Changes

Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्) (view source)

Revision as of 16:53, 5 March 2018

76 bytes removed , 16:53, 5 March 2018

Copy pasted content from old link

Line 1: Line 1: −

Vedas (Samskrit : वेदः) is regarded as revealed scripture, self-explanatory and self authoritative, according to many traditional scholars. वैदिक सूक्त || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र || Mantras are "seen by" or "revealed to" and only spoken by the Rishis(seers or sages). These rishis are neither authors of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras. Thus, Vedas 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.

Line 9: Line 8:

# 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.

−

== ऋग्वेदः || Rigveda ==

−

=== 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=":0223222">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 ===

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=":0223222" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.

−

==== 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=":0223222" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":123222" />. 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=":0223222" /><ref name=":123222">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>

Line 25: Line 20:

!<nowiki>सूक्त | Sukta ►</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=":03222">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=":223222">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=":0223222" /><ref name=":223222" />

−

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=":03222">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=":223222">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=":0223222" /><ref name=":223222" />

In Rigveda, not only are the suktas and mantras counted but also there is a system of counting even the Aksharas or letters in such texts called Sarvanukramanikas, thereby leaving no scope of additions or deletion of letters in the Veda. This was one main reason why there are no changes in this Veda since ancient times. It is to be noted that in this Aksharaganana the Valakhilya sutras are not seen, hence they Suktas are counted without them. The differences in the counting of mantras is mainly because of the differences in the shakas, additionally in modern times the differences in counting the Rks is attributed to breaking the mantras having 4 padas into 2 padas each (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":223222" />).

−

==== 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=":0223222" />

Line 38: Line 31:

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

−

=== Shakas ===

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today

* '''शाकला || Shakala'''<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":123222" />

−

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<ref name=":0223222" />, 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=":0223222" /> 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=":223222" />

−

=== 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=":223222" />).

−

=== विषयविभागम् ===

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

−

==== '''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>

−

==== '''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 contains mantras in praise of the devatas, the concept of Vedanta is present at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of devatas with form and qualities - सगुणोपासन || Sagunopasana - is predominant. Various Rig veda mantras show 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 concept of Brahma is clearer in the Upanishad parts.

−

==== '''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.

−

=== Famous Aspects <ref name=":223222" /> ===

* Urvashi Pururava Samvada (Rig. Veda. 10.85)

Line 71: Line 56:

* Hiranyagarbha Sukta

* Vak Sutram

−

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads<ref name=":03222" /> ===

* Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas

* Aitareya and Sankhyayana Aranyakas

* Aitareya Upanishad

−

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

−

=== Etymology<ref name=":223222" /> ===

According to Shabdakalpadruma इज्यतेऽनेनेति यजुः meaning performing of yajnas using this hence called Yajus.

Line 87: Line 69:

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

−

=== Yajurveda Vibhajana ===

The divisions of the texts for Shukla Yajurveda are slightly different and include a combination of these as given below (See Page xviii of the Introduction in Reference 6)<ref>Swaminathan, C. R. (1997) ''Kanvasatapathabrahmanam Vol 2.'' New Delhi : Indra Gandhi National Centre For the Arts and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref> However, variations of these divisions is seen according to other scholars.

Line 99: Line 80:

* Madhyandina Shaka : 40 Adhyayas and 1975 mantras, 90525 aksharas.<ref name=":022">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan. </ref>

* Kanva Shaka : 40 Adhyayas and 2086 mantras.<ref name=":022" />

−

+

The divisions of the texts for Krishna Yajurveda have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in Taittriya shaka which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":022" />

−

The divisions of the texts for Krishna Yajurveda have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in Taittriya shaka which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":022" />

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas ►</nowiki>

Line 106: Line 86:

!<nowiki>| Anuvakas ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantras or Kandikas </nowiki>

−

|}

+

|}In some southern Indian parts where this shaka is widely followed there are other terms such as Panasa and Prashna (ex: Rudrasya prasha) which are in usage. Saraswat and Arsheya system of classification is also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.

−

In some southern Indian parts where this shaka is widely followed there are other terms such as Panasa and Prashna (ex: Rudrasya prasha) which are in usage. Saraswat and Arsheya system of classification is also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.

* Taittriya Shaka - 7 kandas, 44 Prapathakas, 651 Anuvakas (631 according to Page 9 of Reference<ref name=":13222" /> ), 2198 Kandikas are present.<ref name=":022" />

* Maitrayani Shaka - 4 kandas, 11 Prapatakas, 3144 mantras.<ref name=":022" />

* Kathasamhita - 40 Adhyayas, 843 Anuvakas, 3091 mantras.<ref name=":022" />

* Kapisthalakatha - 6 Astakas, 48 Adhyayas.<ref name=":022" />

−

Thus as seen above different classification systems are seen for every shaka.

−

=== Shakas ===

The number of Yajurveda shakas is given variously by different rishis and scholars as 101 shakas (recensions)<ref name=":223222" /> 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=":13222" /> Vishnupurana and Agnipurana give a number of 27 shakas of Yajurveda.<ref name=":0223222" /> Thus quite some variation is seen in the number of shakas that existed for Yajurveda.

Line 124: Line 101:

* '''Shukla Yajurveda'''

Today a vast majority of people follow the Yajurveda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South of India and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

−

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

The term कृष्ण || krishna of the shakha is so given due to following reasons

# It contains both the छन्दोबद्ध Chandas (metrical) and गद्यात्मकम् Gadya (prose) forms of mantras<ref name=":223222" />

# Mantras are interspersed with Brahmanas which explain the usage of the mantras<ref name=":0223222" />

−

This samhita is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now, out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely studied and followed especially in South India and other three Shakhas are not so well known.<ref name=":223222" />

+

This samhita is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now, out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely studied and followed especially in South India and other three Shakhas are not so well known.<ref name=":223222" />

−

Texts of the four major shakas that have survived are<ref name=":122" />

+

Texts of the four major shakas that have survived are<ref name=":122" />

# '''मैत्रायणी || Maitrayani'''

# '''कठ/काठक || Katha or Kathaka'''

# '''कपिष्ठलकठ || Kapisthala-Katha'''

# '''तैत्तिरीय || Taittiriya'''

−

==== Brahmanas Aranyakas and Upanishads ====

Related to this Samhita are-

Line 145: Line 120:

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

−

==== शुक्लयजुर्वेद संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda ====

The term शुक्ला || Shukla of the shakha is so given due to following reasons

Line 157: Line 131:

# '''Madhyandina'''

# '''Kanva'''

−

==== Brahmanas Aranyakas and Upanishads ====

Related to this Samhita are-

Line 166: Line 139:

3. Brhadaraanyokopanishad and Isavasyopanishad.

−

==== कृष्णशुक्ल-यजुर्वेदयोः भेदः ====

Following are few differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda presented by Pt. Rishiram Regmi.<ref name=":122">Regmi, Sri Rishiramji. Article : [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/ved_vedang_gp_15/#book/ ''Yajurved ka Sankshipth Parichay''] available in Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>

Line 210: Line 182:

|Given by Rishi Yajnavalkya

|}

−

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

The devatas are the same as in Rig veda because a majority of mantras in Yajurveda are taken from there. The Yajurvedic procedural details are recited and conducted by [[Adhvaryu|'''अध्वर्यु || Adhvaryu''']] priest for the proper performance of Yajnas. In Shukla Yajurveda, the mantras have the same chandas as in Rig veda from where they have been

−

=== विषयम् || Content ===

Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the karmakanda and are also called yajnakanda<ref name=":022" />. All the shaka texts deal with detailed descriptions of Srauta yajnas like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. Krishna Yajurveda is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda.

Line 220: Line 190:

It may be noted that while in Rigveda the text is organized according to rishis as mantra drastas, in Yajurveda the rishis are given according to the yajnas. It is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest while an yajamana performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire. Yajurveda samhita includes mantras that are distinct yet borrow and build upon the foundation of verses in Rigveda. 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 other Vedic texts. Yajurveda text is not just related to rituals or sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

−

=== Famous Mantras ===

The popular mantras in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda (Shodasa Adhyaya). The other famous suktam पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Suktam also occurs here with some modifications.

−

== सामवेद || Saamaveda ==

−

=== Etymology ===

तल्लक्षणमाह जैमिनिः - गीतेषुसामाख्या इति गीयमानेषु मन्त्रेषु सामसंज्ञेत्यर्थः . इति ||

Line 233: Line 200:

According to Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.22) Sama is derived as follows

−

सा चामश्चेति तत्साम्नः सामत्वम् । <ref>Samaveda as per Brhadaranyaka Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_1a Adhyaya 1])</ref>

+

सा चामश्चेति तत्साम्नः सामत्वम् । <ref>Samaveda as per Brhadaranyaka Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_1a Adhyaya 1])</ref>

Meaning : सा stands for Rk mantra and अम stands for Gana (gandhara etc svaras) and forms Sama when combined.<ref name=":222">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref>

Along with the preparation of Soma rasa, praising the devatas by singing Samagana is an important aspect during Somayajna. Instruments such as veena, dundubhi flute and other instruments were used. Shatapata Brahmana states that without Samagana, Somayajna does not yield the desired results.<ref name=":223222" />

−

=== Samaveda Vibhajana ===

−

Samaveda Samhita is the shortest of all the vedas given to the world by Jaimini.<ref name=":222" /> Many Sama mantras are derived from the eighth and ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.<ref name=":223222" />

+

Samaveda Samhita is the shortest of all the vedas given to the world by Jaimini.<ref name=":222" /> Many Sama mantras are derived from the eighth and ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.<ref name=":223222" />

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Adhyayas ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantras </nowiki>

−

|}

+

|}The Samaveda comprises two major parts.

−

The Samaveda comprises two major parts.

# आर्चिक Archika or the Mantras (hence called Samaamhita)

# गण Gana or the Melody

−

According to some scholars the Rks are of two types - गेय (Song format) and अगेय (Not in Song format). Samaveda is composed of गेय ऋक् (Song format of Rks) called as आर्चिक (Archika) and गेय यजुस् (Song form of Yajus) called as स्तोक (Stoka).<ref name=":223222" />

+

According to some scholars the Rks are of two types - गेय (Song format) and अगेय (Not in Song format). Samaveda is composed of गेय ऋक् (Song format of Rks) called as आर्चिक (Archika) and गेय यजुस् (Song form of Yajus) called as स्तोक (Stoka).<ref name=":223222" />

The Kauthuma Samaveda Samhita consists of 1875 mantras<ref name=":223222" />, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda Shakala samhita. Scholars opine that the 75 mantras are also taken from the lost shakas of Rigveda (Shankhayana and others), while some others opine that they are the original mantras of Samaveda.<ref name=":222" />

−

Jaimineeya Samhita of Samaveda is divided into Purva Archika containing 646 mantras and Uttara Archika 1041, totaling to 1687 mantras.<ref name=":0223222" />

+

Jaimineeya Samhita of Samaveda is divided into Purva Archika containing 646 mantras and Uttara Archika 1041, totaling to 1687 mantras.<ref name=":0223222" />

−

=== Shakas ===

सहस्त्रवर्त्मा सामवेदः |<ref name=":223222" /><ref name=":222" />

Line 274: Line 237:

# '''जैमिनीय || Jaimini'''

Kauthuma is the widely followed shaka, mainly by Nagara brahmins of Gujarat, while Ranayaneeya is seen among the people of Maharashtra and Jaimineeya shaka is seen in Tamilnadu.

−

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

−

All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and Soma.<ref name=":222" />

+

All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and Soma.<ref name=":222" />

−

=== विषयम् || Content ===

It is said that those who know the Samaveda knows the secrets of Vedas.

Line 296: Line 257:

गण Gana texts contain the information about how Samagana is to be sung, While singing the mantras, matras such as deergha, plutha, and pathapaddhati or recitation methods are clearly mentioned in these texts.

−

=== Famous Aspects ===

Bharatamuni the author of Natyashastram, cites Samaveda as the origin of music.

Line 308: Line 268:

Meaning : Brahma collected musical notes (geetam) from Samaveda.

−

According to Sharangadeva the author of Sangeeta Ratnakara, musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":222" />

+

According to Sharangadeva the author of Sangeeta Ratnakara, musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":222" />

−

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

−

Affiliated to this Samhita are<ref name=":222" />

+

Affiliated to this Samhita are<ref name=":222" />

# Tandya Maha Brahmana, the biggest and most important, the other seven Brahmanas namely Shadvimshabrahmana, Arsheyabrahmana, Samavidhanabrahmana, Devatadhyayabrahmana,Chanddogyopanishad-brahmana, Vamshabrahmana and Samhitopanishadbrahmana.

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

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

−

== अथर्व वेदः || Atharva Veda ==

−

=== Etymology ===

Atharvana or Atharva Veda (Samskrit : अथर्वण or अथर्व) थु्र्वी हिंसायाम् धातु undergoes change into थर्व. अथर्व means that which is devoid of himsa or harm to others.

Line 325: Line 282:

# Contains the knowledge of Brahman

# The mantras of this veda were revealed to the rishi named Brahma.

−

=== Atharva Veda Vibhajana ===

−

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text revealed to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] rishis. Atharvasamhita of Shaunaka shaka has the following divisions of the text.<ref name=":0" />

+

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text revealed to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] rishis. Atharvasamhita of Shaunaka shaka has the following divisions of the text.<ref name=":0" />

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas ►</nowiki>

Line 333: Line 289:

!<nowiki>| Prapathaka ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantras </nowiki>

−

|}

+

|}It has 20 Kandas, 760<ref name=":223222" />, 730<ref name=":0" /> 731<ref name=":0223222" /> Suktas, 36 Prapathakas and 5987 (5977<ref name=":0223222" />) mantras. Most of the mantras are metrical, but some sections are in prose. About 20% of the mantras are from Rig veda.

−

It has 20 Kandas, 760<ref name=":223222" />, 730<ref name=":0" /> 731<ref name=":0223222" /> Suktas, 36 Prapathakas and 5987 (5977<ref name=":0223222" />) mantras. Most of the mantras are metrical, but some sections are in prose. About 20% of the mantras are from Rig veda.

−

=== Shakas ===

According to Atharvana Parishista, Charanavyuha, Prapanchahrudaya, Pathanjali's Mahabhasya and Kurma Purana and Sarvanukramani, Atharvana veda had 9 shakas. Another version of Sarvanukramani and Muktikopanishad mention the existence of 50 shakas. The 9 shakas according to Charanavyuha are, slightly different from other versions, given as follows

Line 348: Line 302:

# Pippalada (incomplete version)

# Saunaka

−

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

Like Rigveda from where Atharvana veda takes a significant part, the chandas here include Anustuph, Tristup along with many other new chandas or metrical forms. Worship of many devatas is also seen along with the acceptance of the Supreme Being. The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.

−

=== Content ===

As the Atharva Veda Samhita has some special features it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals more with worldly things than with the other worlds and the yajnas mentioned here are utilized as a means to them. Amidst mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are also found in this Veda.

−

This Veda contains many types of mantras for the following worldly or materialistic purposes<ref>Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>

+

This Veda contains many types of mantras for the following worldly or materialistic purposes<ref>Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>

* To ward off evils and hardship, snakes, and supernatural forces such as demons.

* To destroy enemies

Line 366: Line 318:

* Related to Supreme Reality, Immortality and other philosophical matters.

* Creation and emergence of the Universe. .

−

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, their customs and beliefs, the social economic conditions, agricultural and scientific matters, the requirements of people in everyday life in Vedic era ranging from mantras for snakes to those associated with kings and governance.

−

=== Famous Aspects ===

* पृथ्वी सूक्तं || Prithvi Suktam

* Madhuvidya Suktam

* Kanda 15 is called व्रात्यकाण्ड || Vratya kanda. It deals about people whose origin and nature is debated by many scholars, and they did not follow any kind of vaidika kriyas, nor had respect for any rituals.<ref name=":223222" />

−

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

Only one Brahmana called Gopatha Brahmana has been discovered. No Aranyaka of this Veda has come to light so far.

Line 385: Line 334:

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

Different texts of Vedic literature is further classified as follows<ref>Mani, Vettam. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>.

−

=== संहिता || Samhitas ===

Samhitas (Samskrit : ), are collections of mantras 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 shakas (recensions).

Line 392: Line 340:

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 ===

The Brahmanas are commentaries, explanation of ceremonial Srauta yajnas giving the meaning of mantras in Vedic Samhitas of the four Vedas. They also incorporate legends and in some cases philosophy. Each 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.

Line 399: Line 346:

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 ===

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.

Line 406: Line 352:

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 ===

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 Sri Adi Sankaracharya who lived between 788 and 820 A.D. chose to comment upon.

Line 430: Line 375:

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 ==

Ckanak93

Bureaucrats, Moderators, Administrators

4,468

edits

Changes

Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्) (view source)

Revision as of 16:53, 5 March 2018

Navigation menu

Search