Introduction to Mundaka Upanishad - 1

Swami Shantivratananda presents the teachings of the Mundaka Upanishad, one of the major Upanishads of the Atharva Veda. The term “Mundaka” means “shaved,” symbolizing the removal of ignorance, much like a shaved head is free from covering. The knowledge imparted in this text is meant to cleanse the seeker of illusion and reveal the truth. Traditionally, its study was intended for sannyasins—those who had renounced worldly life and devoted themselves fully to spiritual inquiry. The Upanishad contains 64 mantras (verses), arranged into Mundakas (parts) and further divided into Khandas (sections).