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According to Indian traditional thoughts 'Veda' is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative.The Vedic hymns (Suktas) or verses (Mantras) are seen and only spoken by the seers (Rishis). These seers are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.

According to Indian traditional thoughts '<s>Veda</s>' is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative.The Vedic <s>Suktas</s> (Collection of Mantras) and <s>Mantras</s> are seen and only spoken by the seers (Rishis). These seers are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.  Thus, they are called अपौरुषेय ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy.

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Maharshi Veda Vyasa collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see below   

Maharshi <s>Veda Vyasa</s> collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see below   

# ''The Rigveda''

# ''<s>The Rigveda</s>''

# ''The Yajurveda''

# ''<s>The Yajurveda</s>''

# ''The Samaveda''  

# ''<s>The Samaveda</s>''  

# ''The Atharvaveda.''

# ''<s>The Atharvaveda.</s>''

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called "trayī vidyā", that is, "the triple science" of reciting hymns (Rigveda), performing sacrifices (Yajurveda), and chanting songs (Samaveda).    

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called "<s>trayī vidyā</s>", that is, "the triple science" of reciting hymns (Rigveda), performing sacrifices (Yajurveda), and chanting songs (Samaveda).    

== Rigveda ==

== <s>Rigveda</s> ==

According to the ancient tradition, the whole Rig Samhita has been divided into 10 Mandalas. The Mandalas are subdivided into Anuvakas, the Anuvakas into Sooktas and Sooktas into mantras as follows.

According to the ancient tradition, the whole Rig Samhita has been divided into 10 <s>Mandalas</s>. The Mandalas are subdivided into <s>Anuvakas</s>, the Anuvakas into <s>Sooktas</s> and Sooktas into mantras as follows.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

! Rig-Veda    Samhita ►

! Rig-Veda    Samhita ►

|}Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras spread over 1028 Sooktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas. The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

|}Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras spread over 1028 Sooktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas. The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

The first group is in praise of the deities like Agni, lndra, Varuna, Mitra and others. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe  viz. earth (Prithvi), heaven (Dyaus) and intermediary space (Antariksha). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of Brahman, the Only One Supreme Reality. The famous mantra on this point ‘ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti’ meaning ‘Truth is one, sage’s call it by various names’ occurs in this Samhita.

The first group is in praise of the deities like <s>Agni, lndra, Varuna, Mitra</s> and others. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe  viz. earth (<s>Prithvi</s>), heaven (<s>Dyaus</s>) and intermediary space (<s>Antariksha</s>). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of Brahman, the Only One Supreme Reality. The famous mantra on this point 

The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita is a book of laudatory hymns still all the later ideas of Vedanta including Jnana and Bhakti are found therein at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of God with form and qualities - Sagunopasana - is predominant.

‘<s>ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti</s>’ meaning ‘Truth is one, sage’s call it by various names’ occurs in this Samhita.

The proclamation contained in various mantras show that it teaches eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism. For example, the Samhita states that God 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 Upanishads.

The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita is a book of laudatory hymns still all the later ideas of Vedanta including Jnana and Bhakti are found therein at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of God with form and qualities - <s>Sagunopasana</s> - is predominant.

The third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, war 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 Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. Satya (truth) and Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

 

The third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, war 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 <s>Samanvaya</s> or harmony of life here and hereafter. <s>Satya</s> (truth) and <s>Dharma</s> (righteousness) are glorified and <s>Amritatva</s> (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

'''The Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads of Rig Veda are'''

'''The Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads of Rig Veda are'''

There are similarities between the mythology, rituals and linguistics in Rigveda and those found in ancient central Asia, Iranian and Hindukush (Afghanistan) regions.

There are similarities between the mythology, rituals and linguistics in Rigveda and those found in ancient central Asia, Iranian and Hindukush (Afghanistan) regions.

== Yajurveda ==

== Yajurveda ==

It is a collection of Yajus or the mantras in prose which give procedural details to the Adhvaryu priest for the proper performance of Yajnas. The popular hymn in praise of Lord Siva - Sri Rudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer Purusha Sooktam also occurs here with some modifications.

It is a collection of Yajus or the mantras in prose which give procedural details to the <s>Adhvaryu</s> priest for the proper performance of Yajnas. The popular hymn in praise of Lord Siva - <s>SriRudraprasna</s> – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer <s>Purusha Sooktam</s> also occurs here with some modifications.

 

There are two major groups of texts (<s>Shakhas</s>) in this Veda: the Krishna Yajurveda and the Shukla Yajurveda.  The term "krishna" shakha contains "the un-arranged, motley collection" of verses in Yajurveda, in contrast to the "shukla" shakha of Yajurveda. The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahmana), the Krishna Yajurveda intersperses the Samhita with Brahmana commentary.  

Yajur Veda Samhita is in two parts viz. Krishna Yajurveda and Shukla Yaiurveda. Krishna Yajurveda was taught by sage Vaishampayana. It is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda. Today a vast majority follow the Yajur Veda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

Krishna Yajurveda was taught by Rushi Vaishampayana, while the Shukla Yajurveda by Yagnavalkya rushi. It is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda. Today a vast majority follow the Yajur Veda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South of India and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

'''Krishna Yajurveda Samhita''' is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely prevalent especially in South India. It deals with detailed descriptions of sacrifices like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. The other three Shakhas are not so well known though they also deal with similar sacrifices.

'''<s>Krishna Yajurveda Samhita</s>''' is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely prevalent especially in South India. Of the Krishna Yajurveda, texts the four major schools that have survived are <s>Maitrayani, Katha, Kapisthala-Katha, Taittiriya</s>. It deals with detailed descriptions of sacrifices like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. The other three Shakhas are not so well known though they also deal with similar sacrifices.

Related to this Samhita are-

Related to this Samhita are-

2. Taittiriya and Maitrayani Aranyakas

2. Taittiriya and Maitrayani Aranyakas

3. Taittiriya, Katha, Swetaswatara, Maitrayani and Moha Narayana Upanishads.

3. Taittiriya, Katha, Swetaswatara, Maitrayani and Maha Narayana Upanishads.

'''Shukla Yajurveda Samhita''' is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the World by the famous sage Yajnavalkya from Vaajasani which means the Sun God. Hence this is also known as Vajasneyi Samhita, This is entirely in verse form.

'''<s>Shukla Yajurveda Samhita</s>''' is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage <s>Yajnavalkya</s> from Vaajasani which means the Sun God. Hence this is also known as <s>Vajasneyi Samhita</s>, This is entirely in verse form.

Out of 17 Shakhas of this Samhita said to have been existed; only two viz. Kanva and Madhyandina Shakhas are presently existing. The former is common in South India while the latter is popular in the North. This Samhita also deals mainly with Yajnas like Agnishtoma.

Out of 17 Shakhas of this Samhita said to have been existed; only two viz. Kanva and Madhyandina Shakhas are presently existing. This Samhita also deals mainly with Yajnas like Agnishtoma.

Related to this Samhita are-

Related to this Samhita are-

1. Satapatha Brahmana. This is a work extensively serving as a general guide to all the Vedas.

1. Satapatha Brahmana. This is a work extensively serving as a general guide to all the Vedas.

2. Brhad-Aranyaka

2. BrhadAranyaka

3. Brhadaraanyokoponishad and Isavasyopanishad.

3. Brhadaraanyokoponishad and Isavasyopanishad.

It is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest while an individual performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire. The earliest and most ancient layer of Yajurveda samhita includes about 1,875 verses, that are distinct yet borrow and build upon the foundation of verses in Rigveda. Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals.

It is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest while an individual performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire. The earliest and most ancient layer of Yajurveda samhita includes about 1,875 verses, that are distinct yet borrow and build upon the foundation of verses in Rigveda.  

There are two major groups of texts in this Veda: the Krishna Yajurveda "Black" (Krishna) and the Shukla Yajurveda "White" (Shukla). The term "black" implies "the un-arranged, motley collection" of verses in Yajurveda, in contrast to the "white" (well arranged) Yajurveda. The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahmana), the Krishna Yajurveda intersperses the Samhita with Brahmana commentary. Of the Krishna Yajurveda, texts from four major schools have survived (Maitrayani, Katha, Kapisthala-Katha, Taittiriya), while of the Shukla Yajurveda, two (Kanva and Madhyandina). The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

== Samaveda ==

== Samaveda ==

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to Udgatir priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. ‘SA’ means a mantra of the Rig Veda, ‘AMA’ means musical notes. Hence a Saman is a mantra of the Rig Veda set to music. The word Saama also means that which brings peace to the mind. Although this Veda is said to have 1000 Shakhas only three are available now.

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to '''Udgatri''' priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs

 

The Samaveda samhita comprises two major parts. The first part include four melody collections (gāna, गान) and the second part three verse “books” (ārcika, आर्चिक). A melody in the song books corresponds to a verse in the arcika books. ‘SA’ means a mantra of the Rig Veda, ‘AMA’ means musical notes. Hence a Saman is a mantra of the Rig Veda set to music. The word Saama also means that which brings peace to the mind. Although this Veda is said to have 1000 Shakhas only three are available now.

Unlike the mantras of the other three Vedas, the mantras of Samaveda are simply known as Saman having seven svaras or musical scales. Therefore, Saama Gana or singing of hymns as per the rules of Sama Veda is said to be the basis and source of the seven svaras or notes fundamental to the Indian music systems.

Unlike the mantras of the other three Vedas, the mantras of Samaveda are simply known as Saman having seven svaras or musical scales. Therefore, Saama Gana or singing of hymns as per the rules of Sama Veda is said to be the basis and source of the seven svaras or notes fundamental to the Indian music systems.

The special virtue of Sama Veda is that although its mantras are from the Rig Veda they are set to music which is greatly conductive to the spiritual evolution of a human being and to qualify oneself for receiving the grace of the Gods. Hence, Sri Krishna says in the Gita (Ch.10 Verse 22) ‘vedaanaam saamavedosmi’ meaning ‘among the Vedas I am the Sama Veda’. Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama, one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is ‘Saama Gaana Priye’ meaning one who is pleased with the recital of Saman.

The special virtue of Sama Veda is that although its mantras are from the Rig Veda they are set to music which is greatly conductive to the spiritual evolution of a human being and to qualify oneself for receiving the grace of the Gods. Hence, Sri Krishna says in the Gita (Ch.10 Verse 22) ‘vedaanaam saamavedosmi’ meaning ‘among the Vedas I am the Sama Veda’. Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama, one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is ‘Saama Gaana Priye’ meaning one who is pleased with the recital of Saman.

Affiliated to this Samhita are-

Affiliated to this Samhita are-  

1. Out of 9 Brahmanas of this Veda Tandya Maha Brahmana is the biggest and most important.

 

1. Out of 9 Brahmanas of this Veda Tandya Maha Brahmana is the biggest and most important.  

3. The well known Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, which is also known as Talavakaropanishad, are from this Veda.  

The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda.  

2. Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

The Samaveda samhita comprises two major parts. The first part include four melody collections (gāna, गान) and the second part three verse “books” (ārcika, आर्चिक). A melody in the song books corresponds to a verse in the arcika books. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs.

3. Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

== Atharvana or Atharva veda ==

== Atharvana or Atharva veda ==

Atharva means purohit or pundit. This Veda is said to have been brought to light by a Sage called Atharvan and hence this name. This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the Brahma priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms,

Atharva means purohit or pundit. This Veda is said to have been brought to light by a Sage called Atharvan and hence this name. This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the Brahma priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms.

As the Atharva Veda Samhita has some special features it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals more with things here and now than with the hereafter and the sacrifices are utilized as a means to them.

As the Atharva Veda Samhita has some special features it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals more with things here and now than with the hereafter and the sacrifices are utilized as a means to them.

This Veda contains many types of mantras designed to ward off evils and hardship as also to destroy enemies. Besides this it deals with diseases and their cure, rites for prolonging life, for fulfilling one’s desires, construction activities, trade and commerce, statecraft, defense systems of the country etc.

This Veda contains many types of mantras designed to ward off evils and hardship as also to destroy enemies. Besides this it deals with diseases and their cure, rites for prolonging life, for fulfilling one’s desires, construction activities, trade and commerce, statecraft, defense systems of the country etc.

Many hymns deal with creation and emergence of the Universe. The hymn extolling the wonder of creation is called Prithvi Sooktam. Amidst these mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are also found in this Veda. The literary style of this Veda is highly sophisticated.

Many hymns deal with creation and emergence of the Universe. The hymn extolling the wonder of creation is called Prithvi Sooktam. Amidst mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are also found in this Veda. The literary style of this Veda is highly sophisticated.

Most of the Shakhas of Atharva Veda are lost. Out of the 9 Shakhas known to have existed under this Samhita only two are available now. They are Pippalada and Saunaka. Only one Brahmana called Gopatha Brahmana has been discovered. No Aranyaka of this Veda has come to light so far.

Most of the Shakhas of Atharva Veda are lost. Out of the 9 Shakhas known to have existed under this Samhita only two are available now. They are Pippalada and Saunaka. Only one Brahmana called Gopatha Brahmana has been discovered. No Aranyaka of this Veda has come to light so far.

== References ==

== References ==