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Aaranyakas (Sanskrit आरण्यक) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature.  The term Aranyaka is derived from the word ‘अरण्य ॥ Aranya‘ meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ as against the Brahmanas, which were to be used by those in grihastha ashrama.

Aaranyakas (Sanskrit आरण्यक) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature.  The term Aranyaka is derived from the word ‘अरण्य ॥ Aranya‘ meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ as against the Brahmanas, which were to be used by those in grihastha ashrama.

Another learned author says: These are four different modes of expressing the same truths, each as a cross check against others so that misrepresentations are avoided, a method used and valid even today.^[3]

Another learned author says: These are four different modes of expressing the same truths, each as a cross check against others so that misrepresentations are avoided, a method used and valid even today.^[3]

==  Etymology ==

==  Etymology ==

Aranyakas are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with a huge bulk of sacrificial topics which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

Aranyakas are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with a huge bulk of sacrificial topics which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

Alternately, the reason might be that these texts were propounded by the Rishis who resided in the forests and thought upon the secrets of the ''Yajnas''. Aranyakas describe the actions of life and also acquisition of knowledge. These works form the basis of the रहस्य || ''Rahasya'' (secrets) discussed in the Upanishads, therefore, another name of the Aranyakas was ‘''Rahasya''‘ as well. This name is mentioned in the Gopatha Brahmana (2.10, Purvabhaga) and Manusmriti (2.140) Pg No 280 of Ref 5).

Alternately, the reason might be that these texts were propounded by the Rishis who resided in the forests and thought upon the secrets of the ''Yajnas''. Aranyakas describe the actions of life and also acquisition of knowledge. These works form the basis of the रहस्य || ''Rahasya'' (secrets) discussed in the Upanishads, therefore, another name of the Aranyakas was ‘''Rahasya''‘ as well. This name is mentioned in the Gopatha Brahmana (2.10, Purvabhaga) and Manusmriti (2.140) Pg No 280 of Ref 5).

==  '''Dating of Aranyaka''' ==

==  '''Dating of Aranyaka''' ==

'''They are said to have formed at the end of the Vedic period.'''

'''They are said to have formed at the end of the Vedic period.'''

==  Contents ==

==  Contents ==

The major contents of the Aranyakas are ब्रह्मविद्या || ''Brahmavidya'' (theosophy), उपासना || ''Upasana (''meditation) and प्राणविद्या || ''Pranavidya'' (knowledge of breath). They describe the secret meaning of the sacrifice and the concept of Brahma as well. They constitute a natural transition to the Upanishads. For example,

The major contents of the Aranyakas are ब्रह्मविद्या || ''Brahmavidya'' (theosophy), उपासना || ''Upasana (''meditation) and प्राणविद्या || ''Pranavidya'' (knowledge of breath). They describe the secret meaning of the sacrifice and the concept of Brahma as well. They constitute a natural transition to the Upanishads. For example,

Third to sixth Kandas of Kausitaki Aaranya forms the Kausitaki Upanishad.  

Third to sixth Kandas of Kausitaki Aaranya forms the Kausitaki Upanishad.  

=== Saamyam between Aranyakas and Brahmanas ===

=== Saamyam between Aranyakas and Brahmanas ===

Following are the similarities between Aranyakas and Brahmanas.

Following are the similarities between Aranyakas and Brahmanas.

* Indirect designation is vastly used in Aranyakas for explaining instances or descriptions related to deities by परोक्ष विधान || paroksha vidhana. For ex : derivation of name of Indra (AA II.4.3) and explanation of word Pada (AA II.2.2 Pg 16 of Chap 1 of Ref 6 http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121 ).

* Indirect designation is vastly used in Aranyakas for explaining instances or descriptions related to deities by परोक्ष विधान || paroksha vidhana. For ex : derivation of name of Indra (AA II.4.3) and explanation of word Pada (AA II.2.2 Pg 16 of Chap 1 of Ref 6 http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121 ).

=== Saamyam between Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

=== Saamyam between Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

The main characteristic bridging feature of the Aranyakas is the tendency of inwardisation or moving to the higher plane of mental faculties (symbolism and mental sacrifices) from rituals or actions.  Thus, the words Atma and Brahman are substituted for the word Prana in the Aranyakas. The aranya vaasis are trained to wean away from the performance of outer worldly formal sacrifices (consisting of oblations of rice or milk) and to focus on the inner or mental sacrifices substituting them with simpler ceremonial items such as water.   

The main characteristic bridging feature of the Aranyakas is the tendency of inwardisation or moving to the higher plane of mental faculties (symbolism and mental sacrifices) from rituals or actions.  Thus, the words Atma and Brahman are substituted for the word Prana in the Aranyakas. The aranya vaasis are trained to wean away from the performance of outer worldly formal sacrifices (consisting of oblations of rice or milk) and to focus on the inner or mental sacrifices substituting them with simpler ceremonial items such as water.   

In the Aranyakas we find certain important geographical, historical, social and cultural points also.  

In the Aranyakas we find certain important geographical, historical, social and cultural points also.  

== Classification of the Aranyakas ==

== Classification of the Aranyakas ==

Today only seven Aranyakas are available. There is no Aranyaka which belongs to the Atharvaveda.

Today only seven Aranyakas are available. There is no Aranyaka which belongs to the Atharvaveda.

# Maitrayaniya Aranyaka

# Maitrayaniya Aranyaka

Among them Aitareya Aranyaka, Shatapatha Aranyaka and Taittiriya Aranyaka are most important for study.

Among them Aitareya Aranyaka, Shatapatha Aranyaka and Taittiriya Aranyaka are most important for study.

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

The ''Aranyakas'' form the third part of the Vedas. The ''Aranyakas'' were developed by the hermits, living in the forests. The ''Aranyakas'' reflect an explicit transition in the philosophy of life of man. The speculative and intuitive thinking seems to be developing. Meditative thinking is conspicuous. The Vedic man seems to be turning from the gross to the subtle. His quest for knowledge seems to be intensified.<ref name=":122"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>

The ''Aranyakas'' form the third part of the Vedas. The ''Aranyakas'' were developed by the hermits, living in the forests. The ''Aranyakas'' reflect an explicit transition in the philosophy of life of man. The speculative and intuitive thinking seems to be developing. Meditative thinking is conspicuous. The Vedic man seems to be turning from the gross to the subtle. His quest for knowledge seems to be intensified.<ref name=":122"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>

Gopatha Brahmana is regarded as its Aranyaka, a remnant of a larger, lost Atharva (Paippalada) Brahmana.

Gopatha Brahmana is regarded as its Aranyaka, a remnant of a larger, lost Atharva (Paippalada) Brahmana.

=== Aitareya Aranyaka ===

=== Aitareya Aranyaka ===

Consists of five books each of which is again called Aranyaka. The five books together contain 18 adhyayas subdivided into Kandas.Mahidasa Aitereya, who had compiled and expounded the Aitereya Brahmana also expounded the first of the three (books) Aranyakas of the Aitereya Aranyaka.  The fourth was given by Ashvalaayana and the fifth by Saunaka. Aitareya Aranyaka says ‘The same Real is worshiped as उक्थ || Uktha in the Rk, as Agni in the Yajuh and as Mahavrata in the Sama.’ (Aitareya Aranyaka, III. 2. 3. 12). Thus the Aranyaka introduces the concept of unifying the different aspects given in Vedas thus paving way to philosophical considerations.  

Consists of five books each of which is again called Aranyaka. The five books together contain 18 adhyayas subdivided into Kandas.Mahidasa Aitereya, who had compiled and expounded the Aitereya Brahmana also expounded the first of the three (books) Aranyakas of the Aitereya Aranyaka.  The fourth was given by Ashvalaayana and the fifth by Saunaka. Aitareya Aranyaka says ‘The same Real is worshiped as उक्थ || Uktha in the Rk, as Agni in the Yajuh and as Mahavrata in the Sama.’ (Aitareya Aranyaka, III. 2. 3. 12). Thus the Aranyaka introduces the concept of unifying the different aspects given in Vedas thus paving way to philosophical considerations.  

* The fourth Aranyaka has a collection of ‘Mahaanaamni richaas’ also available in Saamaveda.

* The fourth Aranyaka has a collection of ‘Mahaanaamni richaas’ also available in Saamaveda.

* The fifth Aranyaka is devoted to the nishkaivalya sastra. This is in sutra style and recited during the afternoon ceremony of the mahavrata.  

* The fifth Aranyaka is devoted to the nishkaivalya sastra. This is in sutra style and recited during the afternoon ceremony of the mahavrata.  

=== Taittiriya Aranyaka ===

=== Taittiriya Aranyaka ===

Consists of 10 Prapathakas or Aranas or chapters which are divided into anuvakas.  The first two prapathakas are known as काथक || Kaathaka, which were not native to the tradition of the Taittiriya [[shakha]]. There is a disagreement about the number of अनुवाक || anuvakas and interpolations, as per the different commentators of the Tattiriya Aranyaka.

Consists of 10 Prapathakas or Aranas or chapters which are divided into anuvakas.  The first two prapathakas are known as काथक || Kaathaka, which were not native to the tradition of the Taittiriya [[shakha]]. There is a disagreement about the number of अनुवाक || anuvakas and interpolations, as per the different commentators of the Tattiriya Aranyaka.

it is the most useful aranyaka as it explains many mantras.

it is the most useful aranyaka as it explains many mantras.

=== Brhadaaranyaka of Yajurveda ===

=== Brhadaaranyaka of Yajurveda ===

Brhadaranyaka of Madhyandina shaka

Brhadaranyaka of Madhyandina shaka

This aranyaka is composed of 6 brahmanas or chapters and a total of 47 sub-brahmanas. however this aranyaka is also named as Upanishad. It has a description of the intricacies of yagnas and the main subject matter relates to the soul. Yagnavalkya is the main characted of this aranyaka with whom King Janaka of Videha engages in spiritual discussion. This Upanishad is widely popular and the exhalted image of Brahmavaadinis like Gargi and Maitreyi is narrated in it.  

This aranyaka is composed of 6 brahmanas or chapters and a total of 47 sub-brahmanas. however this aranyaka is also named as Upanishad. It has a description of the intricacies of yagnas and the main subject matter relates to the soul. Yagnavalkya is the main characted of this aranyaka with whom King Janaka of Videha engages in spiritual discussion. This Upanishad is widely popular and the exhalted image of Brahmavaadinis like Gargi and Maitreyi is narrated in it.  

=== Talavakaara Aranyaka ===

=== Talavakaara Aranyaka ===

Consists of four chapters, which are further subdivided into anuvakas and kandas. The famous Kenaopanishad consists of the 10th to 14th anuvaka of the 4th chapter.

Consists of four chapters, which are further subdivided into anuvakas and kandas. The famous Kenaopanishad consists of the 10th to 14th anuvaka of the 4th chapter.

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== References ==

== References ==

# Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Sanskrit Department, Delhi University at <nowiki>http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/</nowiki>

# Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Sanskrit Department, Delhi University at <nowiki>http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/</nowiki>

# A Comprehensive History of Vedic Literature, Brahmana and Aranyaka works by Satya Shrava

# A Comprehensive History of Vedic Literature, Brahmana and Aranyaka works by Satya Shrava

# A critical study of the Aranyakas by Deshpande, I. C.http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121

# A critical study of the Aranyakas by Deshpande, I. C.[http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121 http:/]