World Renowned Ancient Hindu Vedas – A Brief Appraisal of the Scriptures for Common Man Across the Globe

Abstract

Manuscript write up and appraisal is based exclusively on the monumental 22 volumes compilation of four Vedas –ancient, globally acknowledged Hindu scriptures. As per the references quoted, the four Vedas Viz; Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda has in all 10,589, 1975, 1 875 and 5977 verses respectively cumulatively making 20,416 verses. This compilation does not include Upanishads which focus more on philosophy and spirituality. What is meant for scholars is not attempted for appraisal but only those points which can be easily understood by common men who constitute the vast majority of the society. Such subject matter does constitute a significant portion of the four Vedas. Manuscript emphasizes drastic pruning of repetitions of verses which convey the same meaning and thought to get a much shorter version of the compilation which can be easily read by more number of people and can also be easily translated into other languages. An important message of this manuscript is a significant portion Vedas proper deals with material world and material needs, desires and comforts of man --- food, shelter, health, wealth, wisdom, vigor, vitality, progeny, long life of hundred years, happiness, peace etc. For this God and many Deities and others are repeatedly invoked through rituals /sacrifices, prayers, praising the glories and attributes and chanting hymns. They are also prayed for spiritual development and attaining divine bliss and enlightenment. Though Vedas believe in one supreme, deification and polytheism is a characteristic feature of Vedic religion. Manuscript mentions specifically many deities invoked and their attributes and addresses, concept of twin divines, cardinal importance of fire and strong conviction and desire of people for punitive justice. Atharva Veda is unique and of modern relevance too as it prescribes many medicinal plants and other treatments for curing many ailments. Many parameters of day to day life and environment are mentioned in the Vedas.