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{{Hindu scriptures}}
'''Samhita''' ([[Sanskrit]]: संहिता, ''{{IAST|saṁhitā}}'') literally means "put together, joined, union" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".<ref name=monier>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html saMhita], Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref><ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+samhita&trans=Translate&direction=AU samhita] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref>
The [[Vedas]] have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]], the [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] and the [[Upanishads]] <ref>A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14</ref> The Samhitas are sometimes identified as ''karma-kanda'' (कर्म खण्ड, action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ''jnana-kanda'' (ज्ञान खण्ड, knowledge/spirituality-related section).<ref name="ab">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14</ref> The [[Aranyaka]]s and [[Brahmana]]s are variously classified, sometimes as the ceremonial ''karma-kanda'', other times (or parts of them) as the ''jnana-kanda''.
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 ''Gyan''-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref>[http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 6th Paragraph]</ref>
Dr. Radhakrishnan puts it like this. “While the hymns or Samhitas are the creation of the poets, the Brahmanas are the work of the priests; the Upanishads are the meditations of the philosophers. The flow of thought from the Samhitas to Brahmanas to Aranyakas to Upanishads is the indication of the process of evolution of Hindu religion over the centuries”
''Samhita'' also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the [[Veda]]s, consisting of [[mantra]]s, hymns, prayers, [[Litany|litanies]] and [[benediction]]s.<ref name="jl">Lochtefeld, James G. "Samhita" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 2: N-Z, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, page 587</ref>
Parts of ''Vedic Samhitas'' constitute the oldest living part of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] tradition.<ref name=jl/>
==Etymology==
''Samhita'' is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".<ref name=monier/>
==Discussion==
In the most generic context, a ''Samhita'' may refer to any methodical collection of text or verses. Any [[sastra]], [[sutra]] or Sanskrit Epic, along with Vedic texts, can be called a ''Samhita''.<ref name=monier/>
''Samhita'', however, in contemporary literature typically implies the earliest, archaic part of the Vedas. These contain [[mantra]]s – sacred sounds with or without literal meaning, as well as panegyrics, prayers, [[Litany|litanies]] and [[benediction]]s petitioning nature or Vedic deities.<ref name=jl/> Vedic Samhita refer to mathematically precise metrical archaic text of each of the ''[[Vedas]]'' ([[Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda]], [[Samaveda]] and [[Atharvaveda]]).
The ''Vedic Samhitas'' were chanted during ceremonies and rituals, and parts of it remain the oldest living part of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] tradition.<ref name="jl" />
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.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>
==Examples==
{{Listen
| filename =
| title = Gayatri Mantra Audio
| description = Hindu mantra from Rigveda Samhita (19 seconds)
| format = [[Ogg]]
| pos = right
}}
===Rig veda===
The [[Gayatri mantra]] is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.<ref name=mmwpage17>Monier Monier-Williams (1893), Indian Wisdom, Luzac & Co., London, page 17</ref>
::ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्
::''Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt''
::Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Sun). May he inspire our thoughts, stimulate our understandings.
::– [[Rig Veda]] 3.62.10<ref name=mmwpage17/><ref>Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 124</ref>
===Sama veda===
[[Albrecht Weber|Weber]] noted that the ''Samhita'' of [[Samaveda]] is an anthology taken from the Rigveda-Samhita.<ref>Albrecht Weber, History of Indian Literature, {{Google books|8nsoAAAAYAAJ|Samaveda-Samhita}}, page 63</ref> The difference is in the refinement and application of arts such as melody, meters of music and literary composition.<ref name=fstaal>Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins, Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages 107-115</ref> Thus, the root hymn that later became the ''Rathantara'' (Excellent Chariot) mantra chant is found in both Rigveda and Samaveda Samhitas, as follows,<ref name=fstaal/>
::Rigveda form: ''Abhi tva sura nonumo 'dugdha iva dhenavah | isanam asya jagatah svardrsam isanam indra tasthusah''
::Samaveda form: ''obhitvasuranonumova | adugdha iva dhenava isanamasya jagatassuvardrsam | isanama indra | ta sthu sa o va ha u va | as ||
::Translation (same for both):<ref name=fstaal/>
::We cry out for you, hero, like unmilked cows to the lord of the living world !
::To the lord of the unmoving world who eye is the sun, O [[Indra]] !
===Yajur veda===
The hymns in Section 4.1.5 of the Yajurveda ''Samhita'', dedicated to several ancient deities, state:<ref name=hpa/><ref name=edward>Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 32</ref>
{{Quote|
May the [[Vasu]]s prepare you, with the [[gayatri]] meter, you are the earth,<br>
May the [[Rudra]]s prepare you, with the [[tristubh]] meter, you are the sky.<br>
May the [[Aditya]]s prepare you, with the jagati meter, you are the heaven.<br>
May the [[Visvedevas]], common to all men, prepare you, with the [[Anuṣṭubh|anustubh]] meter, you are the directions.<br>
You are the unchanging direction, make unchanging in me children, abundance of wealth, abundance of cattle, abundance of heroism.
|[[Taittiriya]] Samhita|4.1.5<ref name=hpa>Harvey P. Alper (2012), Understanding Mantras, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120807464, pages 75-76</ref>}}
===Atharva veda===
A hymn in the Atharva Veda Samhita, for example, is a woman's petition to deity [[Agni]], to attract suitors and a good husband.<ref>[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita/Book II/Hymn 36|Atharva Veda Samhita, Book 2 Hymn 36: To get a husband for a woman]], Translator: [[William Dwight Whitney]], Atharva Veda Samhita Series - Harvard University (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource</ref><ref name=rp/>
{{Quote|
May O Agni!, a suitor after this girl's heart come to her,<br>
May he come to this maiden with fortune!<br>
May she be agreeable to suitors, charming at festivals, promptly obtain happiness through a husband!
|[[Atharvaveda|Atharva Veda]]|2.36<ref name=rp>Rajbali Pandey (1969), Hindu Saṁskāras: Socio-religious Study of the Hindu Sacraments, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120803961, pages 162-163</ref>}}
===Post-Vedic Samhitas===
There are many well known books written in the post-vedic period, also known as Samhitas or Sanhitas, because the word “Samhita” also means “systematic compilation of knowledge”. Vedic samhitas should not be confused with these samhitas of post-vedic period.
Some post-vedic Samhitas are: [[Ashtavakra Gita]], [[Bhrigu Samhita]], [[Brahma Samhita]], [[Charaka Samhita]], [[Deva Samhita]], [[Garga|Garga Samhita]], [[Gheranda Samhita]], [[Kashyap Samhita]], [[Shiva Samhita]], [[Sushruta Samhita]] (a treatise on food and medicine), [[Yogayajnavalkya Samhita]].{{cn|date=January 2015}}
==See also==
*[[Aranyaka]]
*[[Brahmana]]
*[[Upanishad]]
*[[Veda]]
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*[http://www.sanskritweb.net/rigveda/rv01-001.pdf Rigveda Samhita] First Mandala, (in Sankrit)
*[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita|Atharva-Veda Samhita]] English translation of first 8 books of the Atharva Veda Samhita, (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource
*[http://www.justforkidsonly.com/truth/?p=95#more-95 Understanding of the Hinduism: Hindu Scripture VI], Just for Kids
[[Category:Hindu texts]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]
'''Samhita''' ([[Sanskrit]]: संहिता, ''{{IAST|saṁhitā}}'') literally means "put together, joined, union" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".<ref name=monier>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html saMhita], Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref><ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+samhita&trans=Translate&direction=AU samhita] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref>
The [[Vedas]] have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]], the [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] and the [[Upanishads]] <ref>A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14</ref> The Samhitas are sometimes identified as ''karma-kanda'' (कर्म खण्ड, action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ''jnana-kanda'' (ज्ञान खण्ड, knowledge/spirituality-related section).<ref name="ab">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14</ref> The [[Aranyaka]]s and [[Brahmana]]s are variously classified, sometimes as the ceremonial ''karma-kanda'', other times (or parts of them) as the ''jnana-kanda''.
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 ''Gyan''-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref>[http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 6th Paragraph]</ref>
Dr. Radhakrishnan puts it like this. “While the hymns or Samhitas are the creation of the poets, the Brahmanas are the work of the priests; the Upanishads are the meditations of the philosophers. The flow of thought from the Samhitas to Brahmanas to Aranyakas to Upanishads is the indication of the process of evolution of Hindu religion over the centuries”
''Samhita'' also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the [[Veda]]s, consisting of [[mantra]]s, hymns, prayers, [[Litany|litanies]] and [[benediction]]s.<ref name="jl">Lochtefeld, James G. "Samhita" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 2: N-Z, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, page 587</ref>
Parts of ''Vedic Samhitas'' constitute the oldest living part of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] tradition.<ref name=jl/>
==Etymology==
''Samhita'' is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".<ref name=monier/>
==Discussion==
In the most generic context, a ''Samhita'' may refer to any methodical collection of text or verses. Any [[sastra]], [[sutra]] or Sanskrit Epic, along with Vedic texts, can be called a ''Samhita''.<ref name=monier/>
''Samhita'', however, in contemporary literature typically implies the earliest, archaic part of the Vedas. These contain [[mantra]]s – sacred sounds with or without literal meaning, as well as panegyrics, prayers, [[Litany|litanies]] and [[benediction]]s petitioning nature or Vedic deities.<ref name=jl/> Vedic Samhita refer to mathematically precise metrical archaic text of each of the ''[[Vedas]]'' ([[Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda]], [[Samaveda]] and [[Atharvaveda]]).
The ''Vedic Samhitas'' were chanted during ceremonies and rituals, and parts of it remain the oldest living part of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] tradition.<ref name="jl" />
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.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>
==Examples==
{{Listen
| filename =
| title = Gayatri Mantra Audio
| description = Hindu mantra from Rigveda Samhita (19 seconds)
| format = [[Ogg]]
| pos = right
}}
===Rig veda===
The [[Gayatri mantra]] is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.<ref name=mmwpage17>Monier Monier-Williams (1893), Indian Wisdom, Luzac & Co., London, page 17</ref>
::ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्
::''Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt''
::Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Sun). May he inspire our thoughts, stimulate our understandings.
::– [[Rig Veda]] 3.62.10<ref name=mmwpage17/><ref>Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 124</ref>
===Sama veda===
[[Albrecht Weber|Weber]] noted that the ''Samhita'' of [[Samaveda]] is an anthology taken from the Rigveda-Samhita.<ref>Albrecht Weber, History of Indian Literature, {{Google books|8nsoAAAAYAAJ|Samaveda-Samhita}}, page 63</ref> The difference is in the refinement and application of arts such as melody, meters of music and literary composition.<ref name=fstaal>Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins, Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages 107-115</ref> Thus, the root hymn that later became the ''Rathantara'' (Excellent Chariot) mantra chant is found in both Rigveda and Samaveda Samhitas, as follows,<ref name=fstaal/>
::Rigveda form: ''Abhi tva sura nonumo 'dugdha iva dhenavah | isanam asya jagatah svardrsam isanam indra tasthusah''
::Samaveda form: ''obhitvasuranonumova | adugdha iva dhenava isanamasya jagatassuvardrsam | isanama indra | ta sthu sa o va ha u va | as ||
::Translation (same for both):<ref name=fstaal/>
::We cry out for you, hero, like unmilked cows to the lord of the living world !
::To the lord of the unmoving world who eye is the sun, O [[Indra]] !
===Yajur veda===
The hymns in Section 4.1.5 of the Yajurveda ''Samhita'', dedicated to several ancient deities, state:<ref name=hpa/><ref name=edward>Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 32</ref>
{{Quote|
May the [[Vasu]]s prepare you, with the [[gayatri]] meter, you are the earth,<br>
May the [[Rudra]]s prepare you, with the [[tristubh]] meter, you are the sky.<br>
May the [[Aditya]]s prepare you, with the jagati meter, you are the heaven.<br>
May the [[Visvedevas]], common to all men, prepare you, with the [[Anuṣṭubh|anustubh]] meter, you are the directions.<br>
You are the unchanging direction, make unchanging in me children, abundance of wealth, abundance of cattle, abundance of heroism.
|[[Taittiriya]] Samhita|4.1.5<ref name=hpa>Harvey P. Alper (2012), Understanding Mantras, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120807464, pages 75-76</ref>}}
===Atharva veda===
A hymn in the Atharva Veda Samhita, for example, is a woman's petition to deity [[Agni]], to attract suitors and a good husband.<ref>[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita/Book II/Hymn 36|Atharva Veda Samhita, Book 2 Hymn 36: To get a husband for a woman]], Translator: [[William Dwight Whitney]], Atharva Veda Samhita Series - Harvard University (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource</ref><ref name=rp/>
{{Quote|
May O Agni!, a suitor after this girl's heart come to her,<br>
May he come to this maiden with fortune!<br>
May she be agreeable to suitors, charming at festivals, promptly obtain happiness through a husband!
|[[Atharvaveda|Atharva Veda]]|2.36<ref name=rp>Rajbali Pandey (1969), Hindu Saṁskāras: Socio-religious Study of the Hindu Sacraments, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120803961, pages 162-163</ref>}}
===Post-Vedic Samhitas===
There are many well known books written in the post-vedic period, also known as Samhitas or Sanhitas, because the word “Samhita” also means “systematic compilation of knowledge”. Vedic samhitas should not be confused with these samhitas of post-vedic period.
Some post-vedic Samhitas are: [[Ashtavakra Gita]], [[Bhrigu Samhita]], [[Brahma Samhita]], [[Charaka Samhita]], [[Deva Samhita]], [[Garga|Garga Samhita]], [[Gheranda Samhita]], [[Kashyap Samhita]], [[Shiva Samhita]], [[Sushruta Samhita]] (a treatise on food and medicine), [[Yogayajnavalkya Samhita]].{{cn|date=January 2015}}
==See also==
*[[Aranyaka]]
*[[Brahmana]]
*[[Upanishad]]
*[[Veda]]
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*[http://www.sanskritweb.net/rigveda/rv01-001.pdf Rigveda Samhita] First Mandala, (in Sankrit)
*[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita|Atharva-Veda Samhita]] English translation of first 8 books of the Atharva Veda Samhita, (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource
*[http://www.justforkidsonly.com/truth/?p=95#more-95 Understanding of the Hinduism: Hindu Scripture VI], Just for Kids
[[Category:Hindu texts]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]