Atharvan is an important priest mentioned during the Vedic
times – perhaps head of family of priests. He is mentioned in the Rig Veda and
the Atharva Veda. It is believed that Atharvan first created Agni by rubbing. The
Agni produced by Atharvan is the messenger of Vivasvat.
Atharvan first established the order of yajnas or
sacrifices. Indra helped him in establishing the order of yajnas.
As per Atharva Veda, he is a companion of the Devas. He
first gave soma to Indra.
A wish fulfilling cow was gifted to Atharvan by Varuna.
The term Atharvan is also used as a generic term for
priests.
The term Atharvans is also used to refer to pitris who live
in the heaven. They destroy goblins with a magica herb.
Bhishaj Atharvana is one of the traditional composers of the
Atharva Veda. The prefix Bhishaj refers to a man with knowledge of medicine and
healing. It must be noted here that Atharva Veda was once known as Atharvana
Veda.