K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies had organized a two day workshop on ‘Introduction to Atharvaveda traditions’ on February 24 & 25, 2025 for the students of M A Sanskrit and M A Hindu Studies.
The workshop was conducted by Dr Shilpa Sumant, Associate Professor of Sanskrit and Lexicography, Deccan College, Pune.
Several important topics pertaining to the Atharvaveda traditions were covered over the two days across six sessions. Dr Shilpa gave a proper introduction to the Atharvaveda and explained its nature in detail. She conveyed about interesting chants in Atharvaveda pertaining to magic. Dr Sumant also spoke about the branches of Atharvaveda that exist even today.
Dr Sumant gave detailed ideas about texts and rituals connected with Atharvaveda and made her sessions interesting with presentations and interaction with participants.
The workshop was followed by the field visit to Deccan College, Pune on February 27, 2025. The students along with a few faculty members visited the scriptorium project of Deccan College. This huge project involves publication of a voluminous dictionary in which selected Sanskrit words are explained along with their connotations in different texts. The visit provided students with exposure to the humongous work carried out by the department. The students also visited the museum of the Archaeology department at Deccan College. The field visit included a visit to another institute called Vaidik Samshodhan Mandal, Pune. Here, the students could view the instruments used in the Vedic sacrificial rituals and understand their relevance.
Prachi Pathak
KJSIDS, SVU
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