Santi Rituals In The Atharvanic Tradition

Since old times, man has made different types of efforts to win Peace of mind, whenever he thought it disturbed by various internal and external factors. These efforts of him find an expression in the ancient-most institution of sacrifices or offerings for pacification. These ritualistic practices for Santi or peace find clear expression in the ancient literature of the Atharvaveda as one of its salient features, which was later on accepted by the other three ritualistic traditions. In this work, an effort is attempted to trace out the development of the concept of Santi through ages, focusing on its different asects. With a view to getting a clear notion of it, the author has traced it through the actual hymns of the Atharvaveda which put in words the element aimed at. Also she has highlighted the expected goal which is later on named as the aspect of peace. A resume also is offered here, which notes the changes in the aspect of Santi through ages, and also in the ritual, as a consequence thereof.