The content discusses the Atharva Veda, one of the Vedic texts on which Hindu life and culture are based. Like other Vedas, it is divided into Saṁhitā, Brāhmaṇa, and Upanishads sections, which contain verses praising gods, ritual practices, and spiritual and philosophical expositions, respectively. Unlike the other Vedas, the Atharva Veda has no known Āraṇyaka section. The mantras contained in the Atharva Veda provide guidance on topics such as governing a country, running a business, and treating illnesses.
The course on the Vedas (Atharva) offers an overview of the text and its contents. It explores the differences among the Saṁhitā, Brāhmaṇa, and Upanishads sections using examples. The course aims to help students:
Understand the arrangement of mantras in the Atharva Veda and its contents
Learn about the Vedic worldview and way of life
Recognize the variation and divergence between Vedic and classical Sanskrit language
Compare and contrast the nature, features, shape, content, structure, and use of the four Vedas in Vedic practices.
By taking this course, students can gain a deeper understanding of the Atharva Veda and its significance in Hindu culture and philosophy.