.6.28 and 40 to 44]. There are three types of fire useful for performing sacrifice Aahavaniya[आहवनीय], Garhapatya[गार्हपत्य]and Dakshinagni[दक्षिणाग्नि] which are also mentioned [15.6.14]. Importance of sacrifice, different types of sacrifice [11.7.10 to 20], and process of sacrifice [9.1.11 to 13] are described in detail in many places. The 16 holy rituals in Hindu religion are mentioned in Atharvaveda.

In political matters types of kingdom, existence of Democracy [20.21.9] the election of a king [5.19.15], his qualities [1.9.1 &2], his duties[7.109.6, 7.103.1 etc.] and rights, the nature of assembly, its importance, duties, department of justice and its importance, Tax laws [3.29.7], types of army [1.27.1], weapons [11.10] - all these details can be found in Atharvaveda.

Thus it can be said that a Study of Atharvaveda is relevant even today. It not only guides us towards our duties for family, society and country but also gives the message of world peace and brotherhood and humanity.