Most Ancient Aryan Society

Author(s): Ram Chandra Jain
Publisher: Institute of Bharatalogical Research Sriganganagar Rajasthan

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religions were the growths of later ritualisations of the Greekāryan and the Brahmāryan institutions which forms a separate subject of study.
Āryan leaders believed in the efficacy of Word. If the word indicating the great forces of Nature could endow them
Science of with superhuman powers, then, the Word Chhandopathy could work other wonders also. The word was believed to have the force of healing diseases, bringing prosperity, long life, cattle and posterity. It could ward off misfortunes and calamities. The wielding of these powers of the Word gave great strength to the Aryan leaders over the common masses of the Gaņa. This force inherent in Word is named Chhanda.
'Chhandas' may be traced to Chhādy to cover'. Its Europāryan parallel is shed—'to cover"? The word pertains to that activity which covers' or disguises the reality. The reality is different. That reality is supposed to be achieved by the Chhanda method or the covering method. Name is 'a cover' for the reality, the thing. Monier-Williams gives it the meaning "alluring, inviting' also desire, longing for'. It also came to mean the sacred hymn of Atharvaveda as distinguished from those of Rgveda, Yajurveda and Sāmaveda. It means incantation-hymn." Chhandas are repeated for obtaining wealth. Brahma recites Cbhandas for engendering delight of the Devas.24 Haya, scientifically organised, is Chhanda.
Chhandas are Atharvanic hymns. Ķc, Sāma, Yajus and Chhanda originated from Yajña.26 Ynjña, the tribal activity, is the progenitor of Ķc, Sāma, Yajus and Chhandas. Here Chhandas definitely refer to the fourth Veda. Atharvaveda uses this word in the sense of magical hymns. 28 Rc is the outer from while Chhanda is the inherent force,