2019, Vol. 5, Issue 5, Part B

author(s)
Dr. Mridusmita Devi

abstract
Belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true specially one without proof. It is a primary component of Indian culture. Belief in rebirth, existence of soul, rusults of work, belief in God etc. are the characteristics of Indian philosophy. Our society is associated with various types of beliefs which are not of any scientific value. Belief is an important component of primitive culture. Some primitive beliefs have been existing in our society till date. These are available in our scriptures. Atharvaveda, the fourth Veda is considered as the Veda of common people. This Veda was closely connected with custom, culture and society of that time. Therefore, this Veda reflects very clearly the primitive society. Some Atharvanic hymns under Prāyaśichittani are based on common beliefs of our society. At that time, some activities and symptoms or signs are considered to be the cause of sin and misfortune, like child born under an unlucky star, irregular appearance of the first pair of teeth of a newborn child, birth of twins or sterile cow, evil dream etc. These beliefs also exist in our society in the present time. This paper is an attempt to highlight all these points.