Vedic concept of dream and remedies for nightmare with special reference to the Ṛgveda and the Atharvaveda
Dr. Mridusmita Devi
Sleep is a biological requirement and vital component of our daily routine. Whether one remembers or not, dreams do appear in specific phases of sleep of every person. According to some scientist, dreams are essential for maintaining mental health.
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), ChāndogyaUpaniṣad, 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.
Dr. Mridusmita Devi. Vedic concept of dream and remedies for nightmare with special reference to the Ṛgveda and the Atharvaveda. Int J Sanskrit Res 2024;10(1):214-216. DOI: 10.22271/23947519.2024.v10.i1d.2317