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Line 341: − + − + + + + + + + + + + − 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. + − + + +
Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्) (view source)
Revision as of 15:00, 6 March 2018
, 15:00, 6 March 2018→ब्राह्मण || Brahmanas: added citations
Different texts of Vedic literature is further classified as follows<ref>Vettam, Mani. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>.
Different texts of Vedic literature is further classified as follows<ref>Vettam, Mani. (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 ===
=== 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).
Samhitas (Samskrit : संहिता) deal primarily with yagas and 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).
In some contexts, the term Veda is used to refer to these Samhitas. This is the oldest layer of Vedic texts, apart from the Rigveda, which is the oldest text in the world.
Yagas are of three types :
* Ekaha: A yaga that is completed in one day is called Ekaha. Ex: Jyotishtoma.
* Ahina: A yaga that is lasts between 2 to 12 days is called Ahina or sutya. Ex: a 12 day Sutyaka is Poundarika
* Satrayagam : A yaga that lasts from 12 days to a few years is called Satra. Ex : Gavamanas
In these samhitas, all karmas are described, they are of four types :
* Nityakarma : actions that are prescribed to be performed on a daily basis
* Naimittika karma
* Kamya karma
* Nishiddha karma
In some contexts, the term Veda is used to refer to these Samhitas. This is the oldest layer of Vedic texts, apart from the Rigveda, which is the oldest text in the world.<ref name=":2" />
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 ===
आपस्तम्ब || Apastamba defines Brahmanas as ‘कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि || Karmacodana Brahmanani’ meaning Brahmanas are injunctions for the performance of sacrificial rites (Apasthamba Shrau. Sut. 34 and 35). Some believe that what are not mantras are brahmanas (Jaimineeya Purvamimamsa 2.1.33)
Each of the Brahmanas is associated with one of the Samhitas or its recensions. The Brahmanas may either form separate texts or can be partly integrated into the text of the Samhitas. They may also include the Aranyakas and Upanishads. The substance of the Brahmana text varies with each Veda. For example, the first chapter of the Chandogya Brahmana, one of the oldest Brahmanas, includes eight ritual suktas (hymns) for the ceremony of marriage and rituals at the birth of a child.
Brahmanas though are not metrical like the Vedic mantras contain prose with patha paddhati or recitation methods to chant them. They are commentaries or explanation of ceremonial Srauta yajnas giving the meaning of mantras in Vedic Samhitas of the four Vedas and depict the socio-economic conditions and religious aspects of the era. They also contain some legends and debates about a few differences in the rituals. 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.<ref name=":2" />
Each of the Brahmanas is associated with one of the Samhitas or its recensions. The Brahmanas may either form separate texts or can be partly integrated into the text of the Samhitas. They may also include the Aranyakas and Upanishads. The substance of the Brahmana text varies with each Veda.
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.