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→Four Samhitas
=== Origin of Rig Samhita ===
=== Origin of Rig Samhita ===
Purusha sukta states that Richas (ऋचाः) arose from the Thousand-headed Purusha (स॒हस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः) who is yajna-swaroopa Himself.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋच: सामानि जज्ञिरे । छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-090/ Mandala 10 Sukta 90])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tasmādyajñātsarvahuta r̥ca: sāmāni jajñirē । chandāṁsi jajñirē tasmādyajustasmādajāyata ॥9॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)</blockquote>
Purusha sukta states that Richas (ऋचाः) arose from the Thousand-headed Purusha (स॒हस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः) who is yajna-swaroopa Himself.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋच: सामानि जज्ञिरे । छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-090/ Mandala 10 Sukta 90])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tasmādyajñātsarvahuta r̥ca: sāmāni jajñirē । chandāṁsi jajñirē tasmādyajustasmādajāyata ॥9॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.90.9)</blockquote>
=== Structure of Rigveda ===
=== Structure of Rigveda ===
* Shakala samhita is the one surviving shaka available in entirety for Rig veda.<ref name=":0">Pt. Shriram Adhikari's Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_14.pdf Rigved ka parichay evam vaishistya]'' on Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>
* Samhita : '''Shakala samhita''' is the one surviving shaka available in entirety for Rigveda.<ref name=":0">Pt. Shriram Adhikari's Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_14.pdf Rigved ka parichay evam vaishistya]'' on Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>
* [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda Vargeekarana]] of Rig Samhita includes the vibhajana (classification) of Rig Veda into Mandalas and Ashtakas apart from elucidating the nature of Valakhilya Suktas.
* [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda Vargeekarana]] of Rig Samhita includes the vibhajana (classification) of Rig Veda into Mandalas and Ashtakas apart from elucidating the nature of Valakhilya Suktas or Khila suktas.
* The Samhita of the Rigveda in general comprises of 10 ''Mandalas'', 85 ''Anuvakas'', 1028 ''Suktas'' and 10552 ''Mantras''. Usually ''Anuvaka'' is not mentioned for the reference of a Mantra of the Rigveda. For example Rig. Veda. 3.16.7 simply means the seventh Mantra of the sixteenth ''Sukta'' of the third ''Mandala'' of the Rigveda.
* The Samhita of the Rigveda in general comprises of 10 Mandalas, 85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10552 Mantras. Usually Anuvaka is not mentioned for the reference of a Mantra of the Rigveda. For example Rig. Veda. 3.16.7 simply means the seventh Mantra of the sixteenth Sukta of the third Mandala of the Rigveda.
* [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic Language]] of Rigveda is believed to be the oldest even among the four vedas. The information regarding Vedic Language, the tones and accents used are explained in Siksha part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedaangas]].
* [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic Language]] of Rigveda is believed to be the oldest even among the four vedas. The information regarding Vedic Language, the tones and accents used are explained in [[Shiksha (शिक्षा)|Shiksha]] part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedaangas]].
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
Every Mantra of a Sukta has a Rishi (Mantra Drashta), a Devata (deity) and a Chandas (meter).
Rigveda mantras are metered and chanted by the होता || Hota (the Rigveda priest), to invoke the deities to the यज्ञः ॥ [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna]].
Rigveda mantras are metered and chanted by the [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Hota (होता]]) (the Rigveda priest), to invoke the deities to the [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna]].
Important Rigvedic deities are अग्निः ॥ [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]], इन्द्रः ॥ [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]], वरुणः ॥ [[Varuna]], उषस् ॥ Ushas, सविता ॥ Savita, पूषा ॥ [[Pushan|Pusha]], मित्रः ॥ [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]], विष्णुः ॥ [[Vishnu]], रुद्रः ॥ [[Rudra (रुद्र)|Rudra]], मरुत् ॥ Marut and पर्जन्यः ॥ Parjanya. गायत्री ॥ Gayatri, जगती ॥ Jagati, बृहती ॥ Bruhati, पङ्क्ती ॥ Pankti and त्रिष्टुभ् ॥ Trishtubh and अनुष्टुभ् ॥ Anustubh are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 8<ref name=":2232222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref>).
Important Rigvedic deities are [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni (अग्निः]]), [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra (इन्द्रः]]), [[Varuna (वरुणः)|Varuna (वरुणः]]), Ushas (उषस्), Savita (सविता), [[Pusha (पूषा)]], [[Mitra (मित्रः)]], [[Vishnu|Vishnu (विष्णुः]]), [[Rudra (रुद्रः)]], [[Marut (मरुत्)]] and [[Parjanya (पर्जन्यः)]]. Gayatri (गायत्री), Jagati (जगती), Brhati (बृहती), Pankti (पङ्क्ती), Trishtubh (त्रिष्टुभ्) and Anustubh (अनुष्टुभ्) are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 8<ref name=":2232222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref>).
=== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ===
=== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ===
Taittriya Samhita emphasizes that practicing of karmas as prescribed procedures given by Rks is stronger and those practiced by following the साम and यजुः will disintegrate.<ref name=":4">Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref>
Taittriya Samhita emphasizes that practicing of karmas as prescribed by procedures given by Rks is stronger and those practiced by following the Sama (सामन्) and Yajus (यजुस्) will disintegrate.<ref name=":4">Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref>
<blockquote>यद् वै यज्ञस्य साम्ना यजुषा क्रियते शिथिलं तत् । यद् ऋचा तद् दृढम् । (Tait. Samh. 6.5.10.3)<ref>Taittriya Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E2%80%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%AC/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB Kanda 6 Prapathaka 5])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yad vai yajñasya sāmnā yajuṣā kriyatē śithilaṁ tat । yad r̥cā tad dr̥ḍham । (Tait. Samh. 6.5.10.3)</blockquote>While lot of yajnas involve chanting of Rks during their procedures, Rigveda samhita does not elaborate on any of the yajnas. The text material falls majorly into the following three categories.
<blockquote>यद् वै यज्ञस्य साम्ना यजुषा क्रियते शिथिलं तत् । यद् ऋचा तद् दृढम् । (Tait. Samh. 6.5.10.3)<ref>Taittriya Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E2%80%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%AC/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB Kanda 6 Prapathaka 5])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yad vai yajñasya sāmnā yajuṣā kriyatē śithilaṁ tat । yad r̥cā tad dr̥ḍham । (Tait. Samh. 6.5.10.3)</blockquote>While lot of yajnas involve chanting of Rks during their procedures, Rigveda samhita does not elaborate on any of the yajnas. The text material falls majorly into the following three categories.
==== स्तुतिपराः || Eulogical ====
==== स्तुतिपराः || Eulogical ====
The first group is in praise of the deities like Agni, lndra, Varuna, Mitra, Marut, Rudra, Ushas, Surya, Bhumi, and Soma,. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe viz. पृथ्वी || Prithvi (earth), द्यौस् || Dyaus (heaven) and अन्तरिक्षम् || Antariksha (intermediary space). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of ब्रह्मन् ॥ Brahman, the Only One Supreme Reality. The famous mantra on this point occurs in this Samhita. <blockquote>एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्त्यग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानमाहुः ॥४६॥ (Rig. Ved. 1.164.46)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AA Mandala 1 Sukta 164])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''ekaṁ sadviprā bahudhā vadantyagniṁ yamaṁ mātariśvānamāhuḥ ॥46॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Truth is one, learned call it by various names.
The first group is in praise of the deities like Agni, lndra, Varuna, Mitra, Marut, Rudra, Ushas, Surya, Bhumi, and Soma,. The Vedic deities numbering 33 are assigned to the three regions of the universe viz. Prithvi (पृथ्वी । Earth), Dyaus (द्यौस् । Heaven) and Antariksha (अन्तरिक्षम् । Intermediary space also called as ether). Although these deities appear as personifications of forces of nature, they are actually different facets of Brahman (ब्रह्मन्), the Only One Supreme Reality. Indra sukta, Varuna sukta are a few to name. The famous mantra on the unity of all deities, the Brahman occurs in this Samhita. <blockquote>एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्त्यग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानमाहुः ॥४६॥ (Rig. Ved. 1.164.46)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AA Mandala 1 Sukta 164])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>ekaṁ sadviprā bahudhā vadantyagniṁ yamaṁ mātariśvānamāhuḥ ॥46॥</blockquote>Meaning : Truth is one, learned call it by various names.
==== उपासनापराः ॥ Philosophical ====
==== उपासनापराः ॥ Philosophical ====
The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita contains mantras in praise of the devatas, the concept of Vedanta is present at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of devatas with form and qualities - सगुणोपासना || Sagunopasana - is predominant. Various Rigveda mantras show एकदेवतावादः || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism.
The second group of mantras are concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings. Although the Samhita contains mantras in praise of the devatas, the concept of Vedanta is present at least in a rudimentary form. However, advocacy of worship of devatas with form and qualities - सगुणोपासना || Sagunopasana - is predominant. Various Rigveda mantras show एकदेवतावादः || eka-devata-vada or monotheism and not polytheism.
For example, the Samhita states that प्रजापतिः ॥ Prajapati 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 उपनिषदः ॥ [[Upanishads (उपनिषदाः)|Upanishads]]. The concept of ब्रह्मन् ॥ Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.
For example, the Samhita states that Prajapati (प्रजापतिः) 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 (उपनिषदः)]]. The concept of Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.
==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Miscellaneous ====
==== इतिहासपराः ॥ Historical ====
The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools 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 समन्वयः || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्यम् || Satya (truth) and धर्मः || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्वम् || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.
The third group deals with several subjects like protection of cows, food and agriculture, trade, commerce, marriage, war strategy and defense, alloys, implements and tools etc., which show the nature of society of those times though not exactly historical. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by spiritual consciousness. There was Samanvaya (समन्वयः) or harmony of life here and hereafter. Satya (सत्यम् । Truth) and Dharma (धर्मः। Righteousness) are glorified and Amritatva (अमृतत्वम् । Immortality) as the goal of life was accepted. Thus we see that the concept of Purusharthas were well adhered to by the people in Vedic age.
It may be noted that starting from Mandala 2 to Mandala 7 the collection of suktas involve those given by rishis of great lineages. Mandala 8 contains suktas given primarily by Kanva rishi. Mandala 9 includes suktas on the topic of Pavamana (Soma) given by rishis of different lineages.
It may be noted that starting from Mandala 2 to Mandala 7 the collection of suktas involve those given by rishis of great lineages. Mandala 8 contains suktas given primarily by Kanva rishi. Mandala 9 includes suktas on the topic of Pavamana (Soma) given by rishis of different lineages.
=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects <ref name=":2232222" /> ===
=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects <ref name=":2232222" /> ===
Among the 1028 ''Suktas'' of the Rigveda Samhita some suktas are very popular and frequently referred by the readers of Vedas. Some of them are: <ref name=":1232222">Rigveda Introduction on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>
Among the 1028 Suktas of the Rigveda Samhita some suktas are very popular and frequently referred by the readers of Vedas. Some of them are: <ref name=":1232222">Rigveda Introduction on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>
* [[Nasadiya Sukta (नासदीयसूक्तम्)]]
* [[Nasadiya Sukta (नासदीयसूक्तम्)]]
* Purusha Sukta (पुरुष-सूक्तम्)
* Purusha Sukta (पुरुष-सूक्तम्)
Some of these discussions are presented in [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]].
Some of these discussions are presented in [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]].
'''Famous Suktas of Rigveda'''
'''Examples of Rigveda Sukta'''
It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same deity. Agni sukta (01.01.01)<ref name=":03">Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamiji, (2000) ''[http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part19/chap6.htm Hindu Dharma (Collection of Swamiji's Speeches between 1907 to 1994)]''Mumbai : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>
It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same deity. Agni sukta (01.01.01)<ref name=":03">Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamiji, (2000) ''[http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part19/chap6.htm Hindu Dharma (Collection of Swamiji's Speeches between 1907 to 1994)]''Mumbai : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>
Rishi : Madhucchanda Visvamitra, Devata : Agni, Chandas: Gayatri goes as follows<blockquote>अग्निसूक्तम् in प्रथमं मण्डलम्।</blockquote><blockquote>९ मधुच्छन्दा वैश्वामित्रः । अग्निः। गायत्री। </blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं य॒ज्ञस्य॑ दे॒वमृ॒त्विज॑म् । होता॑रं रत्न॒धात॑मम् ॥१</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निः पूर्वे॑भि॒र्ऋषि॑भि॒रीड्यो॒ नूत॑नैरु॒त । स दे॒वाँ एह व॑क्षति ॥२</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निना॑ र॒यिम॑श्नव॒त् पोष॑मे॒व दि॒वेदि॑वे । य॒शसं॑ वी॒रव॑त्तमम् ॥३</blockquote><blockquote>अग्ने॒ यं य॒ज्ञम॑ध्व॒रं वि॒श्वत॑: परि॒भूरसि॑ । स इद् दे॒वेषु॑ गच्छति ॥४</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निर्होता॑ क॒विक्र॑तुः स॒त्यश्चि॒त्रश्र॑वस्तमः । दे॒वो दे॒वेभि॒रा ग॑मत् ॥५</blockquote><blockquote>यद॒ङ्ग दा॒शुषे॒ त्वमग्ने॑ भ॒द्रं क॑रि॒ष्यसि॑ । तवेत् तत् स॒त्यम॑ङ्गिरः ॥६</blockquote><blockquote>उप॑ त्वाग्ने दि॒वेदि॑वे॒ दोषा॑वस्तर्धि॒या व॒यम् । नमो॒ भर॑न्त॒ एम॑सि ॥७</blockquote><blockquote>राज॑न्तमध्व॒राणां॑ गो॒पामृ॒तस्य॒ दीदि॑विम् । वर्ध॑मानं॒ स्वे दमे॑ ॥८</blockquote><blockquote>स न॑: पि॒तेव॑ सू॒नवे ऽग्ने॑ सूपाय॒नो भ॑व । सच॑स्वा नः स्व॒स्तये॑ ॥९</blockquote>As seen in the above example, the Vedic mantras are notated with lines above and below the letters which indicate the svara or tone of the particular letter in which it has to be uttered. The Gayatri mantra is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.
Rishi : Madhucchanda Visvamitra, Devata : Agni, Chandas: Gayatri goes as follows<blockquote>अग्निसूक्तम् in प्रथमं मण्डलम्।</blockquote><blockquote>९ मधुच्छन्दा वैश्वामित्रः । अग्निः। गायत्री। </blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं य॒ज्ञस्य॑ दे॒वमृ॒त्विज॑म् । होता॑रं रत्न॒धात॑मम् ॥१</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निः पूर्वे॑भि॒र्ऋषि॑भि॒रीड्यो॒ नूत॑नैरु॒त । स दे॒वाँ एह व॑क्षति ॥२</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निना॑ र॒यिम॑श्नव॒त् पोष॑मे॒व दि॒वेदि॑वे । य॒शसं॑ वी॒रव॑त्तमम् ॥३</blockquote><blockquote>अग्ने॒ यं य॒ज्ञम॑ध्व॒रं वि॒श्वत॑: परि॒भूरसि॑ । स इद् दे॒वेषु॑ गच्छति ॥४</blockquote><blockquote>अ॒ग्निर्होता॑ क॒विक्र॑तुः स॒त्यश्चि॒त्रश्र॑वस्तमः । दे॒वो दे॒वेभि॒रा ग॑मत् ॥५</blockquote><blockquote>यद॒ङ्ग दा॒शुषे॒ त्वमग्ने॑ भ॒द्रं क॑रि॒ष्यसि॑ । तवेत् तत् स॒त्यम॑ङ्गिरः ॥६</blockquote><blockquote>उप॑ त्वाग्ने दि॒वेदि॑वे॒ दोषा॑वस्तर्धि॒या व॒यम् । नमो॒ भर॑न्त॒ एम॑सि ॥७</blockquote><blockquote>राज॑न्तमध्व॒राणां॑ गो॒पामृ॒तस्य॒ दीदि॑विम् । वर्ध॑मानं॒ स्वे दमे॑ ॥८</blockquote><blockquote>स न॑: पि॒तेव॑ सू॒नवे ऽग्ने॑ सूपाय॒नो भ॑व । सच॑स्वा नः स्व॒स्तये॑ ॥९</blockquote>As seen in the above example, the Vedic mantras are notated with lines above and below the letters which indicate the svara or tone of the particular letter in which it has to be uttered. The Gayatri mantra is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.
:: ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात् (Rig Veda 3.62.10)
:: ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात् (Rig Veda 3.62.10)
:: ''Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt (Rig Veda 3.62.10)''
:: Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt (Rig Veda 3.62.10)
:: Meaning : Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Sun). May he inspire our thoughts, stimulate our understandings.
:: Meaning : Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Sun). May he inspire our thoughts, stimulate our understandings.
The concluding sukta of the Rgveda (10.191) also has Agni as Devata and should be regarded as having a higher significance than the national anthem of any country: it is a prayer for amity among all nations, a true international anthem.<ref name=":03" />
The concluding sukta of the Rgveda (10.191) also has Agni as Devata and should be regarded as having a higher significance than the national anthem of any country: it is a prayer for amity among all nations, a true international anthem.<ref name=":03" />
* The Krishna Yajurveda is characterised by a mixture of mantra and brahmana whereas the Shukla Yajurveda maintains the clear separation of the two.
* The Krishna Yajurveda is characterised by a mixture of mantra and brahmana whereas the Shukla Yajurveda maintains the clear separation of the two.
* The Shukla Yajurveda is related with the Aditya-school and the Krishna Yajurveda is related with the Brahma-school.
* The Shukla Yajurveda is related with the Aditya-school and the Krishna Yajurveda is related with the Brahma-school.
* Shukla Yajurveda has two samhitas : '''Maadhyandina and Kanva'''
* Shukla Yajurveda has two samhitas : '''माध्यन्दिन-संहिता || Maadhyandina and कण्व-संहिता || Kanva'''
* Krishna yajurveda has four Samhitas : '''मैत्रायणि || Maitrayani, कथा || Katha, कपिस्थल-कथा || Kapisthala-Katha, तैत्रिय || Taittiriya'''
* Krishna yajurveda has four Samhitas : '''मैत्रायणि || Maitrayani, कथा || Katha, कपिस्थल-कथा || Kapisthala-Katha, तैत्रिय || Taittiriya'''
In its character Yajurveda is quite different from the Rigveda & Samaveda Samhitas. It is principally in prose form. The Yajur-Veda Samhita is meant to be used by the Adhvaryu, the Yajur-Vedic priest, for explanation of rites, supplementing the Rig Vedic Mantras<ref name=":22">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 32</ref>.
In its character Yajurveda is quite different from the Rigveda & Samaveda Samhitas. It is principally in prose form. The Yajur-Veda Samhita is meant to be used by the [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Adhvaryu (अध्वर्युः)]], the Yajur-Vedic priest, for explanation of rites, supplementing the Rig Vedic Mantras<ref name=":22">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 32</ref>.
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
In the context of Rishis in Yajurveda, 3 types of categories are seen
In the context of Rishis in Yajurveda, 3 types of categories are seen
# आदिद्रष्टा ॥ Adidrasta is the first rishi to whom the veda was revealed to. It was महर्षिः वेदव्यासः ॥ Maharshi Vedavyasa who received Vedas in a single form but later codified them and gave the ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda to पैलः ॥ Paila, यजुर्वेदः ॥ Yajurveda to वैशम्पायनः ॥ Vaishampayana. From Vaishampayana, his students याज्ञवल्क्यः ॥ Yajnavalkya and others received the knowledge. It is also said that since Shukla Yajurveda was received later from आदित्य Aditya or विवस्वान् ॥ Vivasvan, he is also considered as the मन्त्रद्रष्टा ॥ mantra drashta.<ref name=":32">Yajurveda Samhita ([https://archive.org/stream/Yajurved/Yagurved#page/n7/mode/2up Hindi Translation])</ref>
# '''आदिद्रष्टा ॥ Adidrasta''' is the first rishi to whom the veda was revealed to. It was Maharshi Vedavyasa (महर्षिः वेदव्यासः) who received Vedas in a single form but later codified them and gave the Rigveda to Paila (पैलः), Yajurveda to Vaishampayana (वैशम्पायनः). From Vaishampayana, his students Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः) and others received the knowledge. It is also said that since Shukla Yajurveda was received later from Aditya (आदित्यः) or Vivasvan (विवस्वान् ), he is also considered as the mantra drashta (मन्त्रद्रष्टा).<ref name=":32">Yajurveda Samhita ([https://archive.org/stream/Yajurved/Yagurved#page/n7/mode/2up Hindi Translation])</ref>
# प्रकरणऋषिः ॥ Prakaranarishi is one who is associated with each प्रकरणम् ॥ prakarana or section of the Yajurveda. For example, for दर्शपूर्णमासप्रकरणम् ॥ Darsapurnamasa prakarana, the rishi is प्रजापतिः ॥ Prajapati.
# '''प्रकरणऋषिः ॥ Prakaranarishi''' is one who is associated with each prakarana (प्रकरणम् or section) of the Yajurveda. For example, for Darsapurnamasa prakarana (दर्शपूर्णमासप्रकरणम्), the rishi is Prajapati (प्रजापतिः).
# वैयक्तिकऋषिः॥ Vaiyaktikarishi is the category which includes all the rishis who praised the deities and practiced particular rituals to attain मन्त्रसिद्धिः ॥ mantrasiddhi.<ref name=":32" />
# '''वैयक्तिकऋषिः॥ Vaiyaktikarishi''' is the category which includes all the rishis who praised the deities and practiced particular rituals to attain mantrasiddhi (मन्त्रसिद्धिः).<ref name=":32" />
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
The Yajurveda is a ritual Veda for it is essentially a guide-book for the Adhvaryu priest who had to do practically all ritualistic works in a sacrifice. His works vary from the selection of a plot of land for the sacrificial altar down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. Just as the Samaveda-Samhita is the song-book of the ''Udgata'' priest, so the Yajurveda-Samhitas are the mantra-books for the ''Adhvaryu'' priest.
The Yajurveda is a ritual Veda for it is essentially a guide-book for the Adhvaryu priest who had to do practically all ritualistic works in a sacrifice. His works vary from the selection of a plot of land for the sacrificial altar down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. The Yajurveda-Samhitas are the mantra-books for the Adhvaryu priest.
* It is solely meant for the purposes of sacrificial rituals.
* It is mainly meant for the purposes of yajnas, yagas and related rituals.
* The Yajurveda is also important for its presentation of philosophical doctrines. It preaches the concept of ''Prana'' and ''Manas'' also.
* The Yajurveda is also important for its presentation of philosophical doctrines. It preaches the concept of Prana and Manas also.
* Depicting religious and social life of the Vedic people, it is also known for giving certain geographical data.
* Depicting religious and social life of the Vedic people, it is also known for giving certain geographical data.
Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakhas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the कर्मकाण्डः ॥ karmakanda and are also called यज्ञकाण्डः ॥ yajnakanda<ref name=":02223">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan. </ref>. All the shakha texts deal with detailed descriptions of श्रौतयज्ञाः ॥ Shrauta yajnas like राजसूयः ॥ [[Rajasuya]], वाजपेयः ॥ Vajapeya, सोमयागः ॥ Somayaga etc. Krishna Yajurveda is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda.<ref name=":12223">Regmi, Sri Rishiramji. Article : [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/ved_vedang_gp_15/#book/ ''Yajurved ka Sankshipth Parichay''] available in Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>
Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakhas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the karmakanda (कर्मकाण्डः) and are also called yajnakanda (यज्ञकाण्डः)<ref name=":02223">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan. </ref>. All the shakha texts deal with detailed descriptions of [[Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)|Shrauta yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)]] like [[Rajasuya|Rajasuya (राजसूयः]]), Vajapeya (वाजपेयः), Somayaga (सोमयागः) etc. Krishna Yajurveda is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda.<ref name=":12223">Regmi, Sri Rishiramji. Article : [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/ved_vedang_gp_15/#book/ ''Yajurved ka Sankshipth Parichay''] available in Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>
For example, in माध्यन्दिन-संहिता ॥ Madhyandina samhita, the yajna kriyas for दर्शपूर्णमासः ॥ Darshapurnamasa, अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ [[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra]], चातुर्मास्यम् ॥ Chaturmasya, अग्निष्टोमः ॥ Agnistoma, Nirudhapasubandha, Chayanayaga, Sautramani, अश्वमेधः ॥ Ashvamedha, वाजपेयः ॥ Vajapeya, राजसूयः ॥ Rajasuya etc among other yajnas and इष्टि-s ॥ ishtis are present. Due to excessive intake of Soma, Indra the chief of devatas, developed some afflictions which was cured by Asvini devatas by conducting Sautramini yajna. Thus we see that yajnas were conducted with some desires like regaining lost kingdoms, cattle and progeny (kamyakarma). Asvamedha yajna was performed by kings to attain the position of Chakravarti (emperor).<ref name=":4" />
For example, in Madhyandina samhita (माध्यन्दिन-संहिता), the yajna kriyas for Darshapurnamasa (दर्शपूर्णमासः), [[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्]]), Chaturmasya (चातुर्मास्यम्), Agnistoma (अग्निष्टोमः), Nirudhapasubandha, Chayanayajna, Sautramani, Ashvamedha (अश्वमेधः), Vajapeya (वाजपेयः), Rajasuya etc among other yajnas and Ishtis (इष्टि-s) are present. Due to excessive intake of Soma, Indra the chief of devatas, developed some afflictions which was cured by Asvini devatas by conducting Sautramini yajna. Thus we see that yajnas were conducted with some desires like regaining lost kingdoms, cattle and progeny (kamyakarma). Asvamedha yajna was performed by kings to attain the position of Chakravarti (emperor).<ref name=":4" /> More about the [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajnas]] is dealt with in a separate article.
=== प्रसिद्धाः मन्त्राः ॥ Famous Mantras ===
=== प्रसिद्धाः मन्त्राः ॥ Famous Mantras ===
* The popular mantras in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रश्नः || SriRudraprashna – finds a place in this Veda (Adhyaya 16).
* The popular mantras in praise of Lord Siva - SriRudraprashna (श्रीरुद्रप्रश्नः) – finds a place in this Veda (Adhyaya 16 of Taittriya Samhita).
* The other famous sukta, पुरुषसूक्तम् || Purusha Sukta also occurs here additionally with 6 mantras as compared to Rigveda version (Adhyaya 31).
* The other famous sukta, Purusha Sukta (पुरुषसूक्तम्) also occurs here additionally with 6 mantras as compared to Rigveda version (Adhyaya 31 of Tattriya samhita).
* In the 34th Adhyaya the first six mantras are called as 'Shivasankalpa Upanishad'.
* In the 34th Adhyaya of the Taittriya Samhita the first six mantras are called as 'Shivasankalpa Upanishad'.
* The 40th Adhyaya is the Ishavasyopanishad (ईशावास्योपनिषद्); this is the only instance where an Upanishad is associated with the Samhita.
* The 40th Adhyaya is the Ishavasyopanishad (ईशावास्योपनिषद्); this is the only instance where an Upanishad is associated with the Samhita.
== सामवेद-संहिता ॥ Samaveda Samhita ==
== सामवेद-संहिता ॥ Samaveda Samhita ==
The Sama Samhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Samaveda is shortest of all the four Vedas. It is closely connected with the Rigveda. It is meant to be sung by the Udgatri, the Sama-Vedic priest<ref name=":22" />.
The Sama Samhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Samaveda is shortest of all the four Vedas. It is closely connected with the Rigveda. It is meant to be sung by the [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Udgatri (उद्गाता)]], the Sama-Vedic priest<ref name=":22" /> thus the Samaveda-Samhita is the song-book of the Udgata priest.
It is important to note that the Samhita of the Samaveda is an independent collection (Samhita), yet it has taken many verses, a large number indeed, from the Samhita of Rigveda. These verses are chiefly derived from the eighth and the ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.
It is important to note that the Samhita of the Samaveda is an independent collection (Samhita), yet it has taken many verses, a large number indeed, from the Samhita of Rigveda. These verses are chiefly derived from the eighth and the ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.
=== Structure of Samaveda ===
=== Structure of Samaveda ===
* The Samaveda samhita comprises two major parts namely
* The Samaveda samhita comprises two major parts namely
** Gāna (गान) containing melody information.
** Gana (गानम्) containing melody information.
** Arcika (आर्चिक) contains the mantras.
** Arcika (आर्चिक) contains the mantras.
* According to the ancient tradition, told by Patanjali, the Samaveda had 1000 ''Shakhas''. But at present there are only three Shakas. These are – '''(1) Kauthuma, (2) Jaiminiya, (3) Ranayaniya.'''
* According to the ancient tradition, told by Patanjali, the Samaveda had 1000 Shakhas. But at present there are only three Shakas. These are – '''(1) कौथुम || Kauthuma, (2) जैमिनीय || Jaiminiya, (3) राणायनीय || Ranayaniya.'''
* गान ॥ Gana texts contain the information about how Samagana is to be sung. While singing the mantras, मात्र || matras such as दीर्घः || deergha, प्लुतः ॥ pluta, and पाठपद्धतिः ॥ pathapaddhati (recitation methods) are clearly mentioned in these texts.
* गान ॥ Gana texts contain the information about how Samagana is to be sung. While singing the mantras, matras (मात्रा) such as deergha (दीर्घः), pluta (प्लुतः), and pathapaddhati (पाठपद्धतिः । recitation methods) are clearly mentioned in these texts.
* Sama Gana or singing of mantras 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. According to Narada Shiksha, the svaramandala of sama are given as 7 svaras (स्वराः), 3 grama (ग्राम), 21 murchna (मूर्छना) and 49 tana (तान). <ref name=":4" />
* Sama Gana or singing of mantras 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. According to Narada Shiksha, the svaramandala of sama are given as 7 svaras (स्वराः), 3 grama (ग्रामम्), 21 murchna (मूर्छना) and 49 tana (तानम्). <ref name=":4" />
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===
All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''उद्गाता''' || '''Udgata''']] priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and [[Soma]].<ref name=":0" />
All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''Udgata (उद्गाता''']]) priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and [[Soma]].<ref name=":0" />
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
=== विषयः || Vishaya (Content) ===
It is said in Brhaddevata that those who know the Samaveda knows the secret of Vedas.<ref name=":4" /> <blockquote>सामानि यो वेत्ति स वेद तत्त्वम् । sāmāni yō vētti sa vēda tattvam ।</blockquote>In Chandogya Upanishad, proclaims that Udgita is the gist of all of Samaveda. Udgita is the other name of Omkar. Thus, Samaveda proclaims the reverence to Omkar given in all Vedas.<blockquote>साम्न उद्गीथो रसः । sāmna udgīthō rasaḥ ।</blockquote>It is also said here that अङ्गिरस-महर्षिः ॥ Angirasa maharshi, while teaching Vedas to SriKrishna, first taught सामगान-विधिः ॥ Samagana vidhi called "Chalikhya" to Him, in which He attained perfection and played it on His flute.<ref name=":2232222" />
It is said in Brhaddevata that those who know the Samaveda knows the secret of Vedas.<ref name=":4" /> <blockquote>सामानि यो वेत्ति स वेद तत्त्वम् । sāmāni yō vētti sa vēda tattvam ।</blockquote>In Chandogya Upanishad, proclaims that Udgita is the gist of all of Samaveda. Udgita is the other name of Omkar. Thus, Samaveda proclaims the reverence to Omkar given in all Vedas.<blockquote>साम्न उद्गीथो रसः । sāmna udgīthō rasaḥ ।</blockquote>It is also said here that Angirasa maharshi, while teaching Vedas to SriKrishna, first taught Samagana vidhi (सामगान-विधिः) called "Chalikhya" to Him, in which He attained perfection and played it on His flute.<ref name=":2232222" />
Similarly, in the ललिता सहस्रनामम् ॥ Lalita Sahasranama, one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is सामगानप्रिये || Sama Gana Priye (one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).
Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama (ललिता सहस्रनामम्), one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is Sama Gana Priye (सामगानप्रिये । one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).
Traditionally the three Vedas are spoken as''<nowiki/>'Trayi''<nowiki/>', because they are composed of three kinds in mantras- Rks or verses, Yajus or prose, Saman or chants.
Traditionally the three Vedas are spoken as''<nowiki/>'''Trayi (त्रयी), because they are composed of three kinds in mantras- Rks or verses, Yajus or prose, Saman or chants.
Here Indra, Agni and Soma deities are mainly invoked and praised but most of the time these prayers seem to be the invocations for the Supreme Being. In the spiritual sense Soma represents All-pervading Brahman, who is attainable only through devotion and musical chanting. Thus major theme of the Samaveda can be regarded as worship and devotion (''Upasana'').<ref name=":2232222" />
''<nowiki/>''
Here Indra, Agni and Soma deities are mainly invoked and praised but most of the time these prayers seem to be the invocations for the Supreme Being. In the spiritual sense Soma represents All-pervading Brahman, who is attainable only through devotion and musical chanting. Thus major theme of the Samaveda can be regarded as worship and devotion (Upasana).<ref name=":2232222" />
=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects ===
=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects ===
Firstly, the famous Chandogya Upanishad belongs to this veda. Many deep philosophical thoughts are associated with this Upanishad given in the form of samvaada suktas (dialogue hymns).
Firstly, the famous Chandogya Upanishad belongs to this veda. Many deep philosophical thoughts are associated with this Upanishad given in the form of samvaada suktas (dialogue hymns).
Secondly, Bharatamuni (भरतमुनिः), the author of Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्रम्), cites Samaveda as the origin of music.<ref name=":22224">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref><blockquote>जग्राह पाठ्यं ऋग्वेदात्, सामभ्यो गीतमेव च यजुर्वेदादभिनयान् रसमाथर्वणादपि।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote><blockquote>jagrāha pāṭhyaṃ ṛgvedāt, sāmabhyo gītameva ca yajurvedādabhinayān rasamātharvaṇādapi।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote>Meaning : सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda is the origin of गीतम् ॥ geeta (music).<blockquote>सामवेदादिदं गीतं संजग्राह पितामहः (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote><blockquote>sāmavedādidaṃ gītaṃ saṃjagrāha pitāmahaḥ (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote>Meaning : ब्रह्मा ॥ Brahma collected musical notes (गीतम् ॥ geeta) from सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda.
Secondly, Bharatamuni (भरतमुनिः), the author of Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्रम्), cites Samaveda as the origin of music.<ref name=":22224">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref><blockquote>जग्राह पाठ्यं ऋग्वेदात्, सामभ्यो गीतमेव च यजुर्वेदादभिनयान् रसमाथर्वणादपि।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote><blockquote>jagrāha pāṭhyaṃ ṛgvedāt, sāmabhyo gītameva ca yajurvedādabhinayān rasamātharvaṇādapi।। (Naty. shas. 1.17)</blockquote>Meaning : Samaveda is the origin of geeta (गीतम् । music).<blockquote>सामवेदादिदं गीतं संजग्राह पितामहः (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote><blockquote>sāmavedādidaṃ gītaṃ saṃjagrāha pitāmahaḥ (Sang. Ratn. 1.25)</blockquote>Meaning : Brahma (ब्रह्मा) collected musical notes (गीतम् । geeta) from सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda.
According to सारङ्गदेवः ॥ Sarangadeva, the author of सङ्गीत-रत्नाकरम् ॥ Sangeeta Ratnakara, musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":22224" />
According to Sarangadeva (सारङ्गदेवः), the author of Sangeeta Ratnakara (सङ्गीतरत्नाकरम्), musical notes in words arose from Samaveda texts.<ref name=":22224" />
== अथर्ववेद-संहिता ॥ Atharvaveda Samhita ==
== अथर्ववेद-संहिता ॥ Atharvaveda Samhita ==
The Atharvaveda Samhita is meant to be used by the Brahma, the Atharva-Vedic priest, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may be accidentally be committed by the other three priests<ref name=":22" />.
The Atharvaveda Samhita is meant to be used by the Brahma, the Atharva-Vedic priest, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may be accidentally be committed by the other three priests<ref name=":22" />.