Essentials of Hinduism - Atharvana Veda Samhita 4

Essentials of Hinduism

Atharvana Veda Samhita

Savita:

“O descendent of the Sage Atharva! You are the manifestation of Surya. Sing the praise of Savita at night. Chant many Hymns to Him and bear his Energy in your Heart. The World is like an Ocean and in this Ocean, it is Savita who inspires with the light of Truth. He is one who grants Happiness. Chant praise of Savita who is the originator of non-violent Speech. Savita is a God who inspires. May we elevate our two Paths (the rising and the setting Sun) and attain Happiness.”

Indra:

“O Priests who observe sacrifices according to the Seasons. Extract the soma juice well and purify it so that it may be offered to Indra. Let Indra listen to my Hymns and my Prayers. Let the Food grains offered reach Indra.”

Prayer for Protection:

In these Hymns, Prayers were offered to several Gods – Indra, Pusha, Parjanya (Lord of the Clouds), Aditi, Maruts, Agni, Brahmanaspati, Varuna, Mitra, Ashvinis seeking Protection and increase of Wisdom, removing the misery.

Prayer for a Sacrifice:

“O Agni! I have offered Clarified Butter to You as an Oblation. May your devotee attain great heights. Impart your energy to him and make the subjects Prosper. May our Sacrifice be a wonderful success. May Soma and Brahmanaspati Bless us. O Indra! May the one who is observing the Sacrifice be elevated. Grant him Riches and Prosperity. May he live for many years and may Happiness not desert him in old age.”

Prayer for Peace:

“O Soma! The Earth, the Sun and other Gods tread along Paths that are not marked by hatred. May we also tread along the path of non-violence and Peace. Give us Happiness through your Powers.”

The Revati Herb:

This is about a Herb named Revati which can no longer be identified. The Revati had great efficacy (effectiveness) in making hair grow and in treating ailments of the skin. This is the best region of all the three Worlds. It is from here that these herbs were collected and used for treatments of the skin. It is as superior as the Gods Soma and Varuna are superior among the Gods who move. “O Revati Herb! Make us well. Grant us an abundance of hair. Make our hair luxuriant.”

Wearing bangles:

“O Bangles! You are the ones who ensure that the norms are followed. You ensure controls are exercised on the two hands. You are the remover of impediments. You ensure progeny (offspring or Children). You ensure riches. Please ensure that the wearer has Children. Inspire the children to be born properly from the Womb. Aditi, the Mother of the Gods, she wore bangles so that her wish might be granted. May all women who desire children wear bangles.

There are other Suktas for ensuring protection addressed to specific Herbs and Water. One Sukta speculates on the cause of rain. Yet another strives for marital Harmony. There are Prayers for Spiritual Upliftment and the avoidance of sin. One can be protected from curses from some Suktas. Other suktas talk of curing illness through the Solar Treatment. There are Prayers addressed to Cows and the Foodgrains.”

This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.