Hymns of the Atharva-Veda Together with Extracts from the Ritual Books and the Commentaries

Introduction I — The Names of the Atharva-Veda and Their Meanings: Discusses the various names of the fourth Veda, especially Atharvāṅgirasaḥ, Atharvan, Aṅgiras, Bhṛgvāṅgirasaḥ, and Brahma-Veda, explaining their ritual, literary, and doctrinal implications. Introduction II — The Position of the Atharva-Veda in Hindu Literature in General: Examines the status of the Atharva-Veda in Vedic, Upaniṣadic, Sūtra, Dharma, epic, Purāṇic, Jain, and Buddhist literature, including debates over its authority and canonical recognition. Introduction III — The Atharva-Veda in the View of Its Ritualistic Literature: Explains how Atharvan ritual texts present the fourth Veda, especially its relation to the Brahman priest, the royal purohita, ritual protection, healing, prosperity, and sorcery. Prefatory Remarks: Clarifies the scope of the translation, the selection of hymns, the exclusion of some later or less characteristic materials, and the use of ritual and commentary sources. I. Charms to Cure Diseases and Possession by Demons of Disease: Includes healing charms against fever, jaundice, cough, dropsy, hereditary disease, leprosy, wounds, worms, poison, eye disease, hair loss, demons of disease, and general illness. II. Prayers for Long Life and Health: Presents prayers and amulets for longevity, protection from death, health, prosperity, and bodily preservation. III. Imprecations against Demons, Sorcerers, and Enemies: Contains protective and aggressive charms against sorcery, hostile demons, curses, plots, enemies, and destructive ritual forces. IV. Charms Pertaining to Women: Includes rites for obtaining a husband or wife, conception, childbirth, love, jealousy, rivalry, miscarriage, sterility, and domestic relationships. V. Charms Pertaining to Royalty: Presents hymns for royal consecration, restoration of an exiled king, election of a king, royal power, victory, battle protection, and war symbolism. VI. Charms to Secure Harmony, Influence in the Assembly, and the Like: Includes charms for concord, removal of discord, appeasement of anger, influence in debate, and social submission. VII. Charms to Secure Prosperity in House, Field, Cattle, Business, Gambling, and Kindred Matters: Covers domestic prosperity, agriculture, cattle, horses, merchants, gambling, protection from fire, serpents, wild beasts, thieves, and calamity. VIII. Charms in Expiation of Sin and Defilement: Presents formulas for mental fault, ritual imperfection, sin, ominous birds, evil dreams, unlucky signs, and removal of inauspicious traits. IX. Prayers and Imprecations in the Interest of the Brahmans: Includes hymns defending Brahmans, condemning their oppressors, receiving gifts, and emphasizing the ritual necessity of Brahmanical authority. X. Cosmogonic and Theosophic Hymns: Presents speculative hymns on Earth, Rohita, the sun, breath, Kāma, Kāla, sacrificial remnants, and cosmic principles.