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Aranyakas (Sanskrit ) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature. They are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with the huge bulk of sacrificial paraphernalia which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

Aranyakas (Sanskrit ) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature. The term Aranyaka is derived from the word ‘''Aranya''‘ meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ as against the Brahmanas, which were to be used by those in grihastha ashrama.

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

The term Aranyaka is derived from the word ‘''Aranya''‘ meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ in contradistinction to the regular Brahmanas, which were to be read in the village. Sayana in the Taittiriya Aranyaka explains-

Aranyakas are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with a huge bulk of sacrificial topics which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

 

Sayana has the definition "Aaranyavratarupam brahamanam." He in his introduction to his commentary on the Aitereya Brahmana writes

 

Sayana in the Taittiriya Aranyaka explains-

''Aranyadhyayanad-etad –aranyakam-itiryate.''

''Aranyadhyayanad-etad –aranyakam-itiryate.''

''Yajna'' and other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead the life of house-holders. But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals are intended to confer not only material benefits but also mental purity by constant discipline. Having obtained purity, one must seek the solitude of forests for further concentration and meditation. The Brahmanas advocating the actual observances of the sacrifices are meant for ''Grihastha'' and the Aranyakas containing explanations of the rituals and allegorical speculations thereon are meant for ''Vanprasthas'', who renounce family life residing in the forests for tapas and other religious activities. Winternitz calls them as ‘’forest texts’’ to be studied by forest-hermits.

''Yajna'' and other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead the life of house-holders. But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals are intended to confer not only material benefits but also mental purity by constant discipline. Having obtained purity, one must seek the solitude of forests for further concentration and meditation. The Brahmanas advocating the actual observances of the sacrifices are meant for ''Grihastha'' and the Aranyakas containing explanations of the rituals and allegorical speculations thereon are meant for ''Vanprasthas'', who renounce family life residing in the forests for tapas and other religious activities.  

Or the reason might be that these texts were propounded by the Rishis who resided in the forests and thought upon the secrets of the ''Yajnas''. Aranyakas describe the actions of life and also acquisition of knowledge. These works form the basis of the ''Rahasya'' or secrets discussed in the Upanishads, therefore, another name of the Aranyakas was ‘''Rahasya''‘ as well. This name is mentioned in the Gopatha Brahmana and Manusmriti.

Alternately, the reason might be that these texts were propounded by the Rishis who resided in the forests and thought upon the secrets of the ''Yajnas''. Aranyakas describe the actions of life and also acquisition of knowledge. These works form the basis of the ''Rahasya'' or secrets discussed in the Upanishads, therefore, another name of the Aranyakas was ‘''Rahasya''‘ as well. This name is mentioned in the Gopatha Brahmana and Manusmriti.

== Dating of Aranyaka ==

== Dating of Aranyaka ==