Changes

    

    

The Vedas (Samskrit: वेद véda, "knowledge") are a large body of sacred ancient texts which have originated in [[Bharatvarsha|भारतवर्ष || Bharatavarsha]] or the Indian subcontinent. Composed in Vedic samskrit, these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world. The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayana]] has given a definition of the Veda-<blockquote>"इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर - अलौकिकम् - उपयम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः ||"</blockquote><blockquote>"ishtaprapti-anishtapariharyor-alaukikam-upayam yo grantho vedayati  sa vedah ||"</blockquote>Meaning : The  scripture,  which  describes  the  divine  method  for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called Veda.  

The Vedas (Samskrit: वेद véda, "knowledge") are a large body of sacred ancient texts which have originated in [[Bharatvarsha|भारतवर्ष || Bharatavarsha]] or the Indian subcontinent. The Hindus have received the Vedas through revelation. Vedas are considered to be ''[[Apauruṣeya]]'', or entirely superhuman, without any author.<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About HInduism</ref>

 

Composed in Vedic samskrit, these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world. The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayana]] has given a definition of the Veda-<blockquote>"इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर - अलौकिकम् - उपयम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः ||"</blockquote><blockquote>"ishtaprapti-anishtapariharyor-alaukikam-upayam yo grantho vedayati  sa vedah ||"</blockquote>Meaning : The  scripture,  which  describes  the  divine  method  for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called Veda.  

This definition presents the purpose of the Veda. According to another definition, as per the sage [[Apastamba|अपस्तम्ब || Apastamba]]  <blockquote>"मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् ||"</blockquote><blockquote>"mantra-brahmanyor-vedanamadheyam ||"</blockquote>Meaning : 'The Veda is the name given to the Mantras and the Brahmanas’.This definition describes the form of the 'Veda' because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the Mantras and the Brahmanas. Accordingly, मन्त्र || Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is ब्राह्मण || Brahmana. Here it is interesting to know that many  ancient  definitions  of  Veda,  showing  its  significance,  form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking the word वेद || Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal  and  divine  knowledge  as  well  as  the  texts embodying  that knowledge.  

This definition presents the purpose of the Veda. According to another definition, as per the sage [[Apastamba|अपस्तम्ब || Apastamba]]  <blockquote>"मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् ||"</blockquote><blockquote>"mantra-brahmanyor-vedanamadheyam ||"</blockquote>Meaning : 'The Veda is the name given to the Mantras and the Brahmanas’.This definition describes the form of the 'Veda' because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the Mantras and the Brahmanas. Accordingly, मन्त्र || Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is ब्राह्मण || Brahmana. Here it is interesting to know that many  ancient  definitions  of  Veda,  showing  its  significance,  form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking the word वेद || Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal  and  divine  knowledge  as  well  as  the  texts embodying  that knowledge.