Changes

* Aranyakas exactly as the brahmanas use etymologies for emphasizing the significance of any particular rite. For Ex Aitareya Aranyaka (2.2.2) in the Mahavrata rite the significance of Prana (प्राण: | Breath) is emphasized.

* Aranyakas exactly as the brahmanas use etymologies for emphasizing the significance of any particular rite. For Ex Aitareya Aranyaka (2.2.2) in the Mahavrata rite the significance of Prana (प्राण: | Breath) is emphasized.

* Indirect designation is vastly used in Aranyakas for explaining instances or descriptions related to deities by paroksha vidhana (परोक्ष विधानम्). For ex : derivation of name of Indra (Aitr. Aran. 2.4.3) and explanation of word Pada (Aitr. Aran. 2.2.2) <ref name=":0">I. C. Deshpande (1975) Ph. D. Thesis : ''[http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121 A Critical Study of the Aranyakas.]'' Savitribai Phule Pune University.</ref>

* Indirect designation is vastly used in Aranyakas for explaining instances or descriptions related to deities by paroksha vidhana (परोक्षविधानम्). For ex : derivation of name of Indra (Aitr. Aran. 2.4.3) and explanation of word Pada (Aitr. Aran. 2.2.2) <ref name=":0">I. C. Deshpande (1975) Ph. D. Thesis : ''[http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/10603/152121 A Critical Study of the Aranyakas.]'' Savitribai Phule Pune University.</ref>

=== Comparison of Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

=== Comparison of 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 yajnas) from outer or formal or actions involved in yajnas. 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 yajnas (consisting of oblations of rice or milk) and to focus on the inner or mental yajnas substituting them with simpler ceremonial items such as water. For example, for Arunachiti the bricks are used in the form of water (Tait. Aran. 1.22).<ref name=":0" />   

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 yajnas) from outer or formal or actions involved in yajnas. Thus, the words Atma and Brahman are substituted for the word Prana in the Aranyakas. The aranyavasis (अरण्यवासिनः) are trained to wean away from the performance of outer worldly formal yajnas (consisting of oblations of rice or milk) and to focus on the inner or mental yajnas substituting them with simpler ceremonial items such as water. For example, for Arunachiti the bricks are used in the form of water (Tait. Aran. 1.22).<ref name=":0" />   

Thus, although yajnas are described in Aranyakas they expound their symbolism and mysticism rather than focus on the action of the yajna-karmas and the associated rules for their performance and the explanation of the rites.  For ex the Pravargya (प्रवर्ग्य ) ritual is described in the Taittiriya Aranyaka identifies Pravargya with the sun or Aditya (Tait. Aran. 5.4.8) suggesting that the essence consists of meditating upon it as Aditya rather than in performing the actual ritual. Arunaketuka deals with Arunaketuka or fire, which begins with a highly philosophical description of  kaala (कालः).<ref name=":0" />

Thus, although yajnas are described in Aranyakas they expound their symbolism and mysticism rather than focus on the action of the yajna-karmas and the associated rules for their performance and the explanation of the rites.  For ex the Pravargya (प्रवर्ग्य ) ritual is described in the Taittiriya Aranyaka identifies Pravargya with the sun or Aditya (Tait. Aran. 5.4.8) suggesting that the essence consists of meditating upon it as Aditya rather than in performing the actual ritual. Arunaketuka deals with Arunaketuka or fire, which begins with a highly philosophical description of  kala (कालः).<ref name=":0" />

The creation of the universe, the power of the Supreme, Om, atma and the cycle of birth and death are explained in Brhadaranyaka in a simple manner. No nation, no country, no culture in this age of science has been able to produce such great truths related to the knowledge of the Self and the Brahman as are mentioned in this Aranyaka. In this reference the [[Yajnavalkya Maitreyi samvada (याज्ञवल्क्यमैत्रेय्योः संवादः)|Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi samvada]] is often quoted. Brhadaranyaka found in the Shatapatha Brahmana which is highly referred of all Upanishads, is regarded as the Brhadaranyaka-Upanishad also.  

The creation of the universe, the power of the Supreme, Om, atma and the cycle of birth and death are explained in Brhadaranyaka in a simple manner. No nation, no country, no culture in this age of science has been able to produce such great truths related to the knowledge of the Self and the Brahman as are mentioned in this Aranyaka. In this reference the [[Yajnavalkya Maitreyi samvada (याज्ञवल्क्यमैत्रेय्योः संवादः)|Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi samvada]] is often quoted. Brhadaranyaka found in the Shatapatha Brahmana which is highly referred of all Upanishads, is regarded as the Brhadaranyaka-Upanishad also.  

| rowspan="2" |Paingi, Bahvrichi, Asvalayana and Galava Aranyakas

| rowspan="2" |Paingi, Bahvrichi, Asvalayana and Galava Aranyakas

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|Kaushitaki/Shankhyayana

|Kaushitaki/Shankhayana

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! rowspan="2" |Krishna Yajurveda

! rowspan="2" |Krishna Yajurveda

* '''Mahidasa Aitareya''', who had compiled and expounded the Aitareya Brahmana also expounded the first of the three (books) Aranyakas of the Aitareya Aranyaka.   

* '''Mahidasa Aitareya''', who had compiled and expounded the Aitareya Brahmana also expounded the first of the three (books) Aranyakas of the Aitareya Aranyaka.   

* '''Ashvalayana''' expounded the fourth Aranyaka.   

* '''Ashvalayana''' expounded the fourth Aranyaka.   

* '''Saunaka''' compiled the fifth.   

* '''Shaunaka''' compiled the fifth.   

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, 3. 2. 3. 12). Thus the Aranyaka introduces the concept of unifying the different aspects given in Vedas thus paving way to philosophical considerations.  

Aitareya Aranyaka says ‘The same Real is worshiped as Uktha (उक्थ) in the Rk, as Agni in the Yajuh and as Mahavrata in the Sama.’ (Aitareya Aranyaka, 3. 2. 3. 12). Thus the Aranyaka introduces the concept of unifying the different aspects given in Vedas thus paving way to philosophical considerations.  

* '''The First Aranyaka''' : The importance of ‘Maha-vrata’ (which is a part of the Gavaamayana sattra, described in Aitareya Brahmana), a form of Agnistoma yajna (one of the Haviryajnas). The most important constituent of Mahavrata, is the pressing of soma plant and the chanting of Mahavrata stotra made up of five Samans, and the day it is chanted is called Mahavrata Day.<ref name=":0" /> There are eulogies about Indra getting the power to kill Vrtrasura because of Somapana by conducting Mahavrata.<ref name=":1" /> Because of the power of these mantras, they should not be heard by pregnant women.<ref name=":42" />  

* '''The First Aranyaka''' : The importance of ‘Mahavrata’ (which is a part of the Gavaamayana sattra, described in Aitareya Brahmana), a form of Agnistoma yajna (one of the Haviryajnas). The most important constituent of Mahavrata, is the pressing of soma plant and the chanting of Mahavrata stotra made up of five Samans, and the day it is chanted is called Mahavrata Day.<ref name=":0" /> There are eulogies about Indra getting the power to kill Vrtrasura because of Somapana by conducting Mahavrata.<ref name=":1" /> Because of the power of these mantras, they should not be heard by pregnant women.<ref name=":42" />  

* '''The Second Aranyaka''' : It has six adhyayas of which the first three are about Uktha, and ‘[[Pranavidya (प्राणविद्या)|Pranavidya]]’ – meaning, Prana, the Vital Air that constitutes the life-breath of a living body is also the life-breath of all mantras, all vedas and all vedic declarations (cf. 2.2.2 of Aitareya Aranyaka). It is in this portion of the Aranyaka that one finds specific statements about how one who follows the vedic injunctions and performs the yajnas goes to become the Agnidevata, Fire, or the Sun or Air and how one who transgresses the Vedic prescriptions is born into lower levels of being, namely, as birds and reptiles. Adhyayas 4 to 6 constitute the [[Aitareya Upanishad]].<ref name=":4" />

* '''The Second Aranyaka''' : It has six adhyayas of which the first three are about Uktha, and ‘[[Pranavidya (प्राणविद्या)|Pranavidya]]’ – meaning, Prana, the Vital Air that constitutes the life-breath of a living body is also the life-breath of all mantras, all vedas and all vedic declarations (cf. 2.2.2 of Aitareya Aranyaka). It is in this portion of the Aranyaka that one finds specific statements about how one who follows the vedic injunctions and performs the yajnas goes to become the Agnidevata, Fire, or the Sun or Air and how one who transgresses the Vedic prescriptions is born into lower levels of being, namely, as birds and reptiles. Adhyayas 4 to 6 constitute the Aitareya Upanishad.<ref name=":4" />

* '''The Third Aranyaka''' : It is also known as ‘Samhitopanishad’. This elaborates on the various ways – like samhita, pada-paatha (पद पाठ), krama-paatha (क्रम पाठ), etc. – of reciting the Vedas and the nuances of the svaras (स्वर-s), division of vowels and consonants. It also contains the references of Shakalya and Mandukeya and describes the usage of technical words like निर्भुज (samhita) प्रतृष्ण (pada), sandhi, etc.<ref name=":4" />   

* '''The Third Aranyaka''' : It is also known as ‘Samhitopanishad’. This elaborates on the various ways – like samhita, pada-patha (पदपाठ:), krama-patha (क्रमपाठ:), etc. – of reciting the Vedas and the nuances of the svaras (स्वर-s), division of vowels and consonants. It also contains the references of Shakalya and Mandukeya and describes the usage of technical words like निर्भुज (samhita) प्रतृष्ण (pada), sandhi, etc.<ref name=":4" />   

* '''The Fourth Aranyaka''' : A small aranyaka containing the collection of ‘Mahaanaamni richaas (महानाम्नी ऋचाः)’ that are chanted on the 5th day of Mahavrata. These are also available in Samaveda.

* '''The Fourth Aranyaka''' : A small aranyaka containing the collection of ‘Mahanamni rchas (महानाम्नी ऋचाः)’ that are chanted on the 5th day of Mahavrata. These are also available in Samaveda.

* '''The Fifth Aranyaka''' : It is devoted to the nishkevalya sastra. This is in sutra style and recited during the afternoon ceremony of the Mahavrata.<ref name=":4" />  

* '''The Fifth Aranyaka''' : It is devoted to the nishkevalya shastra. This is in sutra style and recited during the afternoon ceremony of the Mahavrata.<ref name=":4" />  

Aitareya Aranyaka presents highest level of spiritual thoughts, explains about universality and mentions the vyutpatti or etymology of a large number of rshi names.<ref name=":1" />

Aitareya Aranyaka presents highest level of spiritual thoughts, explains about universality and mentions the vyutpatti or etymology of a large number of rshi names.<ref name=":1" />

=== Taittiriya Aranyaka ===

=== Taittiriya Aranyaka ===

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

* Prapathaka 1 (called as Bhadram) discusses the upasana of Arunaketuka fire and Istaka-chayana. Suryopasakas (those who worship Surya) call this Aruna. The practice of chanting these mantras while performing Suryanamaskaras to prevent all diseases is seen in the present days also. This prapathaka also discusses the tattva of Surya, Saptasuryas, formation and nature of a year, seasons.<ref name=":42" />  

* Prapathaka 1 (called as Bhadra) discusses the upasana of Arunaketuka fire and Ishtakachayana. Suryopasakas (those who worship Surya) call this Aruna. The practice of chanting these mantras while performing Suryanamaskaras to prevent all diseases is seen in the present days also. This prapathaka also discusses the tattva of Surya, Saptasuryas, formation and nature of a year, seasons.<ref name=":42" />  

* Prapathaka 2 (Sahavai) is about five Mahā-yajñas which include Svaadhyaya, the Panchamahayajnas, Yagnopaveeta dharana vidhi (ceremonially wearing the upaveeta) and its importance, arghyapradana (offering of water), sandhya and enumerate the mantras for Kushmanda homa.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":42" />  

* Prapathaka 2 (Sahavai) is about five Mahayajnas which include Svadhyaya, the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], Yagnopavita dharana vidhi (ceremonially wearing the upavita) and its importance, arghyapradana (offering of water), sandhya and enumerate the mantras for Kushmanda homa.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":42" />  

* Prapathaka 3 (Chitti), contains mantras for Chaturhotra-chiti, Brahmamedha and Purushamedha.  

* Prapathaka 3 (Chitti), contains mantras for Chaturhotra-chiti, Brahmamedha and Purushamedha.  

* Prapathaka 4 (Yunjate), provides the mantras used in the [[pravargya]] yajna. Here there is a description of Kurukshetra and geographical location of Khandava vana. There is a description of 'Abhichara' mantras also in this section to defeat the enemies.<ref name=":4" />

* Prapathaka 4 (Yunjate), provides the mantras used in the pravargya yajna. Here there is a description of Kurukshetra and geographical location of Khandava vana. There is a description of 'Abhichara' mantras also in this section to defeat the enemies.<ref name=":4" />

* Prapathaka 5 (Devavai), contains the brahmana or the explanation of the Pravargya-yajna.  

* Prapathaka 5 (Devavai), contains the brahmana or the explanation of the Pravargya-yajna.  

* Prapathaka 6 (Pare), contains the पित्रमेध || ‘pitṛmedha’ mantras, recited during the rituals for the disposal of the dead body.  

* Prapathaka 6 (Pare), contains the ‘pitṛmedha’ (पितृमेधः) mantras, recited during the rituals for the disposal of the dead body.  

* Prapathakas 7 (Shiksha) a grammatical treatise, 8 (Brahmavidya) and 9 (Bhrgu), are the three vallis of the well-known [[Taittiriya Upanishad]].  

* Prapathakas 7 (Shiksha) a grammatical treatise, 8 (Brahmavidya) and 9 (Bhrgu), are the three vallis of the well-known Taittiriya Upanishad.  

* Prapathaka 10 (Narayaniya), is also known as the "[[Mahanarayana Upanishad]]" also considered as Khila kanda. The number of anuvakas in this section are varied and scholars have divergent views.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" />

* Prapathaka 10 (Narayaniya), is also known as the "Mahanarayana Upanishad" also considered as Khila kanda. The number of anuvakas in this section are varied and scholars have divergent views.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" />

Other important parts of this Aranyaka include

Other important parts of this Aranyaka include

The famous Subrahmanya richa (1.12.3)

The famous Subrahmanya rcha (1.12.3)

The description of hell is mentioned. (1.20.1).

The description of hell is mentioned. (1.20.1).

Four types of waters are mentioned - चत्वारि व अपाम् रूपाणि | मेघो विद्युत स्तनयित्नुर्वृष्टिः || Chatvari va apaam rupaani. Megho vidyut stanayitnurvrishtih (1.24.1)

Four types of waters are mentioned - चत्वारि व अपाम् रूपाणि | मेघो विद्युत स्तनयित्नुर्वृष्टिः || Chatvari va apaam rupaani. Megho vidyut stanayitnurvrishtih (1.24.1)

The यज्ञोपवीत || yajnopavita (sacred thread) is found mentioned for the first time in this aranyaka. It is stated that a yajna performed by a person wearing the sacred thread was well recognised and brahmana reciting the vedas while wearing the sacred thread performs actually a yajna: प्रसृतो ह यज्ञोपवीतिनो यज्ञ. (2.1.1)

The yajnopavita (यज्ञोपवीतम् । sacred thread) is found mentioned for the first time in this aranyaka. It is stated that a yajna performed by a person wearing the sacred thread was well recognised and brahmana reciting the vedas while wearing the sacred thread performs actually a yajna: प्रसृतो ह यज्ञोपवीतिनो यज्ञ । ''prasr̥to ha yajñopavītino yajña'' (2.1.1)

Boudha bhikshus were designated as sramanas (श्रमणाः) in this aranyaka; the same word refers to a person who performs penance (2.7.1). It is the most useful aranyaka for explanations of many mantras.

Bauddha bhikshus were designated as shramanas (श्रमणाः) in this aranyaka; the same word refers to a person who performs penance (2.7.1). It is the most useful aranyaka for explanations of many mantras.

=== Brhadaaranyaka of Shukla Yajurveda ===

=== Brhadaranyaka of Shukla Yajurveda ===

The 14th section of the Shatapatha Brahmana is called as the Brhdaranyaka of Shukla Yajur veda.

The 14th section of the Shatapatha Brahmana is called as the Brhdaranyaka of Shukla Yajur veda.

Brhadaranyaka of Madhyandina shaka

Brhadaranyaka of Madhyandina shakha

It is the aranyaka associated with Shatapata brahmana of Shukla Yajurveda. It has 6 chapters and 44 sub brahmanas in all. These sub-brahmanas have further been divided into कण्ड || kandas and कण्डिका || kandikaas.  

It is the aranyaka associated with Shatapata brahmana of Shukla Yajurveda. It has 6 chapters and 44 sub brahmanas in all. These sub-brahmanas have further been divided into kandas (कण्डाः) and kandikas (कण्डिकाः).  

Brhadaranyaka of Kanva shaka

Brhadaranyaka of Kanva shakha

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 yajnas and the main subject matter relates to the soul. Yajnavalkya is the main character of this aranyaka with whom Raja Janaka of Videha engages in spiritual discussion. This Upanishad is widely popular and the exhalted image of Brahmavadinis like Gargi and Maitreyi is narrated in it.  

=== Talavakaara Aranyaka ===

=== Talavakara 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.

== References ==

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Vedas]]

[[Category:Vedas]]