Electricity in Vedas
One of the most exciting topics covered in the Atharva Veda is ELECTRICITY and specifically, the detailed description of valuable applications that harness and utilize this immense source of energy. Some of the applications described, include important specifications for a control system that harnesses the intense power of electricity for use as a deadly weapon, utilization of hydroelectric power for manufacturing and the fission properties of electricity. These are only some of these amazing instances that clearly demonstrate how the most advanced scientific laws and phenomenons are described in the Atharvaveda.
It will be fully apparent from the following verses that Electrical Energy and its properties were fully understood by Vedic sages. It was definitely used in everyday technological applications as much (if not more), as it is for us today. It is also clear that Vedic scientists knew far more about the properties of electricity than us. It was not till very recently, that modern day scientists discovered and began research on the potential usage of electrical energy in military science and related areas.
What these verses clearly demonstrate to us is the fact that Vedic Society was at an extremely advanced state of technological advancement and fully utilized Electricity in innumerable productive applications
Non Military Applications of Electricity
According to the descriptions found in Atharva Veda, electrical energy can be utilized in many useful applications such as creation of powerful engines, illumination, agricultural machinery, hydroelectric power plants, manufacturing plants, biomedical engineering, extraction of medicines, etc. and thus serve to greatly enhance the daily life of people.
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 2:
Nav Yo Navati Puro Bibhed Bahvotjasaa Ahi Cha Vritrahaa Vadheet
Electricity, which breaks, by the energy of its arms the 99 cities, destroys the cloud, which covers the rays of the sun, the source of all energy and power.This initial description describes the inherent properties of electrical energy. Here the "arms of electricity" refers to positive and negative currents. The 99 cities refers to the 99 elements, as known to modern day scientists. In Vedic terminology, these essential elements were known as "Bhogas".
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 3:
Sa na Indrah Shivah sakhashwavad gomadvavama Urudhaarev dohate
The electric power may be our peaceful friend, providing us with the horsepower to drive our machines, light to light up our houses, and power to produce grains in the fields. Let it bring on prosperity and wellbeing for us by flowing into numerous currents.These verses clearly refer to the various useful applications of electricity. The mention of horse powered driving machines is a direct reference to electronically powered vehicles like automobiles, aircraft, etc. In our times, even prototypes of electric cars are a very recent development. In the present era, Electric car prototypes were created due to the dawning realization that gasoline fuel is a perishable resource as well as polluting to the environment.
It looks like thousands of years ago, our Rishis were already aware of these dangers and used electric engines in their vehicles, as one of their primary modes of transport as well as for motors, etc. for other types of machinery. This verse also clearly mentions that electricity was used to light up buildings, just as we do today. In addition there is a reference to electrically powered agricultural machines, which helped in the manufacture and processing of crops from the fields.
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 4:
Indra Kratuvidang Sutang Somang Harya Purushtut Piba Vrishaswa Taatripim
Let electricity, so highly spoken of by many learned people, help extract the essence of medicines, thus produced by those, who are well versed in manufacturing things. Let it keep safe and shower, on us the rain, satisfying all. In modern times, we have discovered that certain electronic devices such as centrifuges, deep refrigeration, etc. are extremely helpful in deriving medicinal extracts. Apparently our ancient scientists were well aware of these methods and perhaps even more advanced than us in their knowledge.
The last sentence refers reverentially to the role of electricity, which in the form of lightning is instrumental in creating life giving rain for the entire planet. The picture that emerges from these verses is that of an extremely advanced culture, that utilized superlative technology and yet maintained an enormous respect and reverence for the ecosystem and the natural environment. The proponents of Vedic culture saw spirituality everywhere, and held sacred the power of all divine forces, from water, to electricity. Not only this, but they had analysed the properties and laws of all these natural energies and thus comprehended perfectly the best way to utilize them.
To be continued...
Application of Electricity
What these verses clearly demonstrate to us is the fact that Vedic Society was at an extremely advanced state of technological advancement and fully utilized Electricity in innumerable productive applications
Non Military Applications of Electricity
According to the descriptions found in Atharva Veda, electrical energy can be utilized in many useful applications such as creation of powerful engines, illumination, agricultural machinery, hydroelectric power plants, manufacturing plants, biomedical engineering, extraction of medicines, etc. and thus serve to greatly enhance the daily life of people.
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 2:
Nav Yo Navati Puro Bibhed Bahvotjasaa Ahi Cha Vritrahaa Vadheet
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 3:
Sa na Indrah Shivah sakhashwavad gomadvavama Urudhaarev dohate
It looks like thousands of years ago, our Rishis were already aware of these dangers and used electric engines in their vehicles, as one of their primary modes of transport as well as for motors, etc. for other types of machinery. This verse also clearly mentions that electricity was used to light up buildings, just as we do today. In addition there is a reference to electrically powered agricultural machines, which helped in the manufacture and processing of crops from the fields.
Chapter 1, Hymn VII, Verse 4:
Indra Kratuvidang Sutang Somang Harya Purushtut Piba Vrishaswa Taatripim
To be continued...
