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Brahmanas are most important among several other texts, which were composed in ancient times to explain the difficult meaning and secret knowledge of the Vedic Samhitas.
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Brahmanas (Samskrit : ब्राह्मणम्) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and associated usage in vaidika kriyas.
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== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==
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The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":0222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref>. The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various yajnas and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 
  
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== Introduction ==
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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 Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and adhyatmikism.<ref name=":1222"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>
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The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":0">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, 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=":0" /> The Aranyakas and Brahmanas are variously classified, sometimes as the ceremonial ''karma-kanda'', other times (or parts of them) as the ''jnana-kanda''.
 
  
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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 name=":1"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</ref>
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Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform yajnika rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the yajna. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>
  
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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”
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Dr. K.S. Narayanacharya explains that Brahmanas are meant as explanatory texts, attached to each branch, in simple prose. <blockquote>''"These quote the original texts and then add notes, in order to decipher the symbolic language of the basic texts sometimes, using language of myths and giving us clues, etymologies and connecting different portions together, some other times".<ref name=":2222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>''</blockquote>
  
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Another learned author says: These are four different modes of expressing the same truths, each as a cross check against others so that misrepresentations are avoided, a method used and valid even today.<ref name=":2">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>
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== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
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The word Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्) in neuter gender means Brahmana texts. One wonders why these literary compositions are given this name even though the authors of Brahmanas and their commentators have not offered any definition of this word.
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* According to '''Shatapatha Brahmana''' the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.<ref name=":1">Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) ''Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu.'' Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press</ref>
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<blockquote>ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः । ''brahma vai mantraḥ'' (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)</blockquote><blockquote>सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म । (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)</blockquote><blockquote>''saptākṣaraṁ vai brahmargityekamakṣaraṁ yajuritidve sāmeti dve atha yadato'nyadbrahmaiva taddvyakṣaraṁ vai brahma tadetatsarvaṁsaptākṣaraṁ brahma।''</blockquote>The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || Brahman which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "''brahma vai mantraḥ''"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || ''br̥ḥ'' 'to grow', 'to expand'. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of ''Yajna''.<ref name=":2">''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/ Introduction to Brahmanas]'' By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Delhi University From Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>
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* '''Apastamba''' ('''आपस्तम्बः)''' clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (yajnika rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.<ref name=":1" />
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<blockquote>मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)<ref>Apastamba Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AA Prashna 24])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''mantrabrāhmaṇe yajñasya pramāṇam 30 mantrabrāhmaṇayorvedanāmadheyam 31 karmacodanā brāhmaṇāni 32''</blockquote>The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, that meaning which is hidden (not easily understandable), is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.
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* '''Purvamimamsa''' (मीमांसासूत्राणि) and '''Shabara bhashyam''' says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.<ref name=":1" />
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<blockquote>शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || ''śeṣe brāhmaṇa śabdaḥ ||'' (Purv. Mima. 2.1.33)<ref>Purvamimamsa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF 2.1.33])</ref></blockquote>
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* '''Sayanacharya''' has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>''"Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".''</blockquote>
  
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The '''Brahmanas''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|r|ɑː|m|ə|n|ə}}; [[Sanskrit]]: {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मणम्}}, ''Brāhmaṇa'') are a collection of ancient Indian texts with commentaries on the hymns of the four [[Vedas]]. They are primarily a digest incorporating myths, legends, the explanation of Vedic rituals and in some cases philosophy.<ref name=ebri/><ref name=klkl>[[Klaus Klostermaier]] (1994), A Survey of Hinduism, Second Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791421093, pages 67-69</ref> They are attached to each Veda, and form a part of the [[Hindu texts|Hindu]] ''[[śruti]]'' literature.<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/brahmana "Brahmana"]. ''[[Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary]]''</ref>
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''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] or Upanishads in their own right.  Each Vedic ''[[shakha]]'' (शाखा | school) has its own ''Brahmana''. Numerous ''Brahmana'' texts existed in ancient India, many of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety.
  
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The ''Brahmanas'' are particularly noted for their instructions on the proper performance of rituals, as well as explain the original symbolic meanings- translated to words and ritual actions in the main text.<ref name=ebri>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/77126/Brahmana Brahmana] Encyclopædia Britannica (2013)</ref> ''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka]]s or [[Upanishad]]s in their own right.<ref name=winter3/>
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== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ==
  
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Each Vedic ''[[shakha]]'' (school) has its own ''Brahmana''. Numerous ''Brahmana'' texts existed in ancient India, many of which have been lost.<ref name=winter>Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 175-176</ref> A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety.
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=== Topics ===
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According to Apastamba, these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi, Arthavada, Ninda, Prashansha (same as Stuti), Purakalpa and Parakriti.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Sayanacharya states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavada only:<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>द्विविधम् ब्राह्मणम् विधिः अर्थवादश्च || ''dvividham brāhmaṇam vidhiḥ arthavādaśca ||''</blockquote>Thus the four Stuti, Ninda, Purakalpa and Parakriti may be classified under the heading Arthavada. In Shabara Bhashya under the heading ब्राह्मणनिर्वचनाधिकरणम् | ''brāhmaṇanirvacanādhikaraṇam'' the different aspects of Brahmanas are explained.
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# ''विधिः || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites. Example : विधिः, यजमानसम्मिता उदुम्बरी भवति। ''vidhiḥ, yajamānasammitā udumbarī bhavati।'' as given in Shabara Bhashya. This is further divided under two headings :
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#* Apavrittapravartaka (अपवृत्तप्रवर्तकम्) injunctions which promote the yajamana into conducting yajnas previously not undertaken by him.
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#* Ajnatajnapaka (अज्ञातज्ञापकम्) injunctions which informs the yajamana about the procedure of a yajna.
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# ''अर्थवादः || Arthavada'' comprises the numerous recommendations and the explanatory remarks on the meaning of mantras and particular rites.
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#* ''स्तुतिः || Stuti or प्रशंसा || Prashamsa'' means eulogy and recommendation of the injunctions. Example : प्रशंसा, वायुर्वै क्षेपिष्ठा देवता | ''praśaṁsā, vāyurvai kṣepiṣṭhā devatā |'' (Shab. Bhas. 1.2.7) <ref>Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/शबरभाष्यम्/प्रथमोऽध्यायः/द्वितीयः_पादः Adhyaya 1 Pada 2])</ref> which means Vayu is a devata who travels fast. Hence he can bestow results speedily, is stated in the praise of Vayudevata.
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#* ''निन्दा  || Ninda'' or censure consists in criticism and refutation of the opponents' views.<ref name=":2" /> However, according to another version, Ninda indicates the actions which should not be performed and prevents one from doing them. Example : निन्दा, उपवीता वा एतस्याग्नयः। ''nindā, upavītā vā etasyāgnayaḥ।'' (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3">Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2 Pada 1])</ref> <ref name=":1" />
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#* ''परकृतिः || Parakriti'' indicates the antagonistic injunctions  followed by others. Example : परकृतिः माषानेव मह्यं पचतीति। ''parakr̥tiḥ māṣāneva mahyaṁ pacatīti।'' <ref name=":1" /> <ref name=":3" />
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#* ''पुराकल्पः || Puraakalpa'' refers to the performance of yajnika rites in former times.<ref name=":2" /> According to another version, purakalpa refers to the historical record. Example : पुरा ब्राह्मणाअभैषुः इति पुराकल्पः । ''purā brāhmaṇāabhaiṣuḥ iti purākalpaḥ ।'' <ref>Vachaspatyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A7 See Brahmana])</ref> <ref name=":1" />
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Thus the main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it.<ref name=":2" /> Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:<ref>Sharma, Ram Murthy. (1987 2nd edition) ''Vaidik Sahitya ka Itihas'' Delhi : Eastern Book Linkers</ref><blockquote>हेतुर्निर्वचनं निन्दा प्रशंसा संशयो विधिः। परक्रिया पुराकल्पो व्यवधारणकल्पना।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>उपमानं दशैते तु विधयो ब्राह्मणस्य तु। एतद्वै सर्ववेदेषु नियतं विधिलक्षणम्।।</blockquote><blockquote>''heturnirvacanaṁ nindā praśaṁsā saṁśayo vidhiḥ। parakriyā purākalpo vyavadhāraṇakalpanā।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)''</blockquote><blockquote>''upamānaṁ daśaite tu vidhayo brāhmaṇasya tu। etadvai sarvavedeṣu niyataṁ vidhilakṣaṇam।।''</blockquote>
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# ''हेतुः || Hetu'' - reasons
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# ''निर्वचनम् || Nirvacana'' - etymology
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# ''निन्दा || Ninda'' - censure ,condemn
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# ''प्रशंसा'' ''|| Prashansha'' - eulogy, praise
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# ''संशयः || Samshaya'' - doubt,uncertainty
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# ''विधिः || Vidhi'' - injunction,sanction
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# ''परक्रिया || Parakriya'' - feats/deeds of others
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# ''पुरकल्पः || Purakalpa'' - legendary background
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# ''व्यवधारण कल्पना || Vyavadharana''- Kalpana - managerial application
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# ''उपमानम् || Upamana'' - illustration.
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''Yajna'' is not only yajna. In Brahmanas we find it symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.<ref name=":2" />
  
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The dating of the final codification of the ''Brahmanas'' and associated Vedic texts is controversial, which occurred after centuries of verbal transmission.<ref>Klaus Klostermaier (2007), A Survey of Hinduism, Third Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791470824, page 47</ref> The oldest is dated to about 900 [[BCE]], while the youngest Brahmanas (such as the [[Shatapatha Brahmana]]), were complete by about 700 BCE.<ref name=ebri/><ref name=mw>[[Michael Witzel]], "Tracing the Vedic dialects" in ''Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, 1989, 97–265.</ref><ref name=bcp>Biswas et al (1989), Cosmic Perspectives, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0521343541, pages 42-43</ref> According to [[Jan Gonda]], the final codification of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and early Upanishads took place in pre-Buddhist times (ca. 600 BCE).<ref name=kklo/>
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=== Texual Design ===
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Like Veda samhita Brahmanas are not metrically composed, yet they are treated as mantras having padapatha even though they contain prose. This is more pronounced in Taittriya and Shatapatha Brahmanas of Yajurveda where mantras are seen. Even though Brahmana texts agree with the Samhitas in the context of performing Yajnas, the difference in language style and description of social conditions indicate that all Brahmana texts did not arise in a single point of time.  
  
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==Discussion==
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Tattriya Brahmana is said to be the oldest of all Brahmanas due to the following reasons.<ref name=":4">Pt. Suryanarayana Sastry Malladi. (1982) ''Samskruta Vangmaya Charitra, Volume 1, Vaidika Vangmayam.'' Hyderabad : Andhra Sarasvata Parishat</ref>
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The Brahmanas constitute the second part of the Vedas. With the passage of time, the newer generations found the mantras of the Samhitas difficult to understand. An elaborate explanation of the mantras became necessary. The result was the Brahmanas. The Brahmanas are explanatory in nature. They are mostly in prose.<ref name=":1" />
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* Extensive usage of vedic words (प्राचीनप्रयोगबाहुल्यम्)
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* Profound prose compositions (प्रढगद्यशैली)
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* Rules for Svaras (स्वरनियमाः)
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* Importance to Yajnas and yagas (यज्ञजीवत्वम्)
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== Classification of Brahmanas ==
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Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular shakha or school. Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas which are listed here:
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=== Rig Samhita ===
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There are two available brahamanas associated with Rig veda.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />
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# '''ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana''' :  It consists of 8 Panchikas each containing 5 adhyayas thus a total of 40 ''adhyayas'' (अध्याय '''|''' lessons, chapters) are present. Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana (बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण) is the same as Aitareya brahmana belonging to the Shakala shaka of Rig Samhita.<ref name=":1" /> In this brahmana the first 16 adhyayas deal with Soma yajna. Apart from this Agnistoma, Hotri krityas for yajnas like Jyotistoma, Atiratram, Gavamana and Agnihotra rituals are described. 
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# '''कौषितकि / साङ्खयन  ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana''' : It consists of 30 adhyayas and belongs to the Shankhyayana and Bashkala shakas of Rig Samhita.  The first six adhyayas are dedicated to food yajna and the remaining to Soma yajna in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana. However, differences are seen with respect to Agnyadhana, Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa istis, Chaturmasya yajnas.   
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Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.
  
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Brahmanas quote the original texts themselves, and add notes by trying to decipher the basic texts (Smahitas). <ref name=":2" />   
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Four of the Rig samhita brahmanas namely Paingi, Bahvrucha, Ashvalayana, Gaalava brahmanas are lost in time.<ref name=":1" />   
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=== Yajus Samhita ===
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Brahmanas of Yajur veda includes two important shakas.
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# '''Shukla-Yajurveda''' : (1) Madhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.
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# '''Krishna-Yajurveda''' : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.
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The Shatapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes Upanayana, a ceremony that marked the start of Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]]. The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous Brhadaranyaka Upanishad form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.
  
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The Rig Veda has two Brahmanas – Aitereya Brahmana and Shankhayana Brahmana. The Shat-Patha Brahmana of Yajur Veda is the largest of all the Brahmanas of all the Vedas.<ref name=":1" />
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Brahmana associated with Maitrayani Shaka is not available.
  
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The ''Brahmanas'' are primarily a digest incorporating myths, legends, the exposition of rituals in the Vedas and in some cases philosophy.<ref name="ebri" /><ref name="klkl" /> For example, the first chapter of the Chandogya Brahmana, one of the oldest Brahmanas, includes eight ''suktas'' (hymns) for the ceremony of marriage and rituals at the birth of a child.<ref name="maxmullercb" /><ref name="pauldeussencb">Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, page 63</ref> The first hymn is a recitation that accompanies offering a [[Yajna]] oblation to deity [[Agni]] (fire) on the occasion of a marriage, and the hymn prays for prosperity of the couple getting married.<ref name="pauldeussencb" /> The second hymn wishes for their long life, kind relatives, and a numerous progeny.<ref name="maxmullercb" /> The third hymn is a mutual marriage pledge, between the bride and groom, by which the two bind themselves to each other, as follows (excerpt),
+
The Taittreya Brahmana considered as the oldest text consists of information on various important yajnas such as Aswamedha Yajna, information about nakshatras, their ruling deities and associated astronomical information. This became the root for the development of astrology as a subject subsequently.<ref name=":4" />
  
−
{{Quote|
+
Twelve Yajus samhita related brahmanas have been lost in time.  They are Charaka, Svetasvatara, Kaathaka, or Shataadhyayana, Maitraayani, Jaabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chaagaleya brahmanas.<ref name=":1" />
−
<poem>
+
=== Sama Samhita ===
−
यदेतद्धृदयं तव तदस्तु हृदयं मम <nowiki>।
+
Brahmanas available in Sama samhita include <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />
−
यदिदं हृदयं मम तदस्तु हृदयं तव ॥</nowiki>
+
# '''जैमिनीय ब्राह्मण || Jaiminiya Brahmana''' (तलवकार ।Talavakara) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.
 +
# '''तानद्य || Taandya''' (प्रौढ । Proudha or महाब्राह्मणम्। Mahabrahmana or  पञ्चविंश । Panchavimsha Brahmana) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma (कौथुम) and Ranayaniya (राणायनीय) shakhas. This is one of the oldest, vast and most important of Brahmanas which includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas and Gavayamana yajnas.''
 +
# '''छान्दोग्य || Chandogya''' (Mantra) Brahmana is one of the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (प्रपाठकः। chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the Chandogya Upanishad.
 +
Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana<ref name=":1" />  
  
−
That heart of thine shall be mine,
+
Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shatyayana brahmanas.
−
and this heart of mine shall be thine.
+
=== Atharva Samhita ===
−
</poem>
+
(1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana. Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.
−
|Chāndogya Brāhmaṇa, Chaper 1, Translated by [[Max Muller]]<ref name=maxmullercb>Max Muller, [https://archive.org/stream/upanishads01ml#page/n93/mode/2up Chandogya Upanishad], The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page LXXXVII with footnote 2</ref><ref>{{Google books|sqqgAAAAMAAJ|The Development of the Female Mind in India|page=27}}, The Calcutta Review, Volume 60, page 27</ref>}}
 
  
−
The next two hymns of the first chapter of the Chandogya Brahmana invoke deities ''Agni'', ''Vayu'', ''Kandramas'', and ''Surya'' to bless the couple and ensure healthful progeny.<ref name=maxmullercb/> The sixth through last hymn of the first chapter in Chandogya Brahmana are not marriage-related, but related to hymns that go with ritual celebrations on the birth of a child, and wishes for health, wealth and prosperity with a profusion of milch-cows and [[artha]].<ref name=maxmullercb/>
+
Following is the summary of Brahmanas associated with the different vedic shakas.  
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
The Brahmanas are particularly noted for their instructions on the proper performance of rituals, as well as explain the symbolic importance of sacred words and ritual actions in the main text.<ref name="ebri"/> These instructions insist on exact pronunciation (accent),<ref>The pronunciation challenge arises from the change in meaning, in some cases, if something is pronounced incorrectly; for example hrA, hrada, hradA, hradya, hrag, hrAm and hrAsa, each has different meanings; see Harvey P. Alper (2012), Understanding Mantras, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120807464, pages 104-105</ref> ''[[Vedic meter|chhandas]]'' (छन्दः, meters), precise pitch, with coordinated movement of hand and fingers – that is, perfect delivery.<ref name=klkl/><ref>[[Max Muller]], {{Google books|qdQXYYp9e50C|A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature}}, page 147</ref> Satapatha Brahamana, for example, states that verbal perfection made a mantra infallible, while one mistake made it powerless.<ref name=klkl/> Scholars suggest that this [[Orthology (language)|orthological]] perfection preserved Vedas in an age when writing technology was not in vogue, and the voluminous collection of Vedic knowledge were taught to and memorized by dedicated students through [[Svādhyāya#Svadhyaya as a historical practice|Svādhyāya]], then remembered and verbally transmitted from one generation to the next.<ref name=klkl/><ref>[[Gavin Flood]] (Ed) (2003), The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., ISBN 1-4051-3251-5, pages 67-69</ref>
+
|+Brahmanas Associated with the Four Veda Samhitas
−
 
+
!Veda
−
Each Vedic ''[[shakha]]'' (school) has its own Brahmana, many of which have been lost.<ref name=winter/> A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety: two associated with the [[Rigveda]], six with the [[Yajurveda]], ten with the [[Samaveda]] and one with the [[Atharvaveda]]. Additionally, there are a handful of fragmentarily preserved texts. They vary greatly in length; the edition of the [[Shatapatha Brahmana]] fills five volumes of the [[Sacred Books of the East]]. The Brahmanas were seminal in the development of later Indian thought and scholarship, including [[Hindu philosophy]], predecessors of [[Vedanta]], law, astronomy, geometry, linguistics ([[Pāṇini]]), the concept of [[Karma]], or the stages in life such as [[brahmacarya]], [[grihastha]], [[vanaprastha]] and eventually, [[sannyasa]]. Brahmanas also lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing sections that are [[Aranyaka]]s or [[Upanishad]]s in their own right.
+
!Available Brahmanas
−
 
+
!Lost Brahmanas
−
The language of the Brahmanas is a separate stage of [[Vedic Sanskrit]], younger than the text of the samhitas (the ''[[mantra]]'' texts of the Vedas proper), ca.1000BCE, but for the most part are older than the text of the [[Sutra]]s. The dating of the Brahmanas is controversial, with oldest being dated to about 900 BCE, while the youngest Brahmanas (such as the Shatapatha Brahmana), were complete by about 700 BCE.<ref name=ebri/><ref name=mw/><ref name=bcp/>
+
|-
−
 
+
!Rigveda
−
According to [[Jan Gonda]], the final codification of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, [[Aranyakas]] and early Upanishads took place in pre-Buddhist times (ca. 600 BCE).<ref name=kklo>Klaus Klostermaier (1994), A Survey of Hinduism, Second Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791421093, page 67</ref> Erdosy suggests that the later Brahmanas were composed during a period of urbanisation and considerable social change.<ref>Erdosy, George, ed, ''The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity'', New York: Walter de Gruyter, 1995</ref> This period also saw significant developments in mathematics, geometry, biology and grammar.<ref>Doniger, Wendy, ''The Hindus, An Alternative History'', Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-19-959334-7, pbk</ref>
+
|Aitareya (ऐतरेय) and Kaushitaki (कौषितकी)  
−
 
+
|Paingi, Bahvrucha, Aashvalayana, Gaalava
−
==List of Brahmanas==
+
|-
−
Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular [[shakha]] or school:
+
!'''Shukla-Yajurveda'''
−
 
+
|Madhyandina and Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana
−
===[[Rigveda]]===
+
| rowspan="2" |Charaka, Shvetashvatara, Kathaka, or Shatyayana, Maitrayani, Jabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chagaleya
−
* Shakala shakha
+
|-
−
** [[Aitareya Brahmana]], rarely also known as Ashvalayana Brahmana (AB).<ref>Theodor Aufrecht, ''Das Aitareya Braahmana. Mit Auszügen aus dem Commentare von Sayanacarya und anderen Beilagen'', Bonn 1879; [http://titus.uni-frankfurt.de/texte/etcs/ind/aind/ved/rv/ab/ab.htm TITUS etext]</ref> It consists of 40 ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.<ref name=winter2>Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 176-178</ref> Parts of the Aitareya Brahmana reads like an ''[[Aranyaka]]''.<ref>[[Paul Deussen]], {{Google books|B0QzAQAAMAAJ|The Philosophy of the Upanishads}}, pages 4-6</ref>
+
!'''Krishna-Yajurveda'''
−
* Bashkala or Iksvakus shakha (unclear)<ref>[[Michael Witzel]], [http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~witzel/canon.pdf The Vedic Canon and its Political Milieu], Harvard University Press, pages 320-321</ref><ref name=keith22>KB Keith, [https://archive.org/stream/rigvedabrahmana00keitgoog#page/n39/mode/2up Rigveda Brahmanas], Harvard Oriental Series, pages 22-45</ref>
+
|Taittiriya Brahmana
−
** [[Kaushitaki Brahmana]] (also called {{IAST|Śāṅkhāyana}} Brahmana) (KB, ŚānkhB).<ref>ed. E. R. Sreekrishna Sarma, Wiesbaden 1968.</ref> It consistes of 30 chapters, the first six of which are dedicated to food sacrifice, and the remaining to Soma sacrifice in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana.<ref name=winter2/>
+
|-
−
 
+
!Samaveda
−
Keith has published his translation of Aitereya Brahmana,<ref>KB Keith, [https://archive.org/stream/rigvedabrahmana00keitgoog#page/n121/mode/2up Rigveda Brahmanas: Aitereya], Harvard Oriental Series, pages 105-344</ref> and the Kaushitaki Brahmana.<ref>KB Keith, [https://archive.org/stream/rigvedabrahmana00keitgoog#page/n361/mode/2up Rigveda Brahmanas: Kaushitaki], Harvard Oriental Series, pages 345-540</ref>
+
|Jaiminiya (जैमिनीय) Tandya (ताण्ड्य) and Chandogya Brahmana (छान्दोग्य)
−
 
+
|Bhallavi, Kala, Rauruki, and Shatadhyayana brahmanas
−
===[[Samaveda]]===
+
|-
−
* Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas
+
!Atharvaveda
−
** [[Panchavimsha Brahmana|Tandya Mahabrahmana]] or Panchavimsha Brahmana ({{IAST|Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa}}) (PB) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas. This is one of the oldest Brahmanas and includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas''.<ref name=winter2/>
+
|Gopatha Brahmana
−
** [[Sadvimsha Brahmana]] ({{IAST|Ṣaḍviṃṡa Brāhmaṇa}}) ({{IAST|ṢadvB}}) is considered as an appendix to the Panchavimsha Brahmana and its twenty-sixth ''prapathaka''.<ref name=winter2/>
+
|None known
−
** Samavidhana Brahmana, and the following Samaveda "Brahmanas" are in Sutra style; it comprises 3 prapathakas.
+
|}
−
** Arsheya Brahmana is an index to the hymns of Samaveda.
 
−
** Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana comprises 3 khandas, having 26, 11 and 25 kandikas respectively.
 
−
** Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana (MB) and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the [[Chandogya Upanishad]].
 
−
** Samhitopanishad Brahmana has a single ''prapathaka'' (chapter) divided into five ''khanda''s (sections).
 
−
** Vamsa Brahmana consists of one short chapter, detailing successions of teachers and disciples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dharmicscriptures.org/Vedic_SB_Intro.doc|title=Vedic Samhitas and Brahmanas – A popular, brief introduction}}</ref>
 
−
* Jaiminiya shakha
 
−
** Jaiminiya Brahmana (JB) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.<ref name=winter3>[[Moriz Winternitz]] (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 178-180</ref>
 
−
** Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana is also an index to the hymns of Samaveda, belonging to the Jaiminiya shakha.
 
−
** [[Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana]] (JUB) also known as Talavakara Upanishad Brahmana, is to some extent parallel to the Chandogya Upanisad, but  older.
 
−
 
 
−
===[[Yajurveda]]===
 
−
 
 
−
====[[Krishna Yajurveda]]====
 
−
* In the Krishna Yajurveda, Brahmana style texts are integrated in the Samhitas; they are older than the Brahmanas proper.
 
−
** Maitrayani Samhita (MS) and an Aranyaka (= accented [[Maitrayaniya Upanishad]])
 
−
** (Caraka) Katha Samhita (KS); the Katha school has an additional fragmentary Brahmana (KathB) and Aranyaka (KathA)
 
−
** Kapisthalakatha Samhita (KpS), and a few small fragments of its Brahmana
 
−
** Taittiriya Samhita (TS). In addition to the Brahmana style portions of the Samhita,the Taittiriya school has an additional [[Taittiriya Brahmana]] (TB) and Aranyaka (TA) as well as the late Vedic Vadhula Anvakhyana (Br.).{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} It includes a description of symbolic sacrifices, where meditation substitutes an actual sacrifice.<ref name=winter3/>
 
−
 
 
−
====[[Shukla Yajurveda]]====
 
−
* Madhyandina Shakha
 
−
** [[Shatapatha Brahmana]], Madhyandina recension (SBM)
 
−
* Kanva Shakha
 
−
** Shatapatha Brahmana, Kanva recension (SBK)
 
−
 
 
−
:The Satapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmanas canon of texts.<ref name=winter3/> Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes [[Upanayana]], a ceremony that marked the start of [[Brahmacharya]] (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]].<ref name=winter3/> The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous [[Brhadaranyaka Upanishad]] form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.<ref name=winter3/>
 
−
 
 
−
===[[Atharvaveda]]===
 
−
* Shaunaka and Paippalada Shakhas
 
−
** The very late [[Gopatha Brahmana]] probably was the Aranyaka of the Paippaladins whose Brahmana is lost.
 
−
 
 
−
==Notes==
 
−
<references    />
 
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
* {{cite book| title=A History of Sanskrit Literature |author=[[Arthur Anthony Macdonell]] |year=1900 |location=New York |publisher=D. Appleton and company |chapter=[[s:A History of Sanskrit Literature/Chapter 8|Brāhmaṇas]]}}
+
<references />
−
* [[Arthur Berriedale Keith]], ''Rigveda Brahmanas'' (1920); reprint: Motilal Banarsidass (1998) ISBN 978-81-208-1359-5.
+
[[Category:Vedas]]
−
* A. C. Banerjea, ''Studies in the {{IAST|Brāhmaṇas}}'', Motilal Banarsidass (1963)
 
−
* E. R. Sreekrishna Sarma, ''{{IAST|Kauṣītaki-Brāhmaṇa}}'', Wiesbaden (1968, comm. 1976).
 
−
* Dumont, P. E. [translations of sections of TB 3 ]. PAPS 92 (1948), 95 (1951), 98 (1954), 101 (1957), 103 (1959), 104 (1960), 105 (1961), 106 (1962), 107 (1963), 108 (1964), 109 (1965), 113 (1969).
 
−
* Caland, W. Über das Vadhulasutra; Eine zweite / dritte / vierte Mitteilung über das Vadhulasutra. [= Vadhula Sutra and Brahmana fragments (Anvakhyana)]. Acta Orientalia 1, 3–11; AO II, 142–167; AO IV, 1–41, 161–213; AO VI, 97–241.1922. 1924. 1926. 1928. [= [[Kleine Schriften]], ed. M. WItzel. Stuttgart 1990, pp.&nbsp;268–541]
 
−
* Caland. W. Pancavimsa-Brahmana. The Brahmana of twenty five chapters. (Bibliotheca Indica 255.) Calcutta 1931. Repr. Delhi 1982.
 
−
* Bollée, W. B. Sadvinsa-Brahmana. Introd., transl., extracts from the commentaries and notes. Utrecht 1956.
 
−
* [[Henk Bodewitz|Bodewitz, H. W.]] Jaiminiya Brahmana I, 1–65. Translation and commentary with a study of the Agnihotra and Pranagnihotra. Leiden 1973.
 
−
* Bodewitz, H. W. The Jyotistoma Ritual. Jaiminiya Brahmana I,66-364. Introduction, translation and commentary. Leiden 1990.
 
−
* Gaastra, D. Das Gopatha Brahmana, Leiden 1919
 
−
* Bloomfield, M. The Atharvaveda and the Gopatha-Brahmana (Grundriss der Indo-Arischen Philologie und Altertumskunde II.1.b) Strassburg 1899
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
* [http://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/ebene_1/fiindolo/gretil.htm#Brahm GRETIL etexts]
 
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[[Category:Brahmanas|*]]
 
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[[Category:Hindu texts]]
 

Latest revision as of 22:23, 12 March 2020

Brahmanas (Samskrit : ब्राह्मणम्) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and associated usage in vaidika kriyas.

परिचयः॥ Introduction

The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.[1]. The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various yajnas and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda[2]. 

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 Jnana-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and adhyatmikism.[3]

Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform yajnika rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the yajna. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.[4]

Dr. K.S. Narayanacharya explains that Brahmanas are meant as explanatory texts, attached to each branch, in simple prose.

"These quote the original texts and then add notes, in order to decipher the symbolic language of the basic texts sometimes, using language of myths and giving us clues, etymologies and connecting different portions together, some other times".[5]

व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology

The word Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्) in neuter gender means Brahmana texts. One wonders why these literary compositions are given this name even though the authors of Brahmanas and their commentators have not offered any definition of this word.

  • According to Shatapatha Brahmana the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.[6]

ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः । brahma vai mantraḥ (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)

सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म । (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)

saptākṣaraṁ vai brahmargityekamakṣaraṁ yajuritidve sāmeti dve atha yadato'nyadbrahmaiva taddvyakṣaraṁ vai brahma tadetatsarvaṁsaptākṣaraṁ brahma।

The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || Brahman which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "brahma vai mantraḥ"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || br̥ḥ 'to grow', 'to expand'. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of Yajna.[7]

  • Apastamba (आपस्तम्बः) clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (yajnika rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.[6]

मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)[8]

mantrabrāhmaṇe yajñasya pramāṇam 30 mantrabrāhmaṇayorvedanāmadheyam 31 karmacodanā brāhmaṇāni 32

The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, that meaning which is hidden (not easily understandable), is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.

  • Purvamimamsa (मीमांसासूत्राणि) and Shabara bhashyam says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.[6]

शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || śeṣe brāhmaṇa śabdaḥ || (Purv. Mima. 2.1.33)[9]

  • Sayanacharya has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda[7]

    "Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".

Brahmanas lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute Aranyakas or Upanishads in their own right. Each Vedic shakha (शाखा | school) has its own Brahmana. Numerous Brahmana texts existed in ancient India, many of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmanas are extant at least in their entirety.

विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga

Topics

According to Apastamba, these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi, Arthavada, Ninda, Prashansha (same as Stuti), Purakalpa and Parakriti.[6][7] Sayanacharya states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavada only:[6]

द्विविधम् ब्राह्मणम् विधिः अर्थवादश्च || dvividham brāhmaṇam vidhiḥ arthavādaśca ||

Thus the four Stuti, Ninda, Purakalpa and Parakriti may be classified under the heading Arthavada. In Shabara Bhashya under the heading ब्राह्मणनिर्वचनाधिकरणम् | brāhmaṇanirvacanādhikaraṇam the different aspects of Brahmanas are explained.

  1. विधिः || Vidhi means injunctions for the performance of particular rites. Example : विधिः, यजमानसम्मिता उदुम्बरी भवति। vidhiḥ, yajamānasammitā udumbarī bhavati। as given in Shabara Bhashya. This is further divided under two headings :
    • Apavrittapravartaka (अपवृत्तप्रवर्तकम्) injunctions which promote the yajamana into conducting yajnas previously not undertaken by him.
    • Ajnatajnapaka (अज्ञातज्ञापकम्) injunctions which informs the yajamana about the procedure of a yajna.
  2. अर्थवादः || Arthavada comprises the numerous recommendations and the explanatory remarks on the meaning of mantras and particular rites.
    • स्तुतिः || Stuti or प्रशंसा || Prashamsa means eulogy and recommendation of the injunctions. Example : प्रशंसा, वायुर्वै क्षेपिष्ठा देवता | praśaṁsā, vāyurvai kṣepiṣṭhā devatā | (Shab. Bhas. 1.2.7) [10] which means Vayu is a devata who travels fast. Hence he can bestow results speedily, is stated in the praise of Vayudevata.
    • निन्दा || Ninda or censure consists in criticism and refutation of the opponents' views.[7] However, according to another version, Ninda indicates the actions which should not be performed and prevents one from doing them. Example : निन्दा, उपवीता वा एतस्याग्नयः। nindā, upavītā vā etasyāgnayaḥ। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)[11] [6]
    • परकृतिः || Parakriti indicates the antagonistic injunctions followed by others. Example : परकृतिः माषानेव मह्यं पचतीति। parakr̥tiḥ māṣāneva mahyaṁ pacatīti। [6] [11]
    • पुराकल्पः || Puraakalpa refers to the performance of yajnika rites in former times.[7] According to another version, purakalpa refers to the historical record. Example : पुरा ब्राह्मणाअभैषुः इति पुराकल्पः । purā brāhmaṇāabhaiṣuḥ iti purākalpaḥ । [12] [6]

Thus the main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it.[7] Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:[13]

हेतुर्निर्वचनं निन्दा प्रशंसा संशयो विधिः। परक्रिया पुराकल्पो व्यवधारणकल्पना।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)[11]

उपमानं दशैते तु विधयो ब्राह्मणस्य तु। एतद्वै सर्ववेदेषु नियतं विधिलक्षणम्।।

heturnirvacanaṁ nindā praśaṁsā saṁśayo vidhiḥ। parakriyā purākalpo vyavadhāraṇakalpanā।। (Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)

upamānaṁ daśaite tu vidhayo brāhmaṇasya tu। etadvai sarvavedeṣu niyataṁ vidhilakṣaṇam।।

  1. हेतुः || Hetu - reasons
  2. निर्वचनम् || Nirvacana - etymology
  3. निन्दा || Ninda - censure ,condemn
  4. प्रशंसा || Prashansha - eulogy, praise
  5. संशयः || Samshaya - doubt,uncertainty
  6. विधिः || Vidhi - injunction,sanction
  7. परक्रिया || Parakriya - feats/deeds of others
  8. पुरकल्पः || Purakalpa - legendary background
  9. व्यवधारण कल्पना || Vyavadharana- Kalpana - managerial application
  10. उपमानम् || Upamana - illustration.

Yajna is not only yajna. In Brahmanas we find it symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.[7]

Texual Design

Like Veda samhita Brahmanas are not metrically composed, yet they are treated as mantras having padapatha even though they contain prose. This is more pronounced in Taittriya and Shatapatha Brahmanas of Yajurveda where mantras are seen. Even though Brahmana texts agree with the Samhitas in the context of performing Yajnas, the difference in language style and description of social conditions indicate that all Brahmana texts did not arise in a single point of time.

Tattriya Brahmana is said to be the oldest of all Brahmanas due to the following reasons.[14]

  • Extensive usage of vedic words (प्राचीनप्रयोगबाहुल्यम्)
  • Profound prose compositions (प्रढगद्यशैली)
  • Rules for Svaras (स्वरनियमाः)
  • Importance to Yajnas and yagas (यज्ञजीवत्वम्)

Classification of Brahmanas

Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular shakha or school. Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas which are listed here:

Rig Samhita 

There are two available brahamanas associated with Rig veda.[6][14]

  1. ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana : It consists of 8 Panchikas each containing 5 adhyayas thus a total of 40 adhyayas (अध्याय | lessons, chapters) are present. Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana (बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण) is the same as Aitareya brahmana belonging to the Shakala shaka of Rig Samhita.[6] In this brahmana the first 16 adhyayas deal with Soma yajna. Apart from this Agnistoma, Hotri krityas for yajnas like Jyotistoma, Atiratram, Gavamana and Agnihotra rituals are described.
  2. कौषितकि / साङ्खयन ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana : It consists of 30 adhyayas and belongs to the Shankhyayana and Bashkala shakas of Rig Samhita. The first six adhyayas are dedicated to food yajna and the remaining to Soma yajna in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana. However, differences are seen with respect to Agnyadhana, Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa istis, Chaturmasya yajnas.

Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.

Four of the Rig samhita brahmanas namely Paingi, Bahvrucha, Ashvalayana, Gaalava brahmanas are lost in time.[6]

Yajus Samhita

Brahmanas of Yajur veda includes two important shakas.

  1. Shukla-Yajurveda : (1) Madhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.
  2. Krishna-Yajurveda : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.

The Shatapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred adhyayas (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes Upanayana, a ceremony that marked the start of Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of Svadhyaya. The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous Brhadaranyaka Upanishad form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.

Brahmana associated with Maitrayani Shaka is not available.

The Taittreya Brahmana considered as the oldest text consists of information on various important yajnas such as Aswamedha Yajna, information about nakshatras, their ruling deities and associated astronomical information. This became the root for the development of astrology as a subject subsequently.[14]

Twelve Yajus samhita related brahmanas have been lost in time. They are Charaka, Svetasvatara, Kaathaka, or Shataadhyayana, Maitraayani, Jaabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chaagaleya brahmanas.[6]

Sama Samhita

Brahmanas available in Sama samhita include [6][14]

  1. जैमिनीय ब्राह्मण || Jaiminiya Brahmana (तलवकार ।Talavakara) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three kandas (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.
  2. तानद्य || Taandya (प्रौढ । Proudha or महाब्राह्मणम्। Mahabrahmana or पञ्चविंश । Panchavimsha Brahmana) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma (कौथुम) and Ranayaniya (राणायनीय) shakhas. This is one of the oldest, vast and most important of Brahmanas which includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and Vratyastomas and Gavayamana yajnas.
  3. छान्दोग्य || Chandogya (Mantra) Brahmana is one of the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten prapathakas (प्रपाठकः। chapters). Its first two prapathakas (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana and each of them is divided into eight khandas (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the Chandogya Upanishad.

Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana[6]

Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shatyayana brahmanas.

Atharva Samhita 

(1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana. Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.

Following is the summary of Brahmanas associated with the different vedic shakas.

Brahmanas Associated with the Four Veda Samhitas
Veda Available Brahmanas Lost Brahmanas
Rigveda Aitareya (ऐतरेय) and Kaushitaki (कौषितकी) Paingi, Bahvrucha, Aashvalayana, Gaalava
Shukla-Yajurveda Madhyandina and Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana Charaka, Shvetashvatara, Kathaka, or Shatyayana, Maitrayani, Jabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chagaleya
Krishna-Yajurveda Taittiriya Brahmana
Samaveda Jaiminiya (जैमिनीय) Tandya (ताण्ड्य) and Chandogya Brahmana (छान्दोग्य) Bhallavi, Kala, Rauruki, and Shatadhyayana brahmanas
Atharvaveda Gopatha Brahmana None known

References

  1. ↑ A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14
  2. ↑ Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31
  3. ↑ http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 6th Paragraph
  4. ↑ Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31
  5. ↑ Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu. Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Introduction to Brahmanas By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Delhi University From Vedic Heritage Portal
  8. ↑ Apastamba Shrauta Sutras (Prashna 24)
  9. ↑ Purvamimamsa (2.1.33)
  10. ↑ Shabara Bhasyam (Adhyaya 1 Pada 2)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Shabara Bhasyam (Adhyaya 2 Pada 1)
  12. ↑ Vachaspatyam (See Brahmana)
  13. ↑ Sharma, Ram Murthy. (1987 2nd edition) Vaidik Sahitya ka Itihas Delhi : Eastern Book Linkers
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Pt. Suryanarayana Sastry Malladi. (1982) Samskruta Vangmaya Charitra, Volume 1, Vaidika Vangmayam. Hyderabad : Andhra Sarasvata Parishat
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