Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda (Sanskrit, m., अथर्ववेद, Atharvaveda, alternatively Atharwaweda ) is one of the sacred text of Hinduism collections. It contains a mixture of magical hymns, incantations, and other materials, which is obviously very different ages. Although much linguistic significantly younger than the other three Vedas (at least of the Rigveda ), found in him also very old passages. It is estimated that the Atharvaveda was canonized in the second half of the last millennium BC, and was then put on a par only with the other three Vedas. It is available in two reviews or schools of the better known Shaunaka version, and only recently explored Paippalada better version. The Atharvaveda contains 20 books in 731 hymns with about 6000 verses. About one -seventh of the Atharvaveda is taken from the Rigveda. The Atharveda has emerged as the sedentarization was already completed in the Gangetic Plain. The word for tiger is here, in the earlier Rigveda, however, not yet.

Each of the four Vedas, which are Rigveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda and Yajurveda includes four text layers. The oldest layer are respectively the Samhitas ( hymns ), the next layer are the Brahmanas ( ritual texts ), the Aranyakas (forest texts), and finally the Upanishads come ( philosophical doctrines ).

The other three Vedas were assigned to certain priests in the Vedic sacrificial ritual: the Hotri ( " caller " ) had to have memorized the Rigveda, the Udgatri ( " singer " ) had to master the Samaveda, and the Adhvaryu ( sacrificial priests ) had the mantras of the Yajurveda know. When the Atharvaveda was included in the canon, it was simple hand Brahman assigned, although the priest had to actually have memorized the three Vedas other, so that he could observe the ritual from the background and intervene in case of errors. That is why it is also referred to as " doctor of the victim ." The assignment of the Atharva Veda, Brahman is thus rather arbitrary.

Compared to the other three Vedas, the Atharvaveda always had the reputation of having mainly to do with magic. Atharvan originally means fire priests. Another type of priests were the Angiras. Magical formulas that help to heal the sick, were a matter for the Atharvans. Black magic to harm enemies or rivals, was the cause of Angiras. The sanctity of the Atharvaveda was always something in doubt because of this magical content. The Atharvaveda is of great importance in terms of medical ideas of the time. The songs and spells for healing diseases are among the magical healing rites ( bhaishajyani ). Exorcism and " woman rites " ( love magic ) are also described. So the Atharvaveda opens a window to a completely different world than that of the Rigveda.

• Hinduism
• Literature ( Vedic )