Changes

Samhita (Samskrit: संहिता) literally means "put together, joined" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses". Samhita has been used as a synonym for Vedas and hence used in exchange for each other.

Samhita (Samskrit: संहिता) literally means "put together, joined" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses". Samhita has been used as a synonym for Vedas and hence used in exchange for each other.

Each Veda has been subclassified into four major text types<ref name=":02222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref> <ref name=":02">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 29</ref>  

Each Veda has been sub-classified into four major text types<ref name=":02222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref> <ref name=":02">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 29</ref>  

* Samhitas (mantras and prayers)

* Samhitas (mantras and prayers)

* [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]] (explanation of mantras and rituals)

* [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]] (explanation of mantras and rituals)

* [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] (texts which give philosophical interpretation of the rituals)

* [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] (texts which give philosophical interpretation of the rituals)

* [[Upanishads]] (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge)

* [[Upanishads (उपनिषदाः)|Upanishads]] (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge)

A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.

A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.

==  परिचय || Introduction ==

==  परिचय || Introduction ==

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 - सगुणोपासना || Sagunopasana - is predominant. Various Rigveda mantras show एकदेवतावादः || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism.  

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 - सगुणोपासना || Sagunopasana - is predominant. Various Rigveda mantras show एकदेवतावादः || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism.  

For example, the Samhita states that प्रजापतिः ॥ 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 उपनिषदः ॥ [[Upanishads]]. The concept of ब्रह्मन् ॥ Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.

For example, the Samhita states that प्रजापतिः ॥ 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 उपनिषदः ॥ [[Upanishads (उपनिषदाः)|Upanishads]]. The concept of ब्रह्मन् ॥ Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.

==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Miscellaneous ====

==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Miscellaneous ====

The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools 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 समन्वयः || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्यम् || Satya (truth) and धर्मः || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्वम् || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools 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 समन्वयः || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्यम् || Satya (truth) and धर्मः || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्वम् || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.