Welcome To Neelkanth Dham Temple

Chapter 1:

(1) VACHASPATIRNI YACHCHHUTA

-------------(1/3, Atharvaveda)

May the scholars (also) become disciplined!
People who lead disciplined lives accomplish all their tasks easily and achieve success in whatever endeavours they undertake. Quite naturally, common people get inspiration from them and try to emulate them.

(2) SAM SHRUTEN GAMEMAHIMAA SHRUTEN VI RAADHISHI |

-------------(1/4, Atharvaveda)

May we all become knowledgeable and never detest knowledge!
'Vidya' can only be attained from a Guru. One, who teaches and imparts knowledge properly to his disciple is an ideal guru. He, who acquires knowledge and then utilizes it in his day to day life is worthy of being called a knowledgeable one. Knowledge not only helps us gain material success but it also enhances our spiritual growth. Therefore, we should always try to acquire as much knowledge as possible but at the same time we should be careful not to let pseudo-knowledge influence us. Knowledge liberates us from all kinds of bondages and miseries.

(3) APSWANTAR MRITAMAPSU BHESHAJAM |

-------------(4/4 Atharvaveda)

Water is the elixir of life, water contain medicines!
Water is an abject necessity for any kind of life to exist. A man can sustain himself without food for few days but he can not live without water for a day. In this particular 'richa' Water has most appropriately  been compared to 'ambrosia' because it purifies the body from all kinds of toxins and gives new life. Water also possesses medicinal properties. It frees the body from different 'doshas' (ailments) and is hence known as Bheshagya- which purifies the body from all kinds of impurities.

(4) SHAM MEIM CHATURBHYAA ANGEBHYAH SHAMASTU TANVE MAM |

-------------(12/4 Atharvaveda)

May my four organs be free from ailments! May my entire body be healthy and strong!
The body should be sound and healthy because only then we can have a healthy mind. An unhealthy body can never enjoy happiness. Therefore one should strive to maintain good health by taking balanced diet and exercising regularly.

(5) ADAARASRID BHAVATU |

-------------(20/1, Atharvaveda)

May there be nobody to create a rift between us!
War results from the clash of thoughts and conflict of ideas. The human tendency to dominate each other inevitably leads to rifts and animosity. Success, peace and prosperity will always remain elusive as long as there is 'discord' but where there is 'unity' perfect harmony prevails there and nobody would dare to attack such a place.

(6) BRAHMANASPATE ABHI RASHTRAYA VARDHYA |

-------------(29/1, Atharvaveda)

O Scholar! Work for the welfare of the nation!
The nation can grow and prosper only if the population is healthy and strong both physically and morally. Enhancement of individual growth and success shall unequivocally lead to national prosperity. Therefore, people should perform only those deeds which facilitate the development and progress of the nation. It is the duty of every individual to dedicate himself for the and advancement of the country.

(7) YA AASHAA NAAMAA SHAAPAALAASH CHATVAARA STHAN DEVAAH |
TE NO NIRRITYAAH PAASHEBHYO MUCHATAAN HASO ANHASAH ||

-------------(31/3, Atharvaveda)

O Dikpaals! the Lords of four directions! Liberate us from the bondages of failures, degradations and all kinds of sin!
Just like the four main directions (North, South, East and West) the body possess four openings or doors- the East door is Mouth, the West door is Rectum, the North door is Head while the South door is Private part.
For the body to perform to the optimum level it is necessary that all the doors work perfectly.
The "nutritions" enter the body through the East entrance-mouth and the waste is released from the body through the west door- rectum. Both these functions of the body are essential for good health. The 'Jivatma' enters the body through the North door- Head and gets liberated from the bondages of life by becoming enlightened. Similarly, the southern door is the private part which is unfortunately the most abused organ in the modern times due to unrestrained sexual indulgence. The richa stresses on the importance of self control which implies that one who utilizes these doors in a restrained way becomes noble but one who misuses them ends up in misery.

(8) VAACHAA VADAAMI MADHUMAD BHUYAASAM MADHU SANDRISHAH |

-------------(34/3, Atharvaveda)

I speak 'sweetly' with the desire of becoming the very epitome of 'sweetness'!
This sukta of Atharvaveda speak of 'Madhu Vidya', which states that the world is sweet like honey but only when we look at it from the positive point of view. To the jaundiced eye the world will certainly appear yellow. Everything changes with the change in attitude. If we are good to people that goodness is reciprocated in the same manner but if we are bad to them then we will most obviously be paid in the same coin.
This richa implies that everybody should try to free himself from the negative qualities like hatred, jealousy and wickedness. Contemplating and meditating on the 'real-self' accelerates this process of self-development and makes liberation possible.
This richa also implies that every individual's behaviour should be such that he befriends one and all. The sweetness and pleasantness of personality should be evident in his actions and thoughts. This will help in establishing peace and happiness all round and lead to the feeling of universal brotherhood.

Chapter 2:

(9) KSHATRENAAGNE SWENA SAM RABHASVA MITRENAAGNE MITRADHAA YATASVA |
SAJAATAANAAM MADHYAMESHTHAA RAAJAAMAGNE VIHAVYO DEEDIHEEHA |

-------------(2/4,Atharvaveda)

O Agni! May I become more enthusiastic by the virtue of my own efforts! May I be friendly with friends! May I earn the respect of my community and be offered the seat of honour in the gathering of my community! May I be honored by scholars!
This richa inspires us to work incessantly for the enhancement of our capabilities. We should always be ready to work diligently. Cordial relationships with friends help us to improve our own capabilities. Our conduct should be such that we earn the respect not only in our own community but also be honoured scholars. The person who does so is blessed with success and prosperity.

 

 

(10) VISHWA HYAGNE DURITA TAR |

-------------(6/5, Atharvaveda)

O! Agni! Surmount all the evil tendencies! This particular richa clearly stresses upon the importance of virtuous living free from any kind of sinful tendencies. Therefore, we should abstain from violence, debauchery, evil deeds, sensual-attachment, hatred, anger and ego. We should constantly strive to become purer. Renouncing of such evil helps in the attainment of prosperity and success.

(11) SHAPTAARAMETU SHAPATHO YAH SUHAARTA TENA NAH SAHA |

-------------(7/5, Atharvaveda)

May the curses rebound to the originator!
May we befriend only those who are kind and polite.
The mind is a double edged sword. It has immense power and it is capable of accomplishing both useful and destructive feats. Curses are negative outbursts which backfire and hit the very person who commits the deplorable act.
One, whose mind is stable, pure and chaste is strong mentally as well as morally. Therefore, one should only befriend such people who are kind-hearted, polite and virtuous.

(12) YASHCHAKAAR SA NISHKARAT |

-------------(9/5,Atharvaveda)

He, who works incessantly, accomplishes any task that he undertakes!
One who works assiduously and wholeheartedly without bothering about the results shall definitely accomplish his tasks.
This also has an added advantage in the form of professional perfection, as constant practice proves to be of great help in fine tuning his capabilities.

(13) PAASHE SA BADDHO DURITE NI YUJYATAAM YO ASMAAKAM MANA IDAM HINASTI |

-------------(12/2, Atharvaveda).

One, who pollutes the mind, is fastened by the bondages of 'sin'! May he be kept in total control!
This richa says that people who pollute our mind with their impure and sinful thoughts must be kept in check. Bad thoughts pollute our mind and it is necessary that we discipline it by practicing self-control. The sinner should be punished severely so that he does not dare repeat his crime.

(14) AYAA YAMASYA SAADANAM AGNIDUTO ARANKRITAH |

-------------(12/7,Atharvaveda)

Be a messenger of Agni and become an accomplished soul! Go to 'Yama's' place!
This 'richa' praises the virtues of fearlessness. A truly fearless person embraces even death without any kind of hesitation. One fears death because of ignorance but when the 'flame of knowledge' is enkindled in the mind then the 'fear of death' ceases to exist. He, who controls his senses and 'sacrifices' himself to the 'fire of knowledge' does not have the slightest trepidation and fear. Those, who indulge excessively in material and sensual pleasures approach death with fear and inevitably fall prey to the wrath of death.
Therefore, it is evident that there is a differences in the death of the 'ignorant' and that of a 'knowledgeable' person.

(15)PARIDANVAASO ADHITHAA SWASTAYE ABHURGRISHTI NAAMABHI SHASTIPAA U |
SHATAM CHA JEEVA SHARADAHA PURUCHI KAYASCHA ROSHMUPASAMVYAYASVA ||

-------------(13/3, Atharvaveda)

Wear this attire for your own welfare! Thou are the protector of humans from destruction! May you live like this for one hundred years 'weaving' the clothes of 'Wealth' and 'Nourishment'!
This particular 'richa' stresses upon the importance of good health and wealth in a person’s life. It exhorts us to weave the 'cloth' of life with the help of good health and wealth. Wearing such attire shall bless us with a long life and save us from destruction. One, who wears the 'cloth' intricately woven with threads of 'comfort', 'good-health' and 'wealth' becomes free from all kind of illness, misery and even destruction. Such a man is always blessed with a long, healthy and prosperous life.

(16) YATHAABHUTAM CHA BHAVYAM CHA NA VIBHEETO NA RISHYATAH| EVAA MEIN PRAANA MAA VIBHEH |

-------------(15/6, Atharvaveda)

The 'Past' and the 'Future', being fearless, are indestructible! In the same way, O Life! Be free from fear.
A man is not scared of the 'Past' i.e. bygone days, no matter how bitter they might have been. Similarly, the 'Future'-which is uncertain and still to come- also does not scare a man. But, in comparison, the Present is capable of scarring a man to death. The past is 'truth' because events have already happened and they cannot be questioned. One, who takes lessons from his past and improves himself need not fear the future. Truth is eternal and prevails ultimately. So, in order to accomplish his duties fearlessly, a man must take the refuge of 'Truth'. This becomes all the more important considering the fact that Fearlessness leads to immortality.

(17) YATHAA JEEVAA ADITE RUPASTHE PRAANA APAANAABHYAAM GUPITAH SHATAM HIMAAH|

-------------(28/4,Atharvaveda)

......So that you are blessed with 'Prana' and 'Apana'(types of air movement in our body) and live for hundred years being protected by the 'motherland'.
There are different types of air movement within our body. The air that we inhale through our nostrils is called Prana and it's movement is restricted in the upper half of the body (until the navel) and the air moving in the lower half i.e. below the navel is known as Apana. When prana is enhanced with the help of Pranayam, it exerts a good effect even on the Apana and as a result all the function of 'apana' are performed perfectly. Therefore, one should try to enhance the strength of prana and apana through Yoga sadhana for a long and healthy life.

 

 

 

Chapter 3:

(18) TE ADHARANCHAH PRA PALVATAAM CHHINNA NAURIVA BANDHANAAT |
NA VAIBAADHA PRANUTTANAAMA PUNARASTI NIVARTANAM |

-------------(6/7, Atharvaveda)

May 'they' be swept aside from the path of immorality alike an anchorless boat! Notoriously troublesome people never return to the mainstream!
People, who inflict pain upon others, end up in misery and reach the nadir with dismal chances of regaining their past honour. Those who harass and ostracize others can never ever think of reaching a higher echelon of life. Therefore, we should always think of the welfare of others’ so that our own progress becomes possible.

(19) SAM VO MANAANSI SAM VRATAA SAMAAKUTIRNA SAAMASI |
AMI YE VIVRATAA STHAN TAANTAH SAM NABHAYAAMASI||

-------------(10/5,Atharvaveda)

May your mind be infused with 'one' thought (concentration of mind)! May every action of yours be embellished by 'one' thought! May your resolution be 'one'. You, who are acting to the contrary, your disposition shall have opposite orientation.
May your thoughts, resolution and actions unify and become one so that 'unity' becomes possible. Human being is a social animal and cannot exist in isolation. His growth and progress depends upon his ability to work in a well coordinated manner with fellow citizens. This is the reason why this 'richa' exhorts us to bring unison of thoughts, words and deeds because it is of prime importance for the welfare of society as well as of a nation.

(20) EMAAMAGNE SHARANIM MIMRISHO NO YAMDHWAANAMA GAMAH DURAM |
SHUNAM NO ASTU PRAPANO VIKRAYASHCHA PRATIPANAH FALINAM MAA
KRINOTU ||
IDAM HAVYAM SAMVIDAANI JUSHETHAAM SHUNAM NO ASTU CHARITAM UTTHITAM CHA ||

-------------(15/4,Atharvaveda)

O Agni! Forgive us for 'this' error. May our dealings be profitable in the entire 'area' under our control! May each dealing of mine be profitable! May thou partake of this 'Havi'(offerings).May we 'rise' and our conduct be fruitful.
Here, 'Agnidev' is prayed to forgive any improper means that might have been committed either advertently or inadvertently in order to earn profits while conducting transactions. We should abstain from miserliness, cruelty, gambling and misconduct while doing business.

(21) KSHINAAMI BRAHMANAAMITRA AYUNNAYAAMI SWAANAHAM |

-------------(19/3,Atharvaveda)

I subdue enemies with the help of my 'knowledge' and 'enlighten' near and dear ones!
'Knowledge' is the most powerful tool not only for one's own enlightenment but also for the whole community. At the same time, it acts as a very effective weapon while confronting 'enemies'.

(22) SHATA HASTA SAMAAHAAR SAHASTRAHASTA SAM KIR|
KRITASYA KAARYASYA CHAHE SFAATIM SAMAAVAH ||

-------------(24/5,Atharvaveda)

O man! May you earn with your 'One hundred hands' and donate with 'Thousand hands'. May you thus set new standard for your duties!
This 'richa' stresses the importance of hard-work and the virtues of donation. Society cannot progress unless each citizen make his contribution and performs his duties. Therefore, this richa exhorts us to become prosperous by working hard and then donating generously.

(23) SAHRIDAYAM SAAMMANASYAM AVIDVESHAM KRINOMI VAH |
ANYO ATYAMABHI HARYAT VATSAM JAATAMI VADHNYA ||

-------------(30/1,Atharvaveda)

I am 'kind', 'understanding' and 'amicable' to you. May you all love each other just as a cow loves her newborn calf.
Our heart should be full of compassion and free from negative qualities like hatred, hostility and jealousy. Love breeds love and is returned manifold. Peace, an abject necessity for prosperity, prevails everywhere. This 'richa' exhorts us to love our fellow beings just like the cow loves her newborn calf.

(24) VYAARTYA PAVAMAANO VI SHAKRAH PAAPA KRITYAYAA |

A person, whose heart is pure, remains untouched by 'pain' just as an assiduous person remains aloof from sinful deeds.
Abstinence from sinful deeds not only ensures freedom from 'pains' but it also blesses us with good health and a long life. Sin leads to certain downfall and hence we should abstain from sinful deeds. Now explaining what sin and virtue are, this 'richa' says that any thought, speech or deed causing harms to other is 'sin' while anything which is beneficial for others... gives joy to others is 'virtue'. One should not only abstain from 'sinful-deeds' but also from 'sinful- speech' and 'sinful-thought'. By so doing we pave our way to success and peace.

Chapter 4:

(25) YATSANYAMO NA VI YAMO YANNA SANYAMAH |

-------------(3/7,Atharvaveda)

That, which has been already restrained should not be further suppressed ( it's not of much use), but one should try to control that which remains to be restrained!
Control over all the senses is good but once they have been controlled one should not try to suppress them unnaturally because then they start raising their ugly heads with renewed vigour. This richa advocates self control but at the same time it warns us about the dangers of forced and 'artificial self control'. Rather, it advises us to keep strict vigil on the already controlled senses so that they do not get an opportunity to raise their ugly heads. Pure diet is of great help in this regard i.e. in controlling sensual desires and anger.

 

 

(26) OTSURYA MANYAANT SWAAPAA VYUSHAM JAAGRITAA DAHAM INDRA IVAARISHTO AKSHITAH |

-------------(5/7,Atharvaveda)

Let others sleep until sunrise but May I, like a 'brave','indestructible' and 'undecaying' being, remain awake!
This particular 'richa' explains how the rulers should behave. The 'protector'(king) should remain alert for the welfare of his subject so that they live in peace and sleep peacefully.

(27) BHUTO BHUTESHU PAYAAA DADHAATI SA BHUTAANAAMAADHI
PATIRBABHUVA |

-------------(8/1,Atharvaveda)

He, who acquires an impressive personality (by his efforts) and donates 'milk', etc, to his subjects becomes their Lord!
This 'richa' implies that one, who wishes well of others and works for their welfare, quite naturally becomes the ruler of the masses.

(28) ANADNGWA NINDRAH SA PASHUBHYO VI CHASHTE TRAYAAM CHHAKRO VI MIMEETE ADHVANAH BHUTAM BHAVISHYADBHAVANAA DUHAANASARVA DEVAANAAM CHARATI VRATAANI |

Indra, like an able  'herdsman' looks after the 'animals'! This capable Lord treads on all the three paths- Satva, Rajas and Tama... is the creator of  matters of the past, present and future!
In this 'richa' Indra has been praised. Indra, is all powerful. He is omniscient and knows the exact nature of the three 'paths'-'Sat', 'Rajas' and 'Tama'. This omnipotent lord transcends all three dimensional realms of 'time'- past, present and future. He is most benevolent and gives to each according to his ability and needs depending upon the demands of time, place and environment. He is the one, who facilitates the execution of the 'vows'(actions) of all the deities. For example, the nature of Sun is to shed light, that of the water is to flow and of the air to "dry up". These are the 'vows' of some of the external gods which Indra helps execute. Indra also makes possible the execution of the 'vows' of internal gods dwelling within the body like 'eyes', 'ear', 'nose' and 'prana', etc.

(29) AHAM UTTARESHU |

-------------(22/1, Atharvaveda)

May I rise to the highest pedestal!
This 'richa' exhibits the natural and innermost desire inherent in every man- to be a leader in all spheres of life. But, unless this desires turns into actions they do not come to fruition. Therefore, every man should first desire to acquire maximum knowledge, to engage himself in the noblest of deeds, earn social respect, success, fame and prosperity, authority and then act accordingly in order to realize them.

 

 

 

(30)SANSRISHTAM DHANMUNNAYE SAMAAKRITA BHASMABHYAI DHATTAM VARUNASHCHA MANYUHU|
BHIYO DADHAANA HRIDAYESHU SHATRAVAH PARAAJITAASO APA
NILAYANTAAMA ||

-------------(31/7,Atharvaveda)

May 'enthusiasm' and 'superiority' remain together and bless us with wealth! May the enemy flee after being scared!
Enthusiasm and Superiority exist side by side. Wealth comes naturally to a person, who is endowed with both these qualities. An enthusiastic person is brave and hence he always remains unharmed by his enemies as they are scared of him.
We should therefore aspire to become enthusiastic and noble. A man beaming with enthusiasm naturally accomplishes his works easily and quickly.

Chapter 5

(31) AA YO DHARMAANI PRATHAMAH SASAADA TATO VAPUNSHI KRINUVE PURUNI |
DHAASYURYONI PRATHAM AA VIVESHAA YO VAACHAM ANUDDITAAM CHIKETA ||

-------------(1/5,Atharvaveda)

One, who takes the initiative to follow 'Dharma' (religion) is blessed with many physical powers. One, who is capable of interpreting the meaning of 'secret-speech' becomes the first to come across the 'source of knowledge'.
The person who treads on the virtuous path attains all kinds of physical powers. 'Secret speech' as referred here implies mystical phenomena of nature, which if understood properly helps in the attainment of ultimate knowledge.

(32) SAPTA MARYAADAAH KAVAYASTAT KSHUSTAA SAAMIDEKAA BHYAMHURO GAAT |
AARYORHA SKAMBHA UPAMASYA NEEDE PATHAAM VISARGE DHARUNESHU TASTHAU ||

-------------(1/6,Atharvaveda)

The men of learning have determined '7 types of conduct' and man sins even if one of them is breached. He, who builds the castle of his life based on these 'seven pillars', attains that 'supreme-place'(heaven) where all the 'paths'(religion) converge ultimately and exist for eternity.

The rules determined are -
1) Non-stealing
2) Self-control
3) Non-violence
4) Non-abortion
5) Non-consumption of alcohol
6) Non-misconduct
7) Untruthfulness

 

 

(33) MUMUKTAM SMAANDURITAA DAVADDYAJJU SHETHAAM YAGYAM AMRITAM ASMAASU DHATTAM |

-------------(6/8,Atharvaveda)

Liberate us from this reprehensible sin! Accept this yagya and bless us with immortality!
This 'richa' exhorts us to stay away from evil deeds and indulge in virtuous ones, surrender totally to the will of God. A man, who acts thus, is inevitably blessed with immortality.

(34) UTA NAGNAA BOBHUVATI SWAPNYAA SACHASE JANAM |
ARAATE CHITTAM VIRTSANTYA AAKURTI PURUSHESYA CHA ||

-------------(7/8,Atharvaveda)

'Naked-Miserliness' makes a person indolent, it vitiates the mind and the resolutions taken!
A miser, unwilling to spend his money, fails to utilize his wealth properly. His mind is occupied by nothing but only one thought-how to preserve his wealth. To ensure the safety of his wealth, he spends most of his time worrying about the means to guard it. Thus, he becomes lethargic. Lethargy impedes one's assiduity and obstructs a person from fulfilling his duties.
On the contrary, the one, who is benevolent and liberal enjoys peace, happiness and prosperity.

(35) TRAYAH SUPARNAA STRIVRITAA YADAAYATREKA AKSHARMABHI-SAMBHUYA SHAKAAH SHAKRAA|
PRATYAU HANMRITYU MRITEN SAAKAMANTARDA DHAANA DURITAANI VISHWAA ||

-------------(7/8, Atharvaveda)

When the omnipotent '3 syllables' are dwelling in this word (Aum), how can these 'syllables of elixir' fail to eliminate all kinds of misfortunes and protects us from death!
There are three syllables that unite together to form "AUM", they destroy all that is inauspicious, death, misery. These threesyllables - A,U and M are like three fibers of the 'Yagyopaveeta' (thread). These threealphabets unite to create the resonance of Omkar.

These three alphabets symbolize the three states of the human mind, i.e. conscious, sub-conscious and dream state.
The sound resonated by the pronouncement of divine 'Omkar' gives indescribable joy to a man. It also develops concentration of mind. Therefore, everyone should chant this sacrosanct 'beej- mantra-'Aum'