Atharva-Veda Samhitā: Translated with a Critical and Exegetical Commentary VOL. 1 - Hardcover

About The Book: The book explores ancient hymns from sacred texts, delving into verses that invoke divine protection and blessings. It examines the rituals and prayers of worship, addressing various deities such as Soma and Maruts, seeking defense against malevolent forces. The verses earnestly request Mitra and Varuna to thwart harm, highlighting their divine authority over adversaries. Varuna is specifically invoked for safeguarding against deadly weapons, stressing the need for protection and distance from danger. Furthermore, the hymns extol Indra, Pushan, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, invoking their assistance and guidance for the well-being of humanity. Through eloquent poetry, the text portrays a deep reverence and dependence on divine intervention in ancient religious practices. About The Translator: William Dwight Whitney (1827–1894) was a prominent American linguist and lexicographer renowned for his expertise in Sanskrit grammar and Vedic philology. He advocated language as a social construct and was the inaugural president of the American Philological Association. Whitney's contributions include editing the Atharva Veda and serving as editor-in-chief of The Century Dictionary. He authored numerous works on language, grammar, and philology, leaving a lasting impact on linguistic scholarship internationally. About The Editor: Charles Rockwell Lanman (1850–1941) was an esteemed American Sanskrit scholar. He developed a passion for Sanskrit at a young age and pursued advanced studies at Yale and in Germany. Lanman's contributions include building Harvard's notable Sanskrit collection and editing the Harvard Oriental Series.