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According to Indian traditional thoughts [[Veda (वेद)|वेद || Veda]] is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative. वैदिक सूक्त || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र || Mantras are seen and only spoken by the Rishis(seers or sages). These rishis are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.  Thus, they are called अपौरुषेय ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by Veda Vyasa and further formation of shakas (recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rishis.  

According to Indian traditional thoughts [[Veda (वेद)|वेद || Veda]] is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative. वैदिक सूक्त || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र || Mantras are seen and only spoken by the Rishis(seers or sages). These rishis are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.  Thus, they are called अपौरुषेय ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by Veda Vyasa and further formation of shakas (recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rishis.  

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

महर्षि वेद व्यासः || Maharshi Veda Vyasa collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see today   

महर्षि वेद व्यासः || Maharshi Veda Vyasa collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see today   

# अथर्वणवेदः || The Atharvaveda

# अथर्वणवेदः || The Atharvaveda

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called त्रयी विद्या || trayī vidyā, that is, 'the triple science' of reciting mantras (Rigveda), performing yajnas (sacrifices) (Yajurveda), and singing of mantras set to musical notes (Samaveda). Atharvaveda consists of mantras applicable to activities of daily life, such as ailments and their cure, achieving desired things, warfare, trade, commerce, construction among other things.     

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called त्रयी विद्या || trayī vidyā, that is, 'the triple science' of reciting mantras (Rigveda), performing yajnas (sacrifices) (Yajurveda), and singing of mantras set to musical notes (Samaveda). Atharvaveda consists of mantras applicable to activities of daily life, such as ailments and their cure, achieving desired things, warfare, trade, commerce, construction among other things.     

== ऋग्वेदः || Rigveda ==

== ऋग्वेदः || Rigveda ==

=== Etymology ===

=== Etymology ===

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":022">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref> Rigveda contains primarily Mantras (set in 2, 3 or 4 padas) dealing with the stuti for devatas, their invocation, yajnakarmas, karmakanda, upasana mantras, mantras related to different worldly activities such as dana, conduct, medical remedies etc.

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":0222">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref> Rigveda contains primarily Mantras (set in 2, 3 or 4 padas) dealing with the stuti for devatas, their invocation, yajnakarmas, karmakanda, upasana mantras, mantras related to different worldly activities such as dana, conduct, medical remedies etc.

 

=== Rigveda Vibhajana ===

=== Rigveda Vibhajana ===

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, arose mainly for अध्ययनम् || study and अध्यापनम् || teaching. A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory.(See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":022" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.   

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, arose mainly for अध्ययनम् || study and अध्यापनम् || teaching. A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory.(See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":0222" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.   

 

==== Mandala Krama ====

==== Mandala Krama ====

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10522 mantras<ref name=":022" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":12" />. In Rig veda Shakala samhita the number of suktas in each Mandala is - 191, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1028) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":022" /><ref name=":12">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>  

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10522 mantras<ref name=":0222" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":122" />. In Rig veda Shakala samhita the number of suktas in each Mandala is - 191, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1028) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":0222" /><ref name=":122">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>सूक्त  | Sukta       ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>सूक्त  | Sukta       ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

|}Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref name=":02">Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref> According to Shaunaka Anukramanika 11 suktas of Valakhilyas are present removing which from the total number of suktas (1028) will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. Vashkala or Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017 thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":0222" /><ref name=":222" />

Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref name=":0">Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":22">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref> According to Shaunaka Anukramanika 11 suktas of Valakhilyas are present removing which from the total number of suktas (1028) will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. Vashkala or Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017 thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":022" /><ref name=":22" />

 

==== Ashtaka Krama ====

==== Ashtaka Krama ====

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of Vargas in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":022" />

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of Vargas in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":0222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

|}

=== Shakas ===

=== Shakas ===

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकला ||''' '''Shakala.'''<ref name=":022" /><ref name=":12" />

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकला ||''' '''Shakala.'''<ref name=":0222" /><ref name=":122" />

According to Sarvanukramani vritti, Ahirbudhnyasamhita, Muktikopanishad and Pathanjali's Mahabhashyam, and recently many scholars opined that Rigveda had 21 shakas.   

According to Sarvanukramani vritti, Ahirbudhnyasamhita, Muktikopanishad and Pathanjali's Mahabhashyam, and recently many scholars opined that Rigveda had 21 shakas.   

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakas namely, '''शाकला || Shakala''' and '''माण्डूकेया || Mandukeya'''. These two shakas became 21 shakas gradually. Shakalacharya taught this veda to 5 of his disciples and gradually in their pronunciation there were differences bringing about 5 different versions of the Veda, which according to the text Vikruti Kaumudi is as follows  <blockquote>शाकल्यसेय शतं शिष्या नैष्ठिकब्रह्मचारिणः | पञ्च तेषां गृहस्थास्ते धर्मनिष्ठाश्च कुटुम्बिनः ||</blockquote><blockquote>शिशिरो वाष्कलो सांख्यो वात्स्यश्चैवाश्वलायनः | पञ्चैते शाकलाः शिष्याः शाखाभेदप्रवर्त्तकाः ||</blockquote>Meaning : Shakala had 100 students who were brahmacharis. Of them 5 who were having dharmanistha, and were grihasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. शिशिरः || Shishira, वाष्कलः || Vashkala (Bashkala) सांख्यः || Samkhya वात्स्यः || Vatsya and अवाश्वलायनः || Asvalayana were the five disciples who were the pravartakas of the different shakas.<ref name=":022" /> Asvalaayana-Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. Sankhyayana samhita is not available but its Brahmanas and Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that Sankhyayana and Kaushitaki shakas are one and the same.<ref name=":22" />

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakas namely, '''शाकला || Shakala''' and '''माण्डूकेया || Mandukeya'''. These two shakas became 21 shakas gradually. Shakalacharya taught this veda to 5 of his disciples and gradually in their pronunciation there were differences bringing about 5 different versions of the Veda, which according to the text Vikruti Kaumudi is as follows  <blockquote>शाकल्यसेय शतं शिष्या नैष्ठिकब्रह्मचारिणः | पञ्च तेषां गृहस्थास्ते धर्मनिष्ठाश्च कुटुम्बिनः ||</blockquote><blockquote>शिशिरो वाष्कलो सांख्यो वात्स्यश्चैवाश्वलायनः | पञ्चैते शाकलाः शिष्याः शाखाभेदप्रवर्त्तकाः ||</blockquote>Meaning : Shakala had 100 students who were brahmacharis. Of them 5 who were having dharmanistha, and were grihasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. शिशिरः || Shishira, वाष्कलः || Vashkala (Bashkala) सांख्यः || Samkhya वात्स्यः || Vatsya and अवाश्वलायनः || Asvalayana were the five disciples who were the pravartakas of the different shakas.<ref name=":0222" /> Asvalaayana-Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. Sankhyayana samhita is not available but its Brahmanas and Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that Sankhyayana and Kaushitaki shakas are one and the same.<ref name=":222" />

 

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna. Important Rig vedic deities are Agni, Indra, Varuna, Ushas, Savita, Pusha, Mitra, Vishnu, Rudra, Marut and Parjanya. Gayatri, Jagati, Bruhati, Pankti and Trishtubh and Anustubh are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":22" />).   

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna. Important Rig vedic deities are Agni, Indra, Varuna, Ushas, Savita, Pusha, Mitra, Vishnu, Rudra, Marut and Parjanya. Gayatri, Jagati, Bruhati, Pankti and Trishtubh and Anustubh are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":222" />).   

 

=== विषयविभागम् ===

=== विषयविभागम् ===

The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

==== '''स्तुतिविभागम्''' ====

==== '''स्तुतिविभागम्''' ====

The first group is in praise of the deities like [[Agni (आग्निः)|अग्निः || Agni]], [[Indra|इन्द्रः || lndra]], [[Varuna|वरुणः || Varuna]], [[Mitra (मित्रः)|मित्रः || Mitra]] and others. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe  viz. पृथ्वी || Prithvi (earth), द्यौस् || Dyaus (heaven) and अन्तरिक्षम् || Antariksha (intermediary space). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of Brahman, the Only One Supreme Reality. The famous mantra on this point occurs in this Samhita. <blockquote>एकम् सत् विप्रः बहुध वदन्ति ||  ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti || (Rig. Ved. 1.164. 92)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Truth is one, learned call it by various names.</blockquote>

The first group is in praise of the deities like [[Agni (आग्निः)|अग्निः || Agni]], [[Indra|इन्द्रः || lndra]], [[Varuna|वरुणः || Varuna]], [[Mitra (मित्रः)|मित्रः || Mitra]] and others. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe  viz. पृथ्वी || Prithvi (earth), द्यौस् || Dyaus (heaven) and अन्तरिक्षम् || Antariksha (intermediary space). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of Brahman, the Only One Supreme Reality. The famous mantra on this point occurs in this Samhita. <blockquote>एकम् सत् विप्रः बहुध वदन्ति ||  ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti || (Rig. Ved. 1.164. 92)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Truth is one, learned call it by various names.</blockquote>

==== '''उपासनाविभागम्''' ====

==== '''उपासनाविभागम्''' ====

The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita is a book of laudatory hymns still all the later ideas of Vedanta including Jnana and Bhakti are found therein at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of God with form and qualities - सगुणोपासन || Sagunopasana - is predominant.

The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita is a book of laudatory hymns still all the later ideas of Vedanta including Jnana and Bhakti are found therein at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of God with form and qualities - सगुणोपासन || Sagunopasana - is predominant.

The proclamation contained in various mantras show that it teaches एक देवता वद || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism. For example, the Samhita states that Prajapati creates the world out of Himself and rules over it; He is omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing), He is ever perfect, infinitely compassionate, easily approachable by the devotees and He grants us immortality. But the idea about actual process of creation of the universe finds a place only in the later Vedantic  literature i.e. the Upanishads.

The proclamation contained in various mantras show that it teaches एक देवता वद || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism. For example, the Samhita states that Prajapati creates the world out of Himself and rules over it; He is omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing), He is ever perfect, infinitely compassionate, easily approachable by the devotees and He grants us immortality. But the idea about actual process of creation of the universe finds a place only in the later Vedantic  literature i.e. the Upanishads.

==== '''इतिहासविभागम्''' ====

==== '''इतिहासविभागम्''' ====

The third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, war etc., which show the nature of society of those times. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by spiritual consciousness. There was समन्वय || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्य || Satya (truth) and धर्म || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्व || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

The third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, war etc., which show the nature of society of those times. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by spiritual consciousness. There was समन्वय || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्य || Satya (truth) and धर्म || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्व || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

 

=== Samvadas<ref name=":222" /> ===

=== Samvadas<ref name=":22" /> ===

* Urvashi Pururava (Rig. Veda. 10.85)

* Urvashi Pururava (Rig. Veda. 10.85)

* Yama Yami (Rig. Veda. 10.10)

* Yama Yami (Rig. Veda. 10.10)

* Sarama and Panis (Rig. Veda. 10.130)

* Sarama and Panis (Rig. Veda. 10.130)

Some of these discussions are presented in Puranas.

Some of these discussions are presented in Puranas.

 

=== Famous Suktas<ref name=":222" /> ===

=== Famous Suktas<ref name=":22" /> ===

* Nasadiya Sukta

* Nasadiya Sukta

* Purusha Sukta

* Purusha Sukta

* Hiranyagarbha Sukta

* Hiranyagarbha Sukta

* Vak Sutram

* Vak Sutram

 

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads<ref name=":02" /> ===

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads<ref name=":0" /> ===

* Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas

* Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas

* Aitareya and Sankhyayana Aranyakas  

* Aitareya and Sankhyayana Aranyakas  

* Aitareya Upanishads

* Aitareya Upanishad

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः meaning that which has no regulation (metrical) of letters is called Yajus. 

अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः, गद्यात्मको यजुः Yajurveda is a collection of Yajus or the mantras in prose which give

 

गद्यात्मको यजुः meaning Yajus are (the mantras) in prose form.

 

The popular hymn in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Sooktam also occurs here with some modifications.

The popular mantras in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Sooktam also occurs here with some modifications.

procedural details to the [[Adhvaryu|'''अध्वर्यु || Adhvaryu''']] priest for the proper performance of Yajnas

procedural details to the [[Adhvaryu|'''अध्वर्यु || Adhvaryu''']] priest for the proper performance of Yajnas

There are two major groups of शाखा || Shakhas (texts) in this Veda: the Krishna Yajurveda and the Shukla Yajurveda. The term '

The number of Yajurveda shakas is given variously by different rishis and scholars as 101 shakas (recensions)<ref name=":222" /> 107 according to Sutasamhita, Skanda and Brahmanda Puranas, 109 according to Muktikopanishad, 100 according to Pathanjali in his Mahabhasyam, 86 according to Charanavyuha and Shaunaka. According to Vayu Purana, there were 86 student lineages and thus 86 shakas of Maharshi Vaisampayana.<ref name=":1" /> Vishnupurana and Agnipurana give a number of 27 shakas of Yajurveda.<ref name=":0222" />Thus quite some variation is seen in the number of shakas that existed for Yajurveda.  

krish'a" shakha contains "the un-arranged, motley collection" of verses in Yajurveda, in contrast to the 'shukla' shakha of Yajurveda. The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahmana), the Krishna Yajurveda intersperses the Samhita with Brahmana commentary.  

In the present day five Shakas of Yajurveda are seen namely Taittriya, Katha or Kapisthala, Maitrayani, Vajasaneyi  and Kanva according to some scholars.<ref name=":1" />

Krishna Yajurveda was taught by Rushi Vaishampayana, while the Shukla Yajurveda by [[Yajnavalkya (यज्ञवल्क्य)|यज्ञवल्क्य || Yajnavalkya]] rushi. It is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda. Today a vast majority follow the Yajur Veda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South of India and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

Many scholars view the classification into two major groups or शाखा || Shakhas<ref name=":0222" /><ref>Yajurveda Introduction by [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/yajurveda/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> : 

* Krishna Yajurveda

* Shukla Yajurveda  

'''कृष्ण यजुर्वेद संहिता || Krishna Yajurveda Samhita''' is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely prevalent especially in South India. Of the Krishna Yajurveda, texts the four major schools that have survived are '''मैत्रायणि || Maitrayani, कथा || Katha, कपिस्थल-कथा || Kapisthala-Katha, तैत्रिय || Taittiriya'''. It deals with detailed descriptions of sacrifices like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. The other three Shakhas are not so well known though they also deal with similar sacrifices.

==== '''कृष्णयजुर्वेद संहिता || Krishna Yajurveda''' ====

'''Samhita''' is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely prevalent especially in South India. Of the Krishna Yajurveda, texts the four major schools that have survived are '''मैत्रायणि || Maitrayani, कथा || Katha, कपिस्थल-कथा || Kapisthala-Katha, तैत्रिय || Taittiriya'''. It deals with detailed descriptions of sacrifices like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. The other three Shakhas are not so well known though they also deal with similar sacrifices.  

Related to this Samhita are-

Related to this Samhita are-

3. Taittiriya, Katha, Swetaswatara, Maitrayani and Maha Narayana Upanishads.

3. Taittiriya, Katha, Swetaswatara, Maitrayani and Maha Narayana Upanishads.

'''शुक्ल''' '''यजुर्वेद संहिता ||''' '''Shukla Yajurveda Samhita''' is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage याज्ञवल्क्य || Yajnavalkya from Vaajasani which means the Sun God. Hence this is also known as वाजस्नेयी संहिता || Vajasneyi Samhita, This is entirely in verse form.

'''शुक्ल''' '''यजुर्वेद संहिता ||''' '''Shukla Yajurveda Samhita''' is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage याज्ञवल्क्य || Yajnavalkya from Vaajasani which means the Sun God. Hence this is also known as वाजस्नेयी संहिता || Vajasneyi Samhita, This is entirely in verse form.

Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

==  सामवेद || Saamaveda ==

==  सामवेद || Saamaveda ==

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text 'belonging to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] poets. It has about 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rigveda. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose.  This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms.

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text 'belonging to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] poets. It has about 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rigveda. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose.  This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms.

# Mundaka Upanishad  

# Mundaka Upanishad  

# Mandukya Upanishad  

# Mandukya Upanishad  

# Kaivalya Upanishad .

# Kaivalya Upanishad

The Atharvaveda was not considered as a Veda in the Vedic era, and was accepted as a Veda during later ages though some schools do not consider it even in modern era.

The Atharvaveda was not considered as a Veda in the Vedic era, and was accepted as a Veda during later ages though some schools do not consider it even in modern era.

The Atharva veda has been a primary source for information about Vedic culture, the customs and beliefs, the aspirations and frustrations of everyday Vedic life, as well as those associated with kings and governance. The text also includes hymns dealing with the two major rituals of passage – marriage and cremation. The Atharva Veda also dedicates significant portion of the text asking the meaning of a ritual.

The Atharva veda has been a primary source for information about Vedic culture, the customs and beliefs, the aspirations and frustrations of everyday Vedic life, as well as those associated with kings and governance. The text also includes hymns dealing with the two major rituals of passage – marriage and cremation. The Atharva Veda also dedicates significant portion of the text asking the meaning of a ritual.

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

=== संहिता || Samhitas ===

=== संहिता || Samhitas ===

Samhitas (Sanskrit saṃhitā, "collection"), are collections of mantras  or hymns and prayers in praise of Deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter.. There are four "Vedic" Samhitas: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, most of which are available in several recensions (śākhā).  

Samhitas (Sanskrit saṃhitā, "collection"), are collections of mantras  or hymns and prayers in praise of Deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter.. There are four "Vedic" Samhitas: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, most of which are available in several recensions (śākhā).  

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

=== ब्राह्मण || Brahmanas ===

=== ब्राह्मण || Brahmanas ===

The Brahmanas are commentaries, explanation of solemn rituals as well as expound on their meaning of Vedic Samhita rituals in the four Vedas. They also incorporate legends and in some cases philosophy. Each regional Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.  

The Brahmanas are commentaries, explanation of solemn rituals as well as expound on their meaning of Vedic Samhita rituals in the four Vedas. They also incorporate legends and in some cases philosophy. Each regional Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.  

This portion of a Veda guides people in the performance of Vedic Karmas or sacrificial rituals; they are the prose explanations of the method of using the mantras in the Yajnas and other rituals. Brahmana is suitable for the गृहस्थ || Grihasthas (the householders), those belonging to the second stage in life.

This portion of a Veda guides people in the performance of Vedic Karmas or sacrificial rituals; they are the prose explanations of the method of using the mantras in the Yajnas and other rituals. Brahmana is suitable for the गृहस्थ || Grihasthas (the householders), those belonging to the second stage in life.

=== अरण्यक || Aranyakas ===

=== अरण्यक || Aranyakas ===

Aranyakas, "wilderness texts" or "forest treaties", were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view. It is frequently read in secondary literature.

Aranyakas, "wilderness texts" or "forest treaties", were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view. It is frequently read in secondary literature.

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of sacrificial rites. It is a process of performing Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example Brihadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of Aswamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.  

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of sacrificial rites. It is a process of performing Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example Brihadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of Aswamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.  

=== उपनिषद् || Upanishads ===

=== उपनिषद् || Upanishads ===

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which Adi Sankaracharya who lived between 788 and 820 A.D. chose to comment upon.  

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which Adi Sankaracharya who lived between 788 and 820 A.D. chose to comment upon.  

Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (spirituality section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the commentary are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are together referred to as the jnana-kanda.

Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (spirituality section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the commentary are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are together referred to as the jnana-kanda.

== References ==

== References ==

# https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf

# https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf<references />

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