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Vedas have evolved over a period of time and the language and structure of these texts are highly preserved over thousands of years. However, as the vedic literature expanded the need to understand different aspects of them was required and thus developed the study of ancillary subjects such as Vedaangas and Puranas.  

[[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] have evolved over a period of time and the language and structure of these texts are highly preserved over thousands of years. However, as the [[Vaidika Vangmaya (वैदिकवाङ्मयम्)|vedic literature]] expanded the need to understand different aspects of them was required and thus developed the study of ancillary subjects such as [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedangas]] and [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]].  

== Vaidika Koshas ==

== Vaidika Koshas ==

The vast vaidika vaangmaya came to include new terms which where defined in subsequent ages by maharishis. Following are the definitions of some terms associated with vedas and vaidika vaangmaya some of which were not used in the Vedas but came into being in an attempt to understand them. The list is vast and not all compassing, many Vaidika koshas<ref>[https://ia800609.us.archive.org/24/items/HindiBook-vaidika-kosh.pdf/HindiBook-vaidika-kosh.pdf Pt. Bhagavad Datta and Hansraj. (1926), ''Vaidika - Kosha'', Varanasi : Vishvabharati Anusandhana Parishad] </ref> of many volumes contain the inexhaustive compilation of innumerable words that are seen in Veda and vedangas.

The vast vaidika vangmaya came to include new terms which where defined in subsequent ages by maharishis. Following are the definitions of some terms associated with vedas and vaidika vangmaya some of which were not used in the Vedas but came into being in an attempt to understand them. The list is vast and not all compassing, many Vaidika koshas<ref>[https://ia800609.us.archive.org/24/items/HindiBook-vaidika-kosh.pdf/HindiBook-vaidika-kosh.pdf Pt. Bhagavad Datta and Hansraj. (1926), ''Vaidika - Kosha'', Varanasi : Vishvabharati Anusandhana Parishad] </ref> of many volumes contain the inexhaustive compilation of innumerable words that are seen in Veda and vedangas.

== Vaidika granthas ==

== Vaidika granthas ==

==== ॥ Shrutis ====

==== ॥ Shrutis ====

Shrutis are scriptures are of divine origin revealed to ancient rishis. These texts include the [[The four Vedas (चतुर्वेद)|four vedas]], Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Saamaveda, Atharvana Veda. Vedas, which are Apaurusheyas, are the oldest available texts of Sanatana Dharma handed down by oral traditional from father to son and from teacher to disciple. Their presence is ageless before their codification and compilation by Krishna Dwaipayana also called Maharshi Veda Vyasa. Shruti is also said to be of two types - Nigama and Aagama.   

[[Shruti (श्रुतिः)|Shrutis]] are scriptures are of divine origin revealed to ancient rishis. These texts include [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|the four vedas]], [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]], [[Samaveda (सामवेदः)|Samaveda]], [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvana Veda]]. Vedas, which are Apaurusheyas, are the oldest available texts of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] handed down by oral traditional from father to son and from teacher to disciple. Their presence is ageless before their codification and compilation by Krishna Dwaipayana also called [[Vyasa Maharshi (व्यासमहर्षिः)|Maharshi Veda Vyasa]]. Shruti is also said to be of two types - Nigama and Aagama.   

==== ॥ Smritis ====

==== ॥ smrtis ====

Smritis are texts derived from Shrutis (Vedas, which are the highest authority) that contain social, economic and political guidelines along with the prayaschittas for deviating from the code of conduct. They are said to be composed by rishis or seers and reflect the vedic principles to be put into use in daily life. One who practices the karma according to codes given in smritis is called Smartha.  They are the following <ref name=":02" />  

[[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|smrtis]] are texts derived from Shrutis (Vedas, which are the highest authority) that contain social, economic and political guidelines along with the prayaschittas for deviating from the code of conduct. They are said to be composed by rishis or seers and reflect the vedic principles to be put into use in daily life. One who practices the karma according to codes given in smrtis is called Smartha.  They are the following <ref name=":02" />  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Astaadasha Smritis

|+Astadasha smrtis

|-

|-

|Manu

|[[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manu]]

|Brihaspati

|Brihaspati

|Daksha

|Daksha

|Aangirasa

|Aangirasa

|-

|-

|Yagnyavalkya

|[[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya]]

|Prachetasa

|Prachetasa

|Shaatatapa

|Shaatatapa

|Paraashara

|Parashara

|Samvarta

|Samvarta

|Aushanasa

|Aushanasa

|}

|}

Apart from these three more Smritis - Ushana, Vasishta and Vyasa (who is said to have examined all the smritis and compiled them as Vyasa smriti) are present as seen in other texts.   

Apart from these three more smrtis - Ushana, Vasishta and Vyasa (who is said to have examined all the smrtis and compiled them as Vyasa smrti) are present as seen in other texts.   

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Astaadasha Upa-Smritis

|+Astadasha Upa-smrtis

|-

|-

|Kanva

|Kanva

|Vrddhamanu

|Vrddhamanu

|Dhaumya

|Dhaumya

|Naarada

|Narada

|Paulastya

|Paulastya

|Uttaraangirasa

|Uttaraangirasa

|}

|}

There are alternative versions of this list of Smritis and Upasmritis and it may be noted that there are some common names in both the lists.  Thus, Smriti literature includes Vedangas, Veda Upangas, Itihasa and Puranas. However, smritis can be classified into two types :  

There are alternative versions of this list of smrtis and Upasmrtis and it may be noted that there are some common names in both the lists.  Thus, smrti literature includes Vedangas, Veda Upangas, [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|Itihasa]] and Puranas. However, smrtis can be classified into two types :  

# Define Code of Conduct : In them are defined the different Varnaashrama dharmas, aspects of relationship between man and woman, Raja dharmas, Rules about consumption of food (activities of daily life), Pujas and Rituals, Yagnas and yaagas, Shraddha karma for the deceased, judiciary rules. Example : Dharma sutras of Manu and Yagnavalkya.  

# Define Code of Conduct : In them are defined the different [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama dharmas]], aspects of relationship between man and woman, Raja dharmas, Rules about consumption of food (activities of daily life), Pujas and Rituals, [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajnas]] and yaagas, [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|Shraddha karma]] for the deceased, judiciary rules. Example : Dharma sutras of Manu and Yajnavalkya.  

# Expound Sastras : Some texts contain information related to one subject such as Panini's Ashtadhyayi for Vyakarana, Gautama sutras in the Nyaya sastra.  

# Expound Shastras : Some texts contain information related to one subject such as Panini's Ashtadhyayi for [[Vyakarana Vedanga (व्याकरणवेदाङ्गम्)|Vyakarana]], Gautama sutras in the Nyaya sastra.  

==== ॥ Itihasas ====

==== ॥ Itihasas ====

Itihasas describe the history of past events or happenings. Example : Mahabharata<ref name=":02" /> and Ramayana.

Itihasas describe the history of past events or happenings. Example : [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]]<ref name=":02" /> and [[Ramayana (रामायणम्)|Ramayana]].

==== ॥ Puranas ====

==== ॥ Puranas ====

Amarakosa defines Purana as one having the Panchalakshanas

Amarakosa defines Purana as one having the Panchalakshanas

sargascha pratisargascha vamso manvantarani cha

sargascha pratisargascha vamso manvantarani cha

According to this definition, Purana is one which describes Sarga, Pratisarga, Vamsa, Manvantara, and Vamsaanucharita. Mention of Puranas has been made in the Brahmanas, Smriti says Puranas are commentaries on vedas, while Mahabharata has used the Purana to mean stories about devas and siddhas<ref name=":12">[https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf Vettam. Mani (1975) Puranic Encyclopaedia Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass]</ref>.  

According to this definition, Purana is one which describes Sarga, Pratisarga, Vamsa, Manvantara, and Vamsaanucharita. Mention of Puranas has been made in the Brahmanas, smrti says Puranas are commentaries on vedas, while Mahabharata has used the Purana to mean stories about devas and siddhas<ref name=":12">[https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf Vettam. Mani (1975) Puranic Encyclopaedia Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass]</ref>.  

==== ॥ Aagamas ====

==== ॥ Aagamas ====

Aagamas, meaning "that which were handed down" to us from past generations. They include an enormous collection of texts and include those written on vedic foundation. They are the primary source and ultimate authority for temple construction and rituals followed therein<ref name=":02">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>. The three main shaakas namely Vaishnava, Shaakta, and Saiva - have their own Aagama texts related to the deity.   

Aagamas, meaning "that which were handed down" to us from past generations. They include an enormous collection of texts and include those written on vedic foundation. They are the primary source and ultimate authority for [[Devalaya Vyavastha (देवालयव्यवस्था)|temple construction]] and rituals followed therein<ref name=":02">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>. The three main shaakas namely Vaishnava, Shaakta, and Saiva - have their own Aagama texts related to the deity.   

They include methodology for worship of the deity, yoga, yantra, temple construction, deity installation, rituals and purificatory rites, social and religious observances to be followed, conduct of celebrations and festivals, tantric instructions and other finer details concerned with these topics.   

They include methodology for worship of the deity, [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)|yoga]], yantra, temple construction, deity installation, rituals and purificatory rites, social and religious observances to be followed, conduct of celebrations and festivals, tantric instructions and other finer details concerned with these topics.   

==== ॥ Darsanas ====

==== ॥ Darsanas ====

Darsana (Samskrit : ) word means "to look", "view". In Vedantic terms it means tattvasastra one which explains the nature (of a particular thing). They are of two types : Astika and Nastika.

Darsana (Samskrit : ) word means "to look", "view". In Vedantic terms it means tattvasastra one which explains the nature (of a particular thing). They are of two types : Astika and Nastika.

Astika darsanas that believe in Vedic Philosophy: Vedanta, Saiva, Vaishnava, Shaakta, Gaanesha, Sauradarsanas. Vedanta darsanas are further divided into Shadarsanas namely Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa<ref name=":02" />. There are different versions whether Samkhya darshana follows vedic principles.

Astika darsanas that believe in Vedic Philosophy: Vedanta, Saiva, Vaishnava, Shaakta, Gaanesha, Sauradarsanas. Vedanta darsanas are further divided into Shadarsanas namely [[Samkhya Darshana (साङ्ख्यदर्शनम्)|Samkhya]], Nyaya, [[Vaisheshika Darshana (वैशेषिकदर्शनम्)|Vaisheshika]], Yoga, [[Mimamsa Darshana (मीमांसादर्शनम्)|Purva Mimamsa]] and [[Vedanta (वेदान्तः)|Uttara Mimamsa]]<ref name=":02" />. There are different versions whether Samkhya darshana follows vedic principles.

Nastika darsanas that do not adhere to Vedic Philosophy: Charvaka, Baudha, Jainadarsanas among others.<ref name=":02" />

Nastika darsanas that do not adhere to Vedic Philosophy: Charvaka, Baudha, Jainadarsanas among others.<ref name=":02" />

One who is well versed in darshanas is called Daarshanika.  

One who is well versed in darshanas is called Daarshanika.  

==== ॥ Shastras/Sastra ====

==== ॥ Shastras/Sastra ====

Shastras (sastra) are used to denote texts of specialized education/knowledge in a general sense. Shastras explain righteous instructions confirming to the Vedas and define the Pravritti and Nivritti ways<ref name=":02" />. Shastras are treatises containing methodical exposition of specialized technical knowledge in a defined area of practice. Generally, each shastra contains objective, eligibility and framework for study, purvapaksha (theory), pramanas (sources of knowledge) and siddhantas (propounding concept through pramanas), vadaopavadas (debate)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Overview_Of_Scriptures</ref>. For example :   

Shastras (sastra) are used to denote texts of specialized education/knowledge in a general sense. Shastras explain righteous instructions confirming to the Vedas and define the [[Pravrtti (प्रवृत्तिः)|Pravrtti]] and [[Nivrtti (निवृत्तिः)|Nivrtti]] ways<ref name=":02" />. Shastras are treatises containing methodical exposition of specialized technical knowledge in a defined area of practice. Generally, each shastra contains objective, eligibility and framework for study, purvapaksha (theory), [[Pramana (प्रमाणम्)|pramanas]] (sources of knowledge) and siddhantas (propounding concept through pramanas), vadaopavadas (debate)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Overview_Of_Scriptures</ref>. For example :   

==== ॥ Vedanta ====

==== ॥ Vedanta ====

Vedanta means "end of Vedas" typically given in Upanishads. Aranyakas and Upanishads are inseparably connected with each other<ref name=":12" />.   

Vedanta means "end of Vedas" typically given in [[Upanishads (उपनिषदाः)|Upanishads]]. [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] and Upanishads are inseparably connected with each other<ref name=":12" />.   

==== ॥ Upanishads ====

==== ॥ Upanishads ====

Upanishad is that which is near". Upanishads are called the Jnanakanda of the vedas as they describe the tattva or nature of the Brahman and the different ways to attain Brahman (Panchagnividya). They contain the knowledge about Pranava, Brahma, Atma, Sristhi and paraloukika jnana. Upanishads are many in number with 108 most important ones and for 10 of which Srimad Shankaraacharya has given his commentaries.

Upanishad is that which is near". Upanishads are called the Jnanakanda of the vedas as they describe the tattva or nature of the [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]] and the different ways to attain Brahman ([[Panchagnividya (पञ्चाग्निविद्या)|Panchagnividya]]). They contain the knowledge about Pranava, Brahma, Atma, Sristhi and paraloukika jnana. Upanishads are many in number with 108 most important ones and for 10 of which Srimad [[Adi Shankaracharya (आदिशङ्कराचार्यः)|Shankaraacharya]] has given his commentaries.

== Veda vibhaga Nirmanapaddhati ==

== Veda vibhaga Nirmanapaddhati ==

Typical divisional aspects of Vedas have been summarized as follows as given by Pt. Shri. Rishiramji Regmi <ref>Regmi, Shri. Rishiramji, ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Ved_Vedang_gp_15.pdf Yajurved Ka Sankship Parichay]'', Vedic Heritage Portal </ref> for Yajur veda and by Dr. C M Neelakandhan<ref>Neelakandhan, C. M. ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Jaiminiyasamagana_origin_Prof_CMNeelakandan.pdf Jaiminiiyasaama - Origin, Structure, Accentuation, Oral Gaana - Tradition and Commentaries]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref> for Saama veda.  

Typical divisional aspects of Vedas have been summarized as follows as given by Pt. Shri. Rishiramji Regmi <ref>Regmi, Shri. Rishiramji, ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Ved_Vedang_gp_15.pdf Yajurved Ka Sankship Parichay]'', Vedic Heritage Portal </ref> for Yajur veda and by Dr. C M Neelakandhan<ref>Neelakandhan, C. M. ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Jaiminiyasamagana_origin_Prof_CMNeelakandan.pdf Jaiminiiyasaama - Origin, Structure, Accentuation, Oral Gaana - Tradition and Commentaries]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref> for Saama veda.