The Hymns of the Atharva Veda

The Hymns of the Atharva Veda is a book by Ralph T. H. Griffith, first published in 1895. It presents an English translation of the Atharva Veda, the fourth of the four canonical Vedas of ancient India.

Unlike the Rig, Sama, and Yajur Vedas, which focus largely on liturgy, sacrifice, and hymns to the gods, the Atharva Veda is notable for its practical and esoteric character. It contains spells, incantations, and hymns used in daily life, addressing concerns such as healing, protection, curses, and philosophical reflection.

Griffith, a noted Sanskrit scholar, aimed to make Vedic literature accessible to English-speaking readers, and this translation formed part of his broader effort to render all four Vedas into English. The volume captures both the mystical and the everyday aspects of Vedic life and offers valuable insight into early Indian folk practices, beliefs, and medical traditions alongside the more formal ritual systems of ancient Hinduism.