Question

How many Suktas (hymns) are there in the Atharvaveda (Saunaka Samhita)?

• A. 720 Suktas
• B. 751 Suktas
• C. 731 Suktas
• D. 735 Suktas

Hint:

Mnemonic for Atharvaveda: 20 Kandas, 731 Suktas, 6000 Mantras. This "20-731-6000" rule is a standard question pattern in NTA NET and other Sanskrit eligibility tests.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Atharvaveda is the fourth Veda and is distinct from the 'Trayi' (Rig, Yaju, Sama) because it deals largely with the practical aspects of life—healing, protection, domestic rituals, and statecraft—alongside high metaphysical speculation. It has reached us primarily through two recensions: the Saunaka and the Pippalada. In academic and competitive examinations, unless specified otherwise, "Atharvaveda" refers to the Saunaka Samhita.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The organization of the Saunaka Atharvaveda is based on Kandas (Books). There are 20 Kandas in total. Each Kanda contains several Suktas (hymns), and each Sukta contains Mantras (verses).
The precise count of Suktas has been a subject of minor variation due to different ways of dividing long hymns, but the universally accepted standard for the Saunaka recension is 731 Suktas.
Breakdown of the Atharvaveda structure:
1. Kandas 1-7: Contain short hymns for specific purposes (charms, prayers).
2. Kandas 8-12: Contain longer hymns dealing with cosmogony and social order.
3. Kanda 13-18: Dedicated to specific themes like the Rohita (Sun), Marriage (14), Vratya (15), and Funeral rites (18).
4. Kanda 19: A supplementary collection of hymns.
5. Kanda 20: Consists mostly of hymns borrowed from the Rigveda for the Soma sacrifice.
The total verse count is approximately 5,977 (often rounded to 6,000). The specific number 731 is critical because it represents the recognized divisions of these 20 books. Options A, B, and D (720, 751, 735) are often distractors that arise from different counting traditions or the inclusion of 'Parishishtas' (appendices), but they are not the standard Samhita count.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Atharvaveda Saunaka Samhita contains 731 Suktas.