2024, Vol. 10, Issue 1, Part D

In Sanskrit, the synonymous word of dream is “swapna”. The Hindu scriptures are the most ancient source of supernatural powers of human mind. Sometimes Dream changes our life in an unexpected way. In such situations we cannot ignore the result of dream and we have to believe in dream without any reason. The subject of dream has been discussed in detail in Atharvaveda, Brahma sūtra, Katha Upaniṣad (2/1/4), Chāndogya Upaniṣad, Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad (4/3/9), Praśna upaniṣad (4/5) and other Upaniṣads. Moreover, a number of stanzas both in the Ṛgveda and in the Atharvaveda speak about an evil dream as a misfortune comparable with sin, disease, witchcraft and also speak about expiation of evil dream by performing ritual. Ṛgvedic hymns I.89.8-9, 99.1, 114.1; 120.12; II.28.10; V.82.4-5; VIII.47.14-18; X.36.4, 37.4, 127.1 and Atharvavedic hymns IV. 17.5; VI.45.1, 46.1; VI.100, 1; 108.1-2; IX.2.2-3; X.3.6; XVI.5.1 are mainly connected with dream along with the remedies against nightmare. Atharvavedic hymns are listed in the Kauśika Sūtra (46.9-13) under Duspnāśanagaṇa or in the gaṇamālā of Atharvaveda pariśista.