Atharvan
mythological figure · 3 works · 10 mentions · 11 anchored passages
Atharva · Jātavedas (as identified with Atharvan) · the Atharvan
in the texts
Atharvaveda (Paippalāda)
Sage/priestly speaker in dialogue with Varuṇa, claiming poetic wisdom and identifying himself by birth as Jātavedas; later described as begotten by Varuṇa.
For thou, O Varuṇa, possessor of thine own power, didst beget Atharvan, the progenitor, the all-divine.
Thou art our seven-paced companion in yoke, our equal kinsman is Varuṇa, equal in birth.
Come to me with all my hymn of praise among the folk, among the gods and among men, O sage.
Rigveda
An ancient priestly ancestor credited with founding sacrificial practice.
The thought which Atharvan, father Manu, and Dadhyañc fashioned of old — in him, O Indra, the brahman-prayers and the recitations came together as before — singing in accord with your own sovereignty.
Atharvan first spread the paths through sacrifices;
Twice-five sisters dwelling together gave birth to Agni among the human tribes — him who wakens at dawn, sharp-toothed like Atharvan's tooth, bright, well-breathing, keen like an axe.
Sāmaveda
A primordial priest credited with first producing Agni by fire-friction; ancestor of a priestly lineage.
O Agni, Atharvan rubbed you forth from the lotus blossom, from the head of every worshipping priest.
Evening has come — sing the great song, the bright song, O descendant of Atharvan — praise the god Savitṛ.