Charms of the Atharvaveda Samhita (study)

by Devi Mridusmita | 2017 | 42,219 words

Summary: This English essay studies the Charms of the Atharvaveda Samhita, in particular the "The Abhicarika and Krityapratiharana. The Atharva-Veda represents a unique Vedic text due to its focus on magic charms, including both benevolent and malevolent rites. This essay investigates the intertwined nature of magic and religion within Vedic society and utilizes key texts such as Sayana’s commentary and the Kaushika Sutra to provide in-depth insights into these practices. The research further explores these Abhicarika and Krtya-pratiharana charms, which relate to witchcraft and counter-witchcraft, respectively, revealing the extent of magical beliefs and practices that were prevalent during the Vedic era in ancient India.

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Charms of the Atharvaveda Samhita (study) in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Preface

Acknowledgement

+ Chapter 1 - An Introduction to the Atharvaveda Saṃhitā

. Part 1 - Names of the Atharvaveda

. Part 2 - Recensions of the Atharvaveda

. Part 3 - Contents of the Atharvaveda

. Part 4 - Date of the Atharvaveda

. Part 5 - Literature of the Atharvaveda

+ Chapter 2 - The Kauśika and Vaitāna Sūtras of the Atharvaveda

. Part 1 - Introduction and summary of the Kauśika Sūtra

. Part 2 - Introduction and summary of the Vaitāna Sūtra

. Part 3 - Some observation on the Kauśika and the Vaitāna Sūtra