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Brahmanas (Samskrit: {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मणम्}}) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and associated usage in vaidika kriyas.

Brahmanas (Samskrit : ब्राह्मणम्) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and associated usage in vaidika kriyas.

== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==

The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":0222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref>. The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 

The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":0222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref>. The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various yajnas and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 

Another opinion states: "The ''Samhitas'' and the ''Brahmanas'' form the ''Karma''-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They are apparently concerned with the ceremonial rites and rituals. The ''Aranyakas'' and the Upanishads form the Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref name=":1222"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>

Another opinion states: "The ''Samhitas'' and the ''Brahmanas'' form the ''Karma''-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They are apparently concerned with the ceremonial rites and rituals. The ''Aranyakas'' and the Upanishads form the Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and adhyatmikism.<ref name=":1222"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>

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.<ref name=":2222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>

Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform yajnika rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the yajna. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>

Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform sacrificial rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the sacrifice. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>

Dr. K.S. Narayanacharya explains that Brahmanas are meant as explanatory texts, attached to each branch, in simple prose. <blockquote>''"These quote the original texts and then add notes, in order to decipher the symbolic language of the basic texts sometimes, using language of myths and giving us clues, etymologies and connecting different portions together, some other times".<ref name=":2222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>''</blockquote>

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

The word {{lang|2=ब्राह्मणम्}} || Brahmana in neuter gender means Brahmana texts. One wonders why these literary compositions are given this name even though the authors of Brahmanas and their commentators have not offered any definition of this word.  

The word Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्) in neuter gender means Brahmana texts. One wonders why these literary compositions are given this name even though the authors of Brahmanas and their commentators have not offered any definition of this word.  

* According to '''Shatapatha Brahmana''' the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.<ref name=":1">Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) ''Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu.'' Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press</ref>  

* According to '''Shatapatha Brahmana''' the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.<ref name=":1">Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) ''Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu.'' Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press</ref>  

<blockquote>ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)</blockquote><blockquote>सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म। (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)</blockquote>The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || Brahman which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "Brahma Vai Mantrah"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || brih 'to grow', 'to expand'. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of sacrifice or ''Yajna''.<ref name=":2">''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/ Introduction to Brahmanas]'' By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Delhi University From Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>  

<blockquote>ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः । ''brahma vai mantraḥ'' (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)</blockquote><blockquote>सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म । (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)</blockquote><blockquote>''saptākṣaraṁ vai brahmargityekamakṣaraṁ yajuritidve sāmeti dve atha yadato'nyadbrahmaiva taddvyakṣaraṁ vai brahma tadetatsarvaṁsaptākṣaraṁ brahma।''</blockquote>The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || Brahman which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "''brahma vai mantraḥ''"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || ''br̥ḥ'' 'to grow', 'to expand'. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of ''Yajna''.<ref name=":2">''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/ Introduction to Brahmanas]'' By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Delhi University From Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>  

* '''Apastamba''' ('''आपस्तम्बः)''' clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (sacrificial rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.<ref name=":1" />  

* '''Apastamba''' ('''आपस्तम्बः)''' clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (yajnika rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.<ref name=":1" />  

<blockquote>मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)<ref>Apastamba Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AA Prashna 24])</ref></blockquote>The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, that meaning which is hidden (not easily understandable), is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.

<blockquote>मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)<ref>Apastamba Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AA Prashna 24])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''mantrabrāhmaṇe yajñasya pramāṇam 30 mantrabrāhmaṇayorvedanāmadheyam 31 karmacodanā brāhmaṇāni 32''</blockquote>The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, that meaning which is hidden (not easily understandable), is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.

* '''Purvamimamsa''' (मीमांसासूत्राणि) and '''Shabara bhashyam''' says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.<ref name=":1" />  

* '''Purvamimamsa''' (मीमांसासूत्राणि) and '''Shabara bhashyam''' says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.<ref name=":1" />  

<blockquote>शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || (Purv. Mima. 2.1.33)<ref>Purvamimamsa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF 2.1.33])</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || ''śeṣe brāhmaṇa śabdaḥ ||'' (Purv. Mima. 2.1.33)<ref>Purvamimamsa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF 2.1.33])</ref></blockquote>

* '''Sayanaacharya''' has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>''"Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".''</blockquote>

* '''Sayanacharya''' has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>''"Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".''</blockquote>

''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] or [[Upanishad|Upanishads]] in their own right.  Each Vedic ''[[shakha]]'' (शाखा school) has its own ''Brahmana''. Numerous ''Brahmana'' texts existed in ancient India, many of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety.

''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] or Upanishads in their own right.  Each Vedic ''[[shakha]]'' (शाखा | school) has its own ''Brahmana''. Numerous ''Brahmana'' texts existed in ancient India, many of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety.

== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ==

== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ==

=== Topics ===

=== Topics ===

According to Apasthamba , these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi, Arthavada, Ninda, Prashansha (same as Stuti), Purakalpa and Parakriti.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Sayanacharya states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavada only:<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>द्विविधम् ब्राह्मणम् विधिः अर्थवादश्च ||</blockquote>Thus the four Stuti, Ninda, Purakalpa and Parakriti may be classified under the heading Arthavada. In Shabara Bhasyam under the heading ब्राह्मणनिर्वचनाधिकरणम् the different aspects of Brahmanas are explained.

According to Apastamba, these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi, Arthavada, Ninda, Prashansha (same as Stuti), Purakalpa and Parakriti.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Sayanacharya states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavada only:<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>द्विविधम् ब्राह्मणम् विधिः अर्थवादश्च || ''dvividham brāhmaṇam vidhiḥ arthavādaśca ||''</blockquote>Thus the four Stuti, Ninda, Purakalpa and Parakriti may be classified under the heading Arthavada. In Shabara Bhashya under the heading ब्राह्मणनिर्वचनाधिकरणम् | ''brāhmaṇanirvacanādhikaraṇam'' the different aspects of Brahmanas are explained.

# ''विधिः || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites. Example : विधिः, यजमानसम्मिता उदुम्बरी भवति। as given in Shabara Bhasyam. This is further divided under two headings :  

# ''विधिः || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites. Example : विधिः, यजमानसम्मिता उदुम्बरी भवति। ''vidhiḥ, yajamānasammitā udumbarī bhavati।'' as given in Shabara Bhashya. This is further divided under two headings :  

#* Apavrittapravartaka (अपवृत्तप्रवर्तकम्) injunctions which promote the yajamana into conducting yajnas previously not undertaken by him.

#* Apavrittapravartaka (अपवृत्तप्रवर्तकम्) injunctions which promote the yajamana into conducting yajnas previously not undertaken by him.

#* Ajnatajnapaka (अज्ञातज्ञापकम्) injunctions which informs the yajamana about the procedure of a yajna.

#* Ajnatajnapaka (अज्ञातज्ञापकम्) injunctions which informs the yajamana about the procedure of a yajna.

# ''अर्थवादः || Arthavada'' comprises the numerous recommendations and the explanatory remarks on the meaning of mantras and particular rites.

# ''अर्थवादः || Arthavada'' comprises the numerous recommendations and the explanatory remarks on the meaning of mantras and particular rites.

#* ''स्तुतिः || Sthuti or प्रशंसा || Prashansha'' means eulogy and recommendation of the injunctions. Example : प्रशंसा, वायुर्वै क्षेपिष्ठा देवता (Shab. Bhas. 1.2.7) <ref>Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/शबरभाष्यम्/प्रथमोऽध्यायः/द्वितीयः_पादः Adhyaya 1 Pada 2])</ref> which means Vayu is a devata who travels fast. Hence he can bestow results speedily, is stated in the praise of Vayudevata.  

#* ''स्तुतिः || Stuti or प्रशंसा || Prashamsa'' means eulogy and recommendation of the injunctions. Example : प्रशंसा, वायुर्वै क्षेपिष्ठा देवता | ''praśaṁsā, vāyurvai kṣepiṣṭhā devatā |'' (Shab. Bhas. 1.2.7) <ref>Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/शबरभाष्यम्/प्रथमोऽध्यायः/द्वितीयः_पादः Adhyaya 1 Pada 2])</ref> which means Vayu is a devata who travels fast. Hence he can bestow results speedily, is stated in the praise of Vayudevata.  

#* ''निन्दा  || Ninda'' or censure consists in criticism and refutation of the opponents' views.<ref name=":2" /> However, according to another version, Ninda indicates the actions which should not be performed and prevents one from doing them. Example : निन्दा, उपवीता वा एतस्याग्नयः।(Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3">Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2 Pada 1])</ref> <ref name=":1" />  

#* ''निन्दा  || Ninda'' or censure consists in criticism and refutation of the opponents' views.<ref name=":2" /> However, according to another version, Ninda indicates the actions which should not be performed and prevents one from doing them. Example : निन्दा, उपवीता वा एतस्याग्नयः। ''nindā, upavītā vā etasyāgnayaḥ।'' (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3">Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2 Pada 1])</ref> <ref name=":1" />  

#* ''परकृतिः || Parakriti'' indicates the antagonistic injunctions  followed by others. Example : परकृतिः माषानेव मह्यं पचतीति। <ref name=":1" /> <ref name=":3" />

#* ''परकृतिः || Parakriti'' indicates the antagonistic injunctions  followed by others. Example : परकृतिः माषानेव मह्यं पचतीति। ''parakr̥tiḥ māṣāneva mahyaṁ pacatīti।'' <ref name=":1" /> <ref name=":3" />

#* ''पुराकल्पः || Puraakalpa'' refers to the performance of sacrificial rites in former times.<ref name=":2" /> According to another version, purakalpa refers to the historical record. Example : पुरा ब्राह्मणाअभैषुः इति पुराकल्पः ।<ref>Vachaspatyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A7 See Brahmana])</ref> <ref name=":1" />   

#* ''पुराकल्पः || Puraakalpa'' refers to the performance of yajnika rites in former times.<ref name=":2" /> According to another version, purakalpa refers to the historical record. Example : पुरा ब्राह्मणाअभैषुः इति पुराकल्पः । ''purā brāhmaṇāabhaiṣuḥ iti purākalpaḥ ।'' <ref>Vachaspatyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A7 See Brahmana])</ref> <ref name=":1" />   

Thus the main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it.<ref name=":2" /> Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:<ref>Sharma, Ram Murthy. (1987 2nd edition) ''Vaidik Sahitya ka Itihas'' Delhi : Eastern Book Linkers</ref><blockquote>हेतुर्निर्वचनं निन्दा प्रशंसा संशयो विधिः। परक्रिया पुराकल्पो व्यवधारणकल्पना।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>उपमानं दशैते तु विधयो ब्राह्मणस्य तु। एतद्वै सर्ववेदेषु नियतं विधिलक्षणम्।।</blockquote>

Thus the main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it.<ref name=":2" /> Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:<ref>Sharma, Ram Murthy. (1987 2nd edition) ''Vaidik Sahitya ka Itihas'' Delhi : Eastern Book Linkers</ref><blockquote>हेतुर्निर्वचनं निन्दा प्रशंसा संशयो विधिः। परक्रिया पुराकल्पो व्यवधारणकल्पना।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>उपमानं दशैते तु विधयो ब्राह्मणस्य तु। एतद्वै सर्ववेदेषु नियतं विधिलक्षणम्।।</blockquote><blockquote>''heturnirvacanaṁ nindā praśaṁsā saṁśayo vidhiḥ। parakriyā purākalpo vyavadhāraṇakalpanā।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)''</blockquote><blockquote>''upamānaṁ daśaite tu vidhayo brāhmaṇasya tu। etadvai sarvavedeṣu niyataṁ vidhilakṣaṇam।।''</blockquote>

# ''हेतुः || Hetu'' - reasons

# ''हेतुः || Hetu'' - reasons

# ''निर्वचनम् || Nirvacana'' - etymology

# ''निर्वचनम् || Nirvacana'' - etymology

# ''व्यवधारण कल्पना || Vyavadharana''- Kalpana - managerial application

# ''व्यवधारण कल्पना || Vyavadharana''- Kalpana - managerial application

# ''उपमानम् || Upamana'' - illustration.

# ''उपमानम् || Upamana'' - illustration.

''Yajna'' is not only sacrifice. In Brahmanas we find it symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.<ref name=":2" />

''Yajna'' is not only yajna. In Brahmanas we find it symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.<ref name=":2" />

=== Texual Design ===

=== Texual Design ===

* Importance to Yajnas and yagas (यज्ञजीवत्वम्)

* Importance to Yajnas and yagas (यज्ञजीवत्वम्)

== Classification of Brahmanas ==

== Classification of Brahmanas ==

Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular [[shakha]] or school. Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas which are listed here:

Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular shakha or school. Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas which are listed here:

=== Rig Samhita ===

=== Rig Samhita ===

There are two available brahamanas associated with Rig veda.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />

There are two available brahamanas associated with Rig veda.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />

# '''ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana''' :  It consists of 8 Panchikas each containing 5 adhyayas thus a total of 40 ''adhyayas'' (अध्याय '''|''' lessons, chapters) are present. Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana (बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण) is the same as Aitareya brahmana belonging to the Shakala shaka of Rig Samhita.<ref name=":1" /> In this brahmana the first 16 adhyayas deal with Soma sacrifice. Apart from this Agnistoma, Hotri krityas for yajnas like Jyotistoma, Atiratram, Gavamana and Agnihotra rituals are described.   

# '''ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana''' :  It consists of 8 Panchikas each containing 5 adhyayas thus a total of 40 ''adhyayas'' (अध्याय '''|''' lessons, chapters) are present. Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana (बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण) is the same as Aitareya brahmana belonging to the Shakala shaka of Rig Samhita.<ref name=":1" /> In this brahmana the first 16 adhyayas deal with Soma yajna. Apart from this Agnistoma, Hotri krityas for yajnas like Jyotistoma, Atiratram, Gavamana and Agnihotra rituals are described.   

# '''कौषितकि / साङ्खयन  ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana''' : It consists of 30 adhyayas and belongs to the Shankhyayana and Bashkala shakas of Rig Samhita.  The first six adhyayas are dedicated to food sacrifice and the remaining to Soma sacrifice in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana. However, differences are seen with respect to Agnyadhana, Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa istis, Chaturmasya yajnas.     

# '''कौषितकि / साङ्खयन  ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana''' : It consists of 30 adhyayas and belongs to the Shankhyayana and Bashkala shakas of Rig Samhita.  The first six adhyayas are dedicated to food yajna and the remaining to Soma yajna in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana. However, differences are seen with respect to Agnyadhana, Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa istis, Chaturmasya yajnas.     

Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.  

Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.  

# '''Shukla-Yajurveda''' : (1) Madhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.  

# '''Shukla-Yajurveda''' : (1) Madhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.  

# '''Krishna-Yajurveda''' : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.  

# '''Krishna-Yajurveda''' : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.  

The Shatapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes [[Upanayana]], a ceremony that marked the start of [[Brahmacharya]] (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]]. The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous [[Brhadaranyaka Upanishad]] form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.  

The Shatapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes Upanayana, a ceremony that marked the start of Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]]. The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous Brhadaranyaka Upanishad form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.  

Brahmana associated with Maitrayani Shaka is not available.   

Brahmana associated with Maitrayani Shaka is not available.   

# '''जैमिनीय ब्राह्मण || Jaiminiya Brahmana''' (तलवकार ।Talavakara) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.  

# '''जैमिनीय ब्राह्मण || Jaiminiya Brahmana''' (तलवकार ।Talavakara) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.  

# '''तानद्य || Taandya''' (प्रौढ । Proudha or महाब्राह्मणम्। Mahabrahmana or  पञ्चविंश । Panchavimsha Brahmana) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma (कौथुम) and Ranayaniya (राणायनीय) shakhas. This is one of the oldest, vast and most important of Brahmanas which includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas and Gavayamana yajnas.''

# '''तानद्य || Taandya''' (प्रौढ । Proudha or महाब्राह्मणम्। Mahabrahmana or  पञ्चविंश । Panchavimsha Brahmana) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma (कौथुम) and Ranayaniya (राणायनीय) shakhas. This is one of the oldest, vast and most important of Brahmanas which includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas and Gavayamana yajnas.''

# '''छान्दोग्य || Chandogya''' (Mantra) Brahmana is one of the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (प्रपाठकः। chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the [[Chandogya Upanishad]].

# '''छान्दोग्य || Chandogya''' (Mantra) Brahmana is one of the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (प्रपाठकः। chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the Chandogya Upanishad.

Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana<ref name=":1" />  

Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana<ref name=":1" />  

Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shaatyayana brahmanas.   

Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shatyayana brahmanas.   

=== Atharva Samhita ===

=== Atharva Samhita ===

(1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana.  Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.  

(1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana.  Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.  

!'''Shukla-Yajurveda'''

!'''Shukla-Yajurveda'''

|Madhyandina and Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana

|Madhyandina and Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana

| rowspan="2" |Charaka, Svetasvatara, Kaathaka, or Shataadhyayana, Maitraayani, Jaabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chaagaleya

| rowspan="2" |Charaka, Shvetashvatara, Kathaka, or Shatyayana, Maitrayani, Jabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chagaleya

|-

|-

!'''Krishna-Yajurveda'''

!'''Krishna-Yajurveda'''

|Taittriya Brahmana

|Taittiriya Brahmana

|-

|-

!Samaveda

!Samaveda

|Jaiminiya (जैमिनीय) Tandya (तानद्य) and Chandogya Brahmana (छान्दोग्य)

|Jaiminiya (जैमिनीय) Tandya (ताण्ड्य) and Chandogya Brahmana (छान्दोग्य)

|Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shaatyayana brahmanas

|Bhallavi, Kala, Rauruki, and Shatadhyayana brahmanas

|-

|-

!Atharvaveda

!Atharvaveda