The Atharva-Veda Described: With a Classified Selection of Hymns, Explanatory Notes and Review (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Ralph T. H. Griffith

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9781330271612: The Atharva-Veda Described: With a Classified Selection of Hymns, Explanatory Notes and Review (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

This book delves into the world of the Atharva-Veda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns and rituals that stands alongside the better-known Rig-Veda. While the Rig-Veda focuses on praise and celebration, the Atharva-Veda offers a glimpse into a darker, more practical side of ancient Indian belief. Here, we encounter a world where witchcraft, sorcery, and the fear of demons are intertwined with religious practice. The author carefully examines the origins, structure, and contents of the Atharva-Veda, exploring the unique blend of religious beliefs, magic, and daily life it reveals. We are introduced to a rich tapestry of incantations, charms, and remedies for ailments from fever to snakebites, all designed to protect against misfortune and malevolent forces. The book also explores the Atharva-Veda's complex relationship with the other Vedic texts, revealing how it was both incorporated into the Brahmanical tradition and simultaneously viewed with suspicion. This book provides a fascinating window into the often overlooked but deeply intriguing world of ancient Indian belief, highlighting the enduring power of rituals, charms, and the human desire for protection and well-being in the face of the unknown.

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