The Hymns of the Atharva Veda

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Hymns of the Atharva Veda

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

This volume presents Ralph T. H. Griffith's 1895 English translation of the Atharva Veda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns blending ritual, folklore, and philosophy. The text reveals early spiritual and magical practices, offering charms for healing, protection, and prosperity alongside profound meditations on cosmic order and existence.

Summary up to 500 words

Ralph T. H. Griffith's *The Hymns of the Atharva Veda* presents a profound bridge between the mystical and the practical in ancient Indian tradition. Unlike other Vedic texts focused primarily on cosmic order, the Atharva Veda addresses the immediate concerns of daily life, blending philosophy, magic, and ritual into a cohesive worldview. The collection is structured into eighteen books, ranging from invocations to Vachaspati for divine illumination to specific charms for physical ailments. Griffith's translation preserves key Sanskrit concepts, such as the Skambha, the cosmic pillar or fulcrum upon which all existence rests, illustrating the complex interplay between the visible and invisible worlds. The text opens with practical applications, offering charms against dysentery, constipation, and fever, often utilizing imagery of archery and natural forces to drive away malignity. Hymns dedicated to the waters seek prosperity for cattle and strength for humans, while others focus on the destruction of evil spirits, sorcerers, and rivalries through the power of Agni and Indra. A significant portion is dedicated to the Asvins, the twin healing gods, praising their restorative powers and their swift chariot journey. The volume also includes benedictions for kings, prayers for protection from arrows, and incantations for childbirth, showcasing the diverse range of human experience addressed in the Veda. Beyond physical healing, the text explores enigmatic verses and erotic hymns, reflecting a holistic view of existence. It features prayers for the prosperity of institutors of sacrifice and the glorification of amulets that grant strength and victory. The work stands as a substantial record of early Indian thought, where prayer and magic are inextricably linked. It offers a window into a worldview where the divine is accessible through specific rituals and spoken words, ensuring that the gods remain present in the mundane struggles of life, from the birth of a child to the inauguration of a ruler.

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4.2/5

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