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[[Veda (वेद)|Vedas]] (Samskrit : वेदः) is regarded as revealed scripture, self-explanatory and self authoritative, according to many traditional scholars. वैदिकसूक्त-s || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र-s || Mantras are "seen by" or "revealed to" and only spoken by the ऋषि-s || Rishis (seers or sages). These rishis are neither authors of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras. Thus, Vedas are called अपौरुषेयः ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by वेदव्यासः ॥ [[Vyasa|Veda Vyasa]] and further formation of शाखा-s || shakas (recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rishis.

[[Vedas (वेदाः)|Veda]] (Samskrit : वेदः) is regarded as revealed scripture, self-explanatory and self authoritative, according to many traditional Indian scholars. Vedic Suktas (वैदिकसूक्त - Collection of Mantras) and Mantras (मन्त्राः) are "seen by" or "revealed to" and only spoken by the Rshis (seers). These rshis are neither authors of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras. Thus Vedas are called Apaurusheya (अपौरुषेयः). There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by [[Veda Vyasa (वेदव्यासः)]] and further formation of shakas (शाखाः recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rshis.

The Samskrit धातुः "ऋच्" (तुदादि-गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतिः || Stuti (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances is said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":022322222">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref> Variously called as 'rk or rik (ऋक्)', 'richas (ऋचाः)', 'rig (ऋग्)', these Mantras are meant for the praise of the deities.

Rgveda contains primarily Mantras (set in 2, 3 or 4 padas | पादाः) dealing with the stuti for devatas, their invocation, yajnakarmas, karmakanda (कर्मकाण्डः), upasana mantras (उपासना-मन्त्राः), mantras related to different worldly activities such as [[Dana (दानम्)|dana]] (दानम्), conduct, medical remedies etc.

===ऋग्वेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Rigveda Vibhajana===

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely, Mandala krama (मण्डल-क्रमः) and Ashtaka krama (अष्टक-क्रमः). They arose mainly for self study (अध्ययनम्) and teaching (अध्यापनम्). A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory (See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":022322222" />). There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.

====मण्डल-क्रमः ॥ Mandala Krama====

This division of the Rigveda is most popular and systematic. According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas (अनुवाकाः), 1028 Suktas (सूक्तानि) and 10522 mantras (मन्त्राः)<ref name=":022322222" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":12322222">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>. In Rig veda, in Shakala samhita (शाकल-संहिता), the number of suktas in each Mandala is - 191, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1028) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":022322222" /><ref name=":12322222" />

The Samskrit धातुः "ऋच्" (तुदादि-गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतिः || Stuti (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances is said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":0223222">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref> Rigveda contains primarily Mantras (set in 2, 3 or 4 पादा-s || padas) dealing with the stuti for देवताः ॥ devatas, their invocation, यज्ञकर्माणि ॥ yajnakarmas, कर्मकाण्डः ॥ karmakanda, उपासना-मन्त्राः ॥ upasana mantras, mantras related to different worldly activities such as दानम् ॥ dana, conduct, medical remedies etc.

=== ऋग्वेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Rigveda Vibhajana ===

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely, मण्डल-क्रमः ॥ Mandala krama and अष्टक-क्रमः ॥ Ashtaka krama. They arose mainly for अध्ययनम् || study and अध्यापनम् || teaching. A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory.(See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":0223222" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of सूक्त-s || suktas and मन्त्र-s || mantras available in Rigveda.

==== मण्डल-क्रमः ॥ Mandala Krama ====

According to the मण्डल-क्रमः ॥ Mandala krama, ऋग्वेद-संहिता ॥ Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 अनुवाक-s || Anuvakas, 1028 सूक्त-s || Suktas and 10522 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras<ref name=":0223222" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":123222" />. In Rig veda, in शाकल-संहिता ॥  Shakala samhita the number of suktas in each Mandala is - 191, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1028) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":123222">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!मण्डलम् ॥ Mandala      ►

!मण्डलम् ॥ Mandala      ►

!अनुवाकः ॥ Anuvaka      ►

!अनुवाकः ॥ Anuvaka      ►

!सूक्तम् ॥ Sukta       ►

!सूक्तम् ॥ Sukta       ►

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

|}Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref name=":03222">Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to शौनक-ऋषिः ॥ Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":223222">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> According to शौनक-अनुक्रमणिका ॥ Shaunaka Anukramanika, 11 suktas of वालखिल्य-s || Valakhilyas are present. Removing which from the total number of suktas (1028), will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. वष्कल ॥ Vashkala or बाष्कल-शाखा ॥ Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017. Thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":223222" />

|}Thus the structure is as follows

Rigveda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas (1017 Suktas plus 11 Valakhilya Suktas) and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref name=":0322222">Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref><ref name=":22322222" /> According to शौनक-ऋषिः ॥ Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":22322222">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>

In Rigveda, not only are the suktas and mantras counted but also there is a system of counting even the अक्षराणि ॥ Aksharas (letters) in such texts called सर्वाणुक्रमणिका-s | Sarvanukramanikas, thereby leaving no scope of additions or deletion of letters in the Veda. This was one main reason why there are no changes in this Veda since ancient times. It is to be noted that in this अक्षरगणना ॥ Aksharaganana, the Valakhilya sutras are not seen, hence they Suktas are counted without them. The differences in the counting of mantras is mainly because of the differences in the shakhas, additionally in modern times the differences in counting the Rks is attributed to breaking the mantras having 4 पादा-s || padas into 2 padas each (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":223222" />).  

In Rigveda, not only are the suktas and mantras counted but a system of counting even the Aksharas (अक्षरम् | letters) exists given in texts called as '''Sarvanukramanis (सर्वानुक्रमणी).'''  Such system leaves no scope of additions or deletion of letters in the Veda. This was the main reason why the Vedic text has not undergone any change since ancient times.

==== अष्टक-क्रमः ॥ Ashtaka Krama ====

 

According to the अष्टक-क्रमः ॥ Ashtaka krama, ऋग्वेद-संहिता ॥ Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas. Thus, a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of वर्ग-s || Vargas in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus, a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":0223222" />

The differences in the counting of mantras is mainly because of the differences in the shakhas.  Additionally in modern times the differences in counting the Rks is attributed to breaking the mantras having 4 padas (पादाः) into 2 padas each (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":22322222" />).

 

====अष्टक-क्रमः ॥ Ashtaka Krama====

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas (अष्टकाः) each containing 8 Adhyayas (अध्यायाः). Thus, a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of Vargas (वर्गाः) in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus, a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":022322222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!अष्टकः ॥ Ashtaka      ►

!अष्टकः ॥ Ashtaka      ►

!अध्यायः ॥ Adhyaya      ►

!अध्यायः ॥ Adhyaya      ►

!वर्गः ॥ Varga          ►

!वर्गः ॥ Varga          ►

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

|}

|}Thus the structure is as follows

=== शाखाः ॥ Shakhas ===

===शाखाः ॥ Shakhas===

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today

* '''शाकल-शाखा || Shakala'''<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":123222" />

*'''शाकल-शाखा || Shakala shakha'''<ref name=":022322222" /><ref name=":12322222" />

According to सर्वाणुक्रमणि-वृत्तिः ॥ Sarvanukramani vritti, अहिर्बुध्न्यसंहिता ॥ Ahirbudhnyasamhita, मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad and पतञ्जलेः महाभाष्यम् ॥ Patanjali's Mahabhashya, and recently many scholars opined that Rigveda had 21 shakhas.  

Presently Shakala (शाकल), Bashkala (बाष्कल), Shankhyayana (शाङ्ख्यायन), Mandukayana (माण्डूकायन) and Ashvalayana (अश्वलायन) shakas of Rig veda though are said to be available shakas, apart from Shakala shaka, the Samhita part of other four shakas are unavailable.<ref>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>

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami<ref name=":0223222" />, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakhas namely, शाकलः || Shakala and माण्डूकेयः || Mandukeya. These two shakhas became 21 shakhas gradually. शङ्कराचार्यः ॥ Shakalacharya taught this veda to 5 of his disciples and gradually in their pronunciation there were differences bringing about 5 different versions of the Veda, which according to the text विकृति-कौमुदी ॥ Vikruti Kaumudi is as follows:   <blockquote>शाकल्यसेय शतं शिष्या नैष्ठिकब्रह्मचारिणः | पञ्च तेषां गृहस्थास्ते धर्मनिष्ठाश्च कुटुम्बिनः ||</blockquote><blockquote>शिशिरो वाष्कलो सांख्यो वात्स्यश्चैवाश्वलायनः | पञ्चैते शाकलाः शिष्याः शाखाभेदप्रवर्त्तकाः ||</blockquote><blockquote>śākalyaseya śataṃ śiṣyā naiṣṭhikabrahmacāriṇaḥ | pañca teṣāṃ gṛhasthāste dharmaniṣṭhāśca kuṭumbinaḥ ||</blockquote><blockquote>śiśiro vāṣkalo sāṃkhyo vātsyaścaivāśvalāyanaḥ | pañcaite śākalāḥ śiṣyāḥ śākhābhedapravarttakāḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning : शाकलः ॥ Shakala had 100 students who were ब्रह्मचारी-s || brahmacharis. Of them, 5 who were having धर्मनिष्ठा ॥ dharmanishtha were गृहस्थ-s || grhasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. शिशिरः || Shishira, वाष्कलः || Vashkala (Bashkala), साङ्ख्यः || Sankhya, वात्स्यः || Vatsya and आश्वलायनः || Ashvalayana were the five disciples who were the प्रवर्तक-s || pravartakas of the different shakhas.<ref name=":0223222" /> Ashvalayana Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. शाङ्खायन-संहिता ॥ Sankhayana samhita is not available but its ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmanas and आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that शाङ्खायन ॥ Sankhayana and कौषीतकी शाखाः॥ Kaushitaki shakhas are one and the same.<ref name=":223222" />

Rigveda mantras are chanted by the [[Hota (होता)|होता || Hota]] (the Rigveda priest), to invoke the deities to the यज्ञः ॥ [[Yagya (यज्ञ)|yajna]]. Important Rigvedic deities are अग्निः ॥ [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]], इन्द्रः ॥ [[Indra]], वरुणः ॥ [[Varuna]], उषस् ॥ [[Usha (उषा)|Ushas]], सविता ॥ [[Savita (सविता)|Savita]], पूषा ॥ [[Pushan|Pusha]], मित्रः ॥ [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]], विष्णुः ॥ [[Vishnu]], रुद्रः ॥ [[Rudra (रुद्रः)|Rudra]], मरुत् ॥ [[Maruts|Marut]] and पर्जन्यः ॥ [[Parjanya (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 4<ref name=":223222" />). 

=== विषयविभागाः ॥ Vishaya vibhaga-s ===

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami<ref name=":022322222" />, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakhas namely, Shakala (शाकलः) and Mandukeya (माण्डूकेयः). These two shakhas became 21 shakhas gradually. Shakalacharya taught this veda to 5 of his disciples and gradually in their pronunciation there were differences bringing about 5 different versions of the Veda, which according to the text विकृति-कौमुदी ॥ Vikruti Kaumudi is as follows:<blockquote>शाकल्यसेय शतं शिष्या नैष्ठिकब्रह्मचारिणः | पञ्च तेषां गृहस्थास्ते धर्मनिष्ठाश्च कुटुम्बिनः ||</blockquote><blockquote>शिशिरो वाष्कलो सांख्यो वात्स्यश्चैवाश्वलायनः | पञ्चैते शाकलाः शिष्याः शाखाभेदप्रवर्त्तकाः ||</blockquote><blockquote>śākalyaseya śataṃ śiṣyā naiṣṭhikabrahmacāriṇaḥ | pañca teṣāṃ gṛhasthāste dharmaniṣṭhāśca kuṭumbinaḥ ||</blockquote><blockquote>śiśiro vāṣkalo sāṃkhyo vātsyaścaivāśvalāyanaḥ | pañcaite śākalāḥ śiṣyāḥ śākhābhedapravarttakāḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning : Shakalya had 100 students who were brahmacharis. Of them, 5 who were having dharmanishtha (धर्मनिष्ठा) were grhasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. Shishira (शिशिरः), Vashkala (वाष्कलः Bashkala), Sankhya (शाङ्ख्यः), Vatsya (वात्स्यः) and Ashvalayana (अश्वलायनः) were the five disciples who were the preachers (प्रवर्तकाः | pravartakas) of the different shakhas.<ref name=":022322222" /> Ashvalayana Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. शाङ्खायन-संहिता ॥ Sपankhayana samhita is not available but its Brahmanas and Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that शाङ्खायन ॥ Sankhayana and कौषीतकी शाखाः॥ Kaushitaki shakhas are one and the same.<ref name=":22322222" />

===विषयविभागाः ॥ Vishayavibhaga===

The topics dealt with in the ऋग्वेद-संहिता ॥ Rigveda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

The topics dealt with in the ऋग्वेद-संहिता ॥ Rigveda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

==== '''स्तुतिपराः || Eulogical''' ====

*'''स्तुतिपराः || Eulogical''' : Praise and prayers to the deities like Agni, lndra, Varuna, Mitra and others.

The first group is in praise of the deities like अग्निः || Agni, इन्द्रः || lndra, वरुणः || Varuna, मित्रः || Mitra and others. 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>एकम् सत् विप्रः बहुध वदन्ति ||  ekam sat vipraḥ bahudha vadanti || (Rig. Ved. 1.164. 92)</blockquote>Meaning : Truth is one, learned call it by various names.

*'''उपासनापराः ॥ Philosophical''' : Rudimentary form of vedanta is seen, with philosophical speculations like the origin of the Universe and the real nature of human beings.

*'''इतिहासपराः ॥ Miscellaneous''' : Subjects like marriage, war etc., which depict the nature of society of those times are described.

==यजुर्वेदः || Yajurveda==

According to Shabdakalpadruma (शब्दकल्पद्रुमः),<blockquote>इज्यतेऽनेनेति यजुः || ijyate'neneti yajuḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning: performance of yajnas using this (mantra) hence called यजुस् ॥ Yajus.<blockquote>अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः ॥ aniyatākṣarāvasāno yajuḥ ॥</blockquote>Meaning: that which has no regulation (metrical) of letters is called Yajus.<ref name=":22322222" />

 

According to Pt Gajanan Shastri - the word yajus is derived by the combination of यज् || yaj and उसि || usi.<ref name=":1322222">Singh, Ahilya. (2010) PhD Thesis Title: [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/180070/3/03_chapter%201.pdf Pracheen bharat mein aarthik jeevan prarambh se vaidik kaal tak]. V. B. S. Purvanchal University.</ref><blockquote>गद्यात्मको यजुः || gadyātmako yajuḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning: Yajus are (the mantras) in prose form.<ref name=":122">Yajurveda Introduction as given in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/yajurveda/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>

Following texts clearly define the purpose of "Yajus" mantras in yajnas and hence the name Yajurveda is given.

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. 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]]. The concept of Brahman is clearer in the Upanishad parts.

*[[Nirukta]], यजुः यजतेः । ७.१२ ।<ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 7])</ref>yajuḥ yajateḥ । 7.12 । Yajnas are conducted with यजुस् ॥ Yajus (mantras).

The third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, war etc., which show the nature of society of those times. A just and equitable social order existed. However, social life was conditioned by spiritual consciousness. There was 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.

=== प्रसिद्धाः विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects <ref name=":223222" /> ===

* ऊर्वसी-पुरूरवा-संवादः ॥ Urvasi Pururava Samvada (Rigveda. 10.85)

=== ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads<ref name=":03222" /> ===

=== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology<ref name=":223222" /> ===

According to शब्दकल्पद्रुमः ॥ Shabdakalpadruma, <blockquote>इज्यतेऽनेनेति यजुः || ijyate'neneti yajuḥ || </blockquote>Meaning: performing of यज्ञ-s || yajnas using this hence called यजुस् ॥ Yajus.

According to Pt Gajanan Shastri - the word yajus is derived by the combination of यज् || yaj and उसि || usi.<ref name=":13222">Singh, Ahilya. (2010) PhD Thesis Title: [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/180070/3/03_chapter%201.pdf Pracheen bharat mein aarthik jeevan prarambh se vaidik kaal tak]. V. B. S. Purvanchal University.</ref><blockquote>अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः ॥ aniyatākṣarāvasāno yajuḥ ॥ </blockquote>Meaning: that which has no regulation (metrical) of letters is called Yajus.<ref name=":223222" /><blockquote>गद्यात्मको यजुः || gadyātmako yajuḥ || </blockquote>Meaning: Yajus are (the mantras) in prose form.<ref name=":1" />  

*Katha Samhita (कठसंहिता 27.1) यजर्भियजन्ति ॥ yajarbhiyajanti and (Kath. Samh. 200.21) यजुस्तस्माद् (यज्ञात्) अजायत ॥ yajustasmād (yajñāt) ajāyata

=== यजुर्वेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Yajurveda Vibhajana ===

 

The divisions of the text for शुक्लयजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda are slightly different and include a combination of these as given below (See Page xviii of the Introduction in Reference <ref>Swaminathan, C. R. (1997) ''Kanvasatapathabrahmanam Vol 2.'' New Delhi : Indra Gandhi National Centre For the Arts and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref> ). However, variations of these divisions is seen according to other scholars.  

*Brahmanda Purana (ब्रह्माण्डपुराणम्) : यच्छिष्टं तु यजुर्वेदे तेन यज्ञमयुंजत । यजनात्स यजुर्वेद इति शास्त्रविनिश्चयः ।। ३४.२२ ।। yacchiṣṭaṃ tu yajurvede tena yajñamayuṃjata । yajanātsa yajurveda iti śāstraviniścayaḥ ।। 34.22 ।। (Brah. Pura. Purvabhaga 34.22)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%AA Purvabhaga Adhyaya 34])</ref>

===यजुर्वेद-विभजनम् ॥ Yajurveda Vibhajana===

The divisions of the text for शुक्लयजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda are slightly different and include a combination of these divisions as given below (See Page xix of the Introduction in Reference <ref>Swaminathan, C. R. (1997) ''[http://ignca.nic.in/eBooks/KANVASATAPATHABRAHMAAAM_Vol_II.pdf Kanvasatapathabrahmanam Volume 2.]'' New Delhi : Indra Gandhi National Centre For the Arts and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref> ). However, variations of these divisions is seen according to other scholars.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!काण्डः ॥ Kanda      ►

!काण्डः ॥ Kanda      ►

!अध्यायः ॥ Adhyaya      ►

!अध्यायः ॥ Adhyaya      ►

!प्रपाठकः ॥ Prapathaka      ►

!प्रपाठकः ॥ Prapathaka      ►

!ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Brahmana      ►

!ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Brahmana      ►

!काण्डिका ॥ Kandika    

!काण्डिका ॥ Kandika

|}

|}

* माध्यन्दिन-शाखा ॥ Madhyandina Shakha : 40 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas and 1975 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras, 90525 अक्षराणि ॥ aksharas.<ref name=":022">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan. </ref>

*Madhyandina Shakha (माध्यन्दिन-शाखा) : 40 Adhyayas (अध्यायाः) and 1975 mantras (मन्त्राः), 90525 aksharas (अक्षराणि).<ref name=":02222">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan.</ref>

* काण्व-संहिता ॥ Kanva Shaka : 40 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas and 2086 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":022" />  

*Kanva Shaka (काण्व-संहिता) : 40 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas and 2086 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":02222" />

The divisions of the text for कृष्ण-यजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in तैत्तिरीय-शाखा ॥ Taittriya shakha which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":022" />

The divisions of the text for Krishna Yajurveda (कृष्ण-यजुर्वेदः) have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in Taittriya shakha (तैत्तिरीय-शाखा) which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":02222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!काण्डः ॥ Kanda      ►

!काण्डः ॥ Kanda      ►

!प्रपाठकः ॥ Prapathaka      ►

!प्रपाठकः ॥ Prapathaka      ►

!अनुवाकः ॥ Anuvaka      ►

!अनुवाकः ॥ Anuvaka      ►

!मन्त्रः वा काण्डिका ॥ Mantra or Kandika    

!मन्त्रः वा काण्डिका ॥ Mantra or Kandika

|}In some south Indian parts where this shakha is widely followed, there are other terms such as Panasa and प्रश्नः ॥ Prashna<ref name=":122" /> (ex: रुद्रप्रश्नः ॥ Rudraprasha) are in usage. सारस्वत् ॥Saraswat and आर्षेय ॥ Arsheya system of classification are also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":0223222" />  

|}In some south Indian parts where this shakha is widely followed, there are other terms such as Panasa and Prashna (प्रश्नः)<ref name=":12222">Regmi, Sri Rishiramji. Article : [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/ved_vedang_gp_15/#book/ ''Yajurved ka Sankshipth Parichay''] available in Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref> (ex: रुद्रप्रश्नः ॥ Rudraprashna) which are in usage. Saraswat (सारस्वत्) and Arsheya  (आर्षेय) system of classification are also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":022322222" />

* तैत्तिरीय-शाखा ॥ Taittriya Shakha - 7 काण्डाः ॥ kandas, 44 प्रपाठकाः ॥ Prapathakas, 651 अनुवाकाः ॥ Anuvakas (631 according to Page 9 of Reference<ref name=":13222" /> ), 2198 काण्डिकाः ॥ Kandikas are present.<ref name=":022" />

*तैत्तिरीय-शाखा ॥ Taittriya Shakha - 7 काण्डाः ॥ kandas, 44 प्रपाठकाः ॥ Prapathakas, 651 अनुवाकाः ॥ Anuvakas (631 according to Page 9 of Reference<ref name=":1322222" /> ), 2198 काण्डिकाः ॥ Kandikas are present.<ref name=":02222" />

* मैत्रायणी शाखा ॥ Maitrayani Shaka - 4 काण्डाः ॥ kandas, 11 प्रपाठकाः ॥ Prapatakas, 3144 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":022" />

*मैत्रायणी शाखा ॥ Maitrayani Shaka - 4 काण्डाः ॥ kandas, 11 प्रपाठकाः ॥ Prapatakas, 3144 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":02222" />

* कठ-संहिता ॥ Kathasamhita - 40 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas, 843 अनुवाकाः ॥ Anuvakas, 3091 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":022" />

*कठ-संहिता ॥ Kathasamhita - 40 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas, 843 अनुवाकाः ॥ Anuvakas, 3091 मन्त्राः ॥ mantras.<ref name=":02222" />

* कपिष्ठल-संहिता ॥ Kapisthalakatha - 6 अष्टकाः ॥ Astakas, 48 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas.<ref name=":022" />  

*कपिष्ठल-संहिता ॥ Kapisthalakatha - 6 अष्टकाः ॥ Astakas, 48 अध्यायाः ॥ Adhyayas.<ref name=":02222" />

Thus, as seen above, different classification systems are seen for every शाखा ॥ shakha.  

Thus, as seen above, different classification systems are seen for every शाखा ॥ shakha.

=== शाखाः ॥ Shakhas ===

===शाखाः ॥ Shakhas===

The number of यजुर्वेदशाखाः ॥ Yajurveda shakhas is given variously by different ऋषि-s || rishis and scholars as

The number of यजुर्वेदशाख-s ॥ Yajurveda shakhas is given variously by different ऋषि-s || rishis and scholars as

* 101 shakhas (recensions)<ref name=":223222" />  

*101 shakhas (recensions)<ref name=":22322222" />

* 101 out of which 86 were कृष्णयजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda and 15 belonged to शुक्लयजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda<ref name=":122" />  

*101 out of which 86 were कृष्णयजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda and 15 belonged to शुक्लयजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda<ref name=":12222" />

* 107 according to सूतसंहिता ॥ Sutasamhita, स्कन्दपुराणम् ॥ Skanda Purana and ब्रह्माण्डपुराणम् ॥ Brahmanda Puranas

*107 according to सूतसंहिता ॥ Sutasamhita, स्कन्दपुराणम् ॥ Skanda Purana and ब्रह्माण्डपुराणम् ॥ Brahmanda Puranas

* 109 according to मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad

*109 according to मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad

* 100 according to पतञ्जलिः ॥ Pathanjali in his महाभाष्यम् ॥ Mahabhasya

*100 according to पतञ्जलिः ॥ Pathanjali in his महाभाष्यम् ॥ Mahabhasya

* 86 according to चरणव्यूहम् ॥ Charanavyuha and शौनकः ॥ Shaunaka.

*86 according to चरणव्यूहम् ॥ Charanavyuha and शौनकः ॥ Shaunaka.

* According to वायु-पुराणम् ॥ Vayu Purana, there were 86 student lineages and thus, 86 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of महर्षिः वैशम्पायनः ॥ Maharshi Vaisampayana are mentioned.<ref name=":13222" />

*According to वायु-पुराणम् ॥ Vayu Purana, there were 86 student lineages and thus, 86 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of महर्षिः वैशम्पायनः ॥ Maharshi Vaisampayana are mentioned.<ref name=":1322222" />

* विष्णुपुराणम् ॥ Vishnupurana and अग्निपुराणम् ॥ Agnipurana give a number of 27 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of यजुर्वेदः || Yajurveda.<ref name=":0223222" />

*विष्णुपुराणम् ॥ Vishnupurana and अग्निपुराणम् ॥ Agnipurana give a number of 27 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of यजुर्वेदः || Yajurveda.<ref name=":022322222" />

Thus, quite some variation is seen in the number of shakhas that existed for Yajurveda.  

Thus, quite some variation is seen in the number of shakhas that existed for Yajurveda.

In the present day, five Shakas of Yajurveda are seen namely तैत्तिरीय ॥ Taittriya, कठ ॥ Katha or कपिष्ठल ॥ Kapisthala, मैत्रायणी ॥ Maitrayani, वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi  and काण्व ॥ Kanva according to some scholars.<ref name=":13222" />

In the present day, five Shakas of Yajurveda are seen namely तैत्तिरीय ॥ Taittriya, कठ ॥ Katha or कपिष्ठल ॥ Kapisthala, मैत्रायणी ॥ Maitrayani, वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi  and काण्व ॥ Kanva according to some scholars.<ref name=":1322222" />

Many scholars view the classification into two major groups or शाखा-s || Shakhas<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":1">Yajurveda Introduction as given in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/yajurveda/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> :

Many scholars view the classification into two major groups or शाखा-s || Shakhas<ref name=":022322222" /><ref name=":122" /> :

* '''कृष्ण-यजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda'''

*'''कृष्ण-यजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda'''

* '''शुक्ल-यजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda'''  

*'''शुक्ल-यजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda'''

Today, a vast majority of people follow the Yajurveda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South of India and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

Today, a vast majority of people follow the Yajurveda. Krishna Yajurveda is common in the South of India and Shukla Yajurveda in the North.

'''Shukla Yajurveda Shakhas (15)'''<ref name=":122" /> : Charanavyuha book mentions the 15 Shukla Yajurveda shakas as follows :

'''Shukla Yajurveda Shakhas (15)'''<ref name=":12222" /> : Charanavyuha book mentions the 15 Shukla Yajurveda shakas as follows :

Kanva, Madhyandhina, Shopeyaha, Tapayaneeyaha, Kapalaha, Poundravastasha, Avatikaha, Paramavatikaha, Parasharyaha, Vaidheyaha, Vaineyaha, Audheyaha, Galavaha, Vaijavaha, Katyayaneyaha. Of these, presently, only काण्व ॥ Kanva and माध्यन्दिन-संहिता ॥ Madhyandina samhitas are available

Kanva, Madhyandhina, Shopeyaha, Tapayaneeyaha, Kapalaha, Poundravastasha, Avatikaha, Paramavatikaha, Parasharyaha, Vaidheyaha, Vaineyaha, Audheyaha, Galavaha, Vaijavaha, Katyayaneyaha. Of these, presently, only काण्व ॥ Kanva and माध्यन्दिन-संहिता ॥ Madhyandina samhitas are available

'''Krishna Yajurveda Shakhas'''<ref name=":122" /> : Of the 86 shakas only four are available : तैत्तिरीय ॥ Taittiriya, कठ ॥ Katha, कपिष्ठल ॥ Kapisthala, and मैत्रायणी ॥ Maitrayani

'''Krishna Yajurveda Shakhas'''<ref name=":12222" /> : Of the 86 shakas only four are available : तैत्तिरीय ॥ Taittiriya, कठ ॥ Katha, कपिष्ठल ॥ Kapisthala, and मैत्रायणी ॥ Maitrayani

==== कृष्णयजुर्वेद-संहिता || Krishna Yajurveda ====

====कृष्णयजुर्वेद-संहिता || Krishna Yajurveda====

The term कृष्ण ||  krishna of the shakha is so given due to following reasons  

The term कृष्ण ||  krishna of the shakha is so given due to following reasons

# It contains both the छन्दोबद्ध ॥ Chandas (metrical) and गद्यात्मक ॥ Gadya (prose) forms of mantras<ref name=":223222" />

#It contains both the छन्दोबद्ध ॥ Chandas (metrical) and गद्यात्मक ॥ Gadya (prose) forms of mantras<ref name=":22322222" />

# Mantras and ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmanas (which explain the usage of the mantras) are mixed.<ref name=":0223222" />

#The texts of Mantras and ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmana (which explain the usage of the mantras) parts of the Veda are mixed.<ref name=":022322222" /><ref name=":322">Yajurveda Samhita ([https://archive.org/stream/Yajurved/Yagurved#page/n7/mode/2up Hindi Translation])</ref>

This samhita is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now, out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely studied and followed especially in South India and other three Shakhas are not so well known.<ref name=":223222" />

This samhita is said to have contained 85 Shakhas but only four of them are available now, out of which the Taittiriya Samhita is widely studied and followed especially in South India and other three Shakhas are not so well known.<ref name=":22322222" /><ref name=":12222" />

Texts of the four major shakhas that have survived are<ref name=":122" />

Texts of the four major shakhas that have survived are<ref name=":12222" />

# '''तैत्तिरीय || Taittiriya'''  

#'''तैत्तिरीय || Taittiriya'''

# '''कठ/काठक || Katha or Kathaka'''  

#'''कठ/काठक || Katha or Kathaka'''

# '''कपिष्ठल-कठ || Kapisthala-Katha'''  

#'''कपिष्ठल-कठ || Kapisthala-Katha'''

# '''मैत्रायणी || Maitrayani'''  

#'''मैत्रायणी || Maitrayani'''

===== ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads =====

=====ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads=====

The ब्राह्मण-s ॥ Brahmanas, आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads related to this संहिता ॥ Samhita are-<ref name=":1" />

The Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads related to this Samhita are-<ref name=":122" />

# तैत्तिरीय-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Taittiriya Brahmana

#तैत्तिरीय-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Taittiriya Brahmana

# तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम् ॥ Taittiriya Aranyaka and मैत्रायणी आरण्यकम् ॥ Maitrayani Aranyaka

#तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम् ॥ Taittiriya Aranyaka and मैत्रायणी आरण्यकम् ॥ Maitrayani Aranyaka

# तैत्तिरीय-उपनिषद् ॥ Taittiriya Upanishad

#तैत्तिरीय-उपनिषद् ॥ Taittiriya Upanishad

# कठोपनिषद् ॥ Kathopanishad

#कठोपनिषद् ॥ Kathopanishad

# श्वेताश्वतरोपनिषद् ॥ Shvetaswatara Upanishad

#श्वेताश्वतरोपनिषद् ॥ Shvetasvatara Upanishad

# मैत्रायणी उपनिषद् ॥ Maitrayani Upanishad

#मैत्रायणी उपनिषद् ॥ Maitrayani Upanishad

# महानारायण-उपनिषद् ॥ MahaNarayana Upanishad.

#महानारायण-उपनिषद् ॥ MahaNarayana Upanishad.

==== शुक्लयजुर्वेद-संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda ====

====शुक्लयजुर्वेद-संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda====

The term शुक्ल ||  Shukla of the शाखा ॥ shakha is so given due to following reasons :

The term शुक्ल ||  Shukla of the शाखा ॥ shakha is so given due to following reasons :

# It contains only the छन्दस् ॥ Chandas (metrical) forms of mantras<ref name=":223222" /> without any prose content.

#It contains only the छन्दस् ॥ Chandas (metrical) forms of mantras<ref name=":22322222" /> without any prose content.

# Mantras are arranged in an orderly manner. <ref name=":0223222" />

#Mantras are arranged in an orderly manner. <ref name=":022322222" /><ref name=":12222" /><ref name=":322" />

The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the शतपथ-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shatapatha Brahmana).  

The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Brahmana (the शतपथ-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shatapatha Brahmana).

This Samhita was said to contain 15 shakhas (See footnote 1 in Page 20 of Reference <ref name=":0223222" />) which were called वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi. शुक्ल-यजुर्वेद-संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda Samhita is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage याज्ञवल्क्यः || Yajnavalkya from Vajasani which means the सूर्य-देवता ॥ Surya devata. Hence, this is also known as वाजसनेयी संहिता || Vajasaneyi Samhita.  

This Samhita was said to contain 15 shakhas (See footnote 1 in Page 20 of Reference <ref name=":022322222" />) which were called वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi. शुक्ल-यजुर्वेद-संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda Samhita is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage याज्ञवल्क्यः || Yajnavalkya from Vajasani which means the सूर्य-देवता ॥ Surya devata. Hence, this is also known as वाजसनेयी संहिता || Vajasaneyi Samhita.<ref name=":12222" /> Shatapatha Brahmana (14.9.5.33) clearly mentions that the Shukla Yajus are expounded by Yajnavalkya <ref name=":12222" /><ref name=":322" /><blockquote>आदित्यानीमानि शुक्लानि यजूंषि वाजसनेयेन याज्ञवल्क्येनाख्यायन्ते || (Shat. Brah. 14.9.5.33)<ref>Shatapatha Brahamana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A5%AA Kanda 14, Adhyaya 9])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>ādityānīmāni śuklāni yajūṃṣi vājasaneyena yājñavalkyenākhyāyante || (Shat. Brah. 14.9.5.33)</blockquote>Meaning : From आदित्य ॥ Aditya these शुक्लयजुस् ॥ shukla yajus (मन्त्राः ॥ mantras) are given to याज्ञवल्क्यः ॥ Yajnavalkya through वाजसनेयः ॥ Vajasaneya.

Texts of only two major shakhas have survived

Texts of only two major shakhas have survived

# '''माध्यन्दिन ॥ Madhyandina'''  

#'''माध्यन्दिनः ॥ Madhyandina'''

# काण्व ॥ '''Kanva'''  

#'''काण्वः''' ॥ '''Kanva'''

===== ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads =====

=====ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads=====

The ब्राह्मण-s ॥ Brahmanas, आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads related to this संहिता ॥ Samhita are-

The ब्राह्मण-s ॥ Brahmanas, आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads related to this संहिता ॥ Samhita are-

# शतपथ-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shatapatha Brahmana. This is a work extensively serving as a general guide to all the Vedas.

#शतपथ-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shatapatha Brahmana. This is a work extensively serving as a general guide to all the Vedas.

# बृहदारण्यकम् ॥ BrhadAranyaka  

#बृहदारण्यकम् ॥ BrhadAranyaka

# ईशावास्योपनिषद् ॥ Isavasyopanishad  

#ईशावास्योपनिषद् ॥ Isavasyopanishad

# बृहदारण्यकोपनिषद् ॥ Brhadaranyokopanishad

#बृहदारण्यकोपनिषद् ॥ Brhadaranyokopanishad

==== कृष्णशुक्ल-यजुर्वेदयोः भेदः ॥ Differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda ====

====कृष्णशुक्ल-यजुर्वेदयोः भेदः ॥ Differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda====

Following are few differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda presented by Pt. Rishiram Regmi.<ref name=":122">Regmi, Sri Rishiramji. Article : [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/ved_vedang_gp_15/#book/ ''Yajurved ka Sankshipth Parichay''] available in Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>

Following are few differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda presented by Pt. Rishiram Regmi.<ref name=":12222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!S. No

!S. No

|-

|-

|2

|2

|<nowiki>Irregularly arranged ऋषि-s || rishis, देवता-s || devatas and छन्दस् || chandas in तैत्तिरीय-सर्वाणुक्रमणिका ॥ Taittriya Sarvanukramanika (अस्तव्यस्तता)</nowiki>

|<nowiki>Irregularly arranged ऋषि-s || rishis, देवता-s || devatas and छन्दस् || chandas in तैत्तिरीय-सर्वानुक्रमणिका ॥ Taittriya Sarvanukramanika (अस्तव्यस्तता)</nowiki>

|Organized structure is seen in अनुक्रमणिका ॥ Anukramanika  

|Organized structure is seen in अनुक्रमणिका ॥ Anukramanika

|-

|-

|3

|3

|-

|-

|7

|7

|Follows ब्रह्मसम्प्रदायः ॥ Brahma Sampradaya{{citation needed}}

|Follows ब्रह्मसम्प्रदायः ॥ Brahma Sampradaya<ref name=":322" /><ref name=":42" />

|Follows आदित्य-सम्प्रदायः ॥ Aditya Sampradaya

|Follows आदित्य-सम्प्रदायः ॥ Aditya Sampradaya<ref name=":12222" /><ref name=":42" />

|-

|-

|8

|8

|9

|9

|Given by वैशम्पायन-ऋषिः ॥ Rishi Vaisampayana

|Given by वैशम्पायन-ऋषिः ॥ Rishi Vaisampayana

|Given by याज्ञवल्क्य-ऋषिः ॥ Rishi Yajnavalkya

|Given by याज्ञवल्क्य-ऋषिः ॥ Rishi Yajnavalkya (Shatapatha Brahmana 14.9.5.33)

|}

|}

===विषयम् || Vishayam (Content)===

Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakhas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the कर्मकाण्डः ॥ karmakanda and are also called यज्ञकाण्डः ॥ yajnakanda<ref name=":02222" />. 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=":12222" />

=== विषयम् || Content ===

Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the karmakanda and are also called yajnakanda<ref name=":022" />. All the shaka texts deal with detailed descriptions of Srauta yajnas like Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Somayaga etc. Krishna Yajurveda is considered older than the Shukla Yajurveda.<ref name=":122" />

For example in Madhyandina samhita, the yajna kriyas for Darshapurnamasa, Agnihotra, Chaturmasya, Agnistoma, Nirudhapasubandha, Chayanayaga, Sautramani, Asvamedha, Vajapeya, Rajasuya etc among other yajnas and istis are present. The 40th Adhyaya is the Isavasyopanishad; this is the only instance where an Upanishad is associated with the Samhita.

It may be noted that while in Rigveda the text is organized according to rishis as mantra drastas, in Yajurveda the text is given according to the yajnas. It is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest while a यजमानः ॥ yajamana performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire. Yajurveda samhita includes mantras that are distinct yet borrow and build upon the foundation of verses in Rigveda. Unlike the सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from other Vedic texts. Yajurveda text is not just related to rituals or yajna, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

<blockquote>तल्लक्षणमाह जैमिनिः - गीतेषुसामाख्या इति गीयमानेषु मन्त्रेषु सामसंज्ञेत्यर्थः इति ||</blockquote><blockquote>tallakṣaṇamāha jaiminiḥ - gīteṣusāmākhyā iti gīyamāneṣu mantreṣu sāmasaṃjñetyarthaḥ iti ||</blockquote>According to Jaimini (Shabdakalpadruma), Mantras which are to be sung are called as साम ॥ Sama.

It may be noted that while in Rigveda the text is organized according to rishis as mantra drastas, in Yajurveda the rishis are given according to the yajnas. It is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest while an yajamana performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire. Yajurveda samhita includes mantras that are distinct yet borrow and build upon the foundation of verses in Rigveda. Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from other Vedic texts. Yajurveda text is not just related to rituals or sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.  

According to Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.22), Sama is derived as follows:<blockquote>सा चामश्चेति तत्साम्नः सामत्वम् । sā cāmaśceti tatsāmnaḥ sāmatvam । <ref>Samaveda as per Brhadaranyaka Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_1a Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : सा stands for Rk mantra and अम stands for गान ॥ Gana (gandhara etc svaras) and forms साम ॥ Sama when combined.<ref name=":22222">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>

=== विशेष-मन्त्राः ॥ Famous Mantras ===

The popular mantras in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda (Shodasa Adhyaya). The other famous suktam पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Suktam also occurs here with some modifications.

तल्लक्षणमाह जैमिनिः - गीतेषुसामाख्या इति गीयमानेषु मन्त्रेषु सामसंज्ञेत्यर्थः . इति ||  

Along with the preparation of Soma rasa(सोमरसः), praising the devatas by singing Samagana (सामगानम्) is an important aspect during Somayajna (सोमयज्ञः). Instruments such as veena, dundubhi flute and other instruments were used. Shatapata Brahmana states that without Samagana, Somayajna does not yield the desired results.<ref name=":22322222" />

 

===सामवेद-विभजनम् ॥ Samaveda Vibhajana===

Samaveda Samhita (सामवेद-संहिता) is the shortest of all the vedas given to the world by Jaimini.<ref name=":22222" />  Many Sama mantras are derived from the eighth and ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.<ref name=":22322222" /> The division of the Samaveda text is as follows :<ref name=":42" />

 

 

 

Along with the preparation of Soma rasa, praising the devatas by singing Samagana is an important aspect during Somayajna. Instruments such as veena, dundubhi flute and other instruments were used. Shatapata Brahmana states that without Samagana, Somayajna does not yield the desired results.<ref name=":223222" />

=== सामवेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Samaveda Vibhajana ===

Samaveda Samhita is the shortest of all the vedas given to the world by Jaimini.<ref name=":222" />  Many Sama mantras are derived from the eighth and ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.<ref name=":223222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas       ►</nowiki>

!आर्चिकः ॥ Archika      ►

!<nowiki>| Adhyayas       ►</nowiki>

!अध्यायः ॥ Adhyaya       ►

!<nowiki>| Mantras </nowiki>

!खण्डः ॥ Khanda       ►

|}The Samaveda comprises two major parts.  

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

# आर्चिक Archika or the Mantras (hence called Samaamhita)  

|}Adhyaya is also called as Prapathaka. Thus the structure is as follows

According to some scholars the Rks are of two types - गेय (Song format) and अगेय (Not in Song format). Samaveda is composed of गेय ऋक् (Song format of Rks) called as आर्चिक (Archika) and गेय यजुस् (Song form of Yajus) called as स्तोक (Stoka).<ref name=":223222" />

*Each ''Adhyaya'' consists of two Khandas.

*Each ''Khanda'' is made up of Dashati.  

*Each Dashati contains a number of mantras ('''''rks''')''.

According to some scholars the Rks are of two types - गेय (Song format) and अगेय (Not in Song format). Samaveda is composed of गेय-ऋक् (Song format of Rks) called as आर्चिक (Archika) and गेय-यजुस् (Song form of Yajus) called as स्तोक (Stoka).<ref name=":22322222" />

The Kauthuma Samaveda Samhita consists of 1875 mantras<ref name=":223222" />, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda Shakala samhita. Scholars opine that the 75 mantras are also taken from the lost shakas of Rigveda (Shankhayana and others), while some others opine that they are the original mantras of Samaveda.<ref name=":222" />

The Samaveda comprises two major parts.<ref name=":22322222" /><ref name=":42" />

The Kauthuma Samaveda Samhita (कौथुम-सामवेद-संहिता) consists of 1875 mantras, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda Shakala samhita (ऋग्वेद-शाकल-संहिता). Scholars opine that the 75 mantras are also taken from the lost shakhas of Rigveda (Shankhayana (शाङ्खायन) and others), while some others opine that they are the original mantras of Samaveda.<ref name=":22222" />

Jaimineeya Samhita of Samaveda is divided into Purva Archika containing 646 mantras and Uttara Archika 1041, totaling to 1687 mantras.<ref name=":0223222" />

Jaimineeya Samhita (जैमिनीय-संहिता) of Samaveda is divided into Purva Archika (पूर्वाचिकः) containing 646 mantras and Uttara Archika (उत्तरार्चिकः) 1041, totaling to 1687 mantras.<ref name=":022322222" />

=== शाखाः ॥ Shakhas ===

===शाखाः ॥ Shakhas===

सहस्त्रवर्त्मा सामवेदः |<ref name=":223222" /><ref name=":222" />

<blockquote>सहस्त्रवर्त्मा सामवेदः | sahastravartmā sāmavedaḥ | <ref name=":22322222" /><ref name=":22222" /></blockquote>According to महाभाष्यम् ॥ Mahabhashya, चरणव्यूहम् ॥ Charanavyuha, मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad, अथर्वणपरिशिष्टम् ॥ Atharvana Parishisth, सर्वानुक्रमणिका ॥ Sarvanukramanika and महाभारतम् ॥ [[Mahabharata (महाभारत)|Mahabharata]], this Veda is said to have 1000 Shakhas. This aspect is also found to be mentioned in पुराण-s || [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]]. There is an interesting ancedote mentioned by Pt. Ramshankar Bhattacharya that सामशाखाः ॥ Samashakhas were destroyed by इन्द्रः ॥ Indra. Also a mention was made about the different सामशाखा ॥ Samashaka preachers being wiped out by a natural calamity (See Page 21 of Reference 1<ref name=":022322222" />). However, there are different versions of scholars about the loss of shakhas of Samaveda, but many opine that an innumerable number of Samaganas could have existed.

According to Mahabhashya, Charanavyuha, Muktikopanishad, Atharvana Parishistham, Sarvanukramanika and Mahabharata, this Veda is said to have 1000 Shakhas. This aspect is also found to be mentioned in Puranas. There is an interesting ancedote mentioned by Pt. Ramshankar Bhattacharya that Samashakas were destroyed by Indra. Also a mention was made about the different Samashaka preachers being wiped out by a natural calamity (See Page 21 of Reference 1<ref name=":0223222" />). However, there are different versions of scholars about the loss of shakas of Samaveda, but many opine that an innumerable number of Samaganas could have existed.

Some Samaganas that have found a mention in other texts include - बृहत् रथन्तर, वैराज, ज्येष्ठ, रैवत among others that are definitely more than 1000 which may be the reason why the word "सहस्त्र" or thousand may be justified.<ref name=":022322222" /> Some shakhas of Samaveda that were mentioned in few ancient texts are

Some Samaganas that have found a mention in other texts include - बृहत् रथन्तर, वैराज, ज्येष्ठ, रैवत among others that are definitely more than 1000 which may be the reason why the word "सहस्त्र" or thousand may be justified. Some shakas of Samaveda that were mentioned in few ancient texts are

सात्यमुग्राः, नैगेयाः, शार्दूलाः, वार्षगण्याः, गाैतमाः, भाल्लविनः, कालबविनः, शाट्यायनिनः. रौरुकिणः. कापेयाः, माषशराव्यः, करद्विषः, शाण्डिल्याः, ताण्ड्याः<ref name=":022322222" />

सात्यमुग्राः, नैगेयाः, शार्दूलाः, वार्षगण्याः, गाैतमाः, भाल्लविनः, कालबविनः, शाट्यायनिनः. रौरुकिणः. कापेयाः, माषशराव्यः, करद्विषः, शाण्डिल्याः, ताण्ड्याः<ref name=":0223222" />

sātyamugrāḥ, naigeyāḥ, śārdūlāḥ, vārṣagaṇyāḥ, gāaitamāḥ, bhāllavinaḥ, kālabavinaḥ, śāṭyāyaninaḥ. raurukiṇaḥ. kāpeyāḥ, māṣaśarāvyaḥ, karadviṣaḥ, śāṇḍilyāḥ, tāṇḍyāḥ

Following other shakas of Samaveda include

Other shakhas of Samaveda include:

राणायन, सात्यमुग्र-व्यास, भागुरि, औलुण्डि, गौल्मुलिव, भानुमान, औपमन्यव, दाराल, गार्ग्य, सावर्णि, वार्षगणि, कुथुमि, शालिहोत्र, जैमिनि<ref name=":222" /> while according to<ref name=":223222" /> सात्यमुग्र, व्यास, are separate shakas, few others namely मानेपमन्यव, काराटि, मशका are mentioned in addition to those given earlier.

राणायनः || Ranayana, सात्यमुग्र-व्यासः || Satyamugra-vyasa, भागुरिः || Bhaguri, औलुण्डिः || Aulundi, गौल्मुलिवः || Gaulmuliva, भानुमानः || Bhanumana, औपमन्यवः || Aupamanyava, दारालः || Darala, गार्ग्यः || Gargya, सावर्णिः || Sarvani, वार्षगणिः || Varshagani, कुथुमिः || Kauthumi, शालिहोत्रः || Shalihotra, जैमिनिः || Jaimini<ref name=":22222" /> while according to Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra, सात्यमुग्रः || Satyamugra, व्यासः || Vyasa, are separate shakhas, few others namely मानेपमन्यवः || Manepamanyava, काराटिः || karati, मशका || Mashaka are mentioned in addition to those given earlier.<ref name=":22322222" />

Presently only three shakas are available.

Presently only three शाखाः ॥ shakhas are available.

# '''कौथुम || Kauthuma'''

#'''कौथुम || Kauthuma'''

# '''राणायनीय || Ranayaneeya'''

#'''राणायनीय || Ranayaniya'''

# '''जैमिनीय || Jaimini'''

#'''जैमिनीय || Jaiminiya'''

Kauthuma is the widely followed shaka, mainly by Nagara brahmins of Gujarat, while Ranayaneeya is seen among the people of Maharashtra and Jaimineeya shaka is seen in Tamilnadu.  

Kauthuma (कौथुम) is the widely followed shakha, mainly by Nagara brahmins of Gujarat, while Ranayaniya is seen among the people of Maharashtra and Jaiminiya shakha is seen in Tamilnadu.

=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

===विषयम् || Vishayam (Content)===

All the mantras of the Samaveda are sung by the [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest during Somayajna. Unlike Rigveda, deities of Samaveda are predominantly Agni, Indra and Soma.<ref name=":222" />

The Samaveda is compiled exclusively for ritual application, for its verses are all meant to be chanted at the ceremonies of the Soma-yajna and procedures derived from it. The Samaveda is, therefore, specially intended for the ''Udgatr'' priest.

It is said that those who know the Samaveda knows the secrets of Vedas.

Saama 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.

The special virtue of Samaveda is that although its mantras are from the Rigveda, they are set to music which is greatly conductive to the adhyatmik evolution of a human being and to qualify oneself for receiving the grace of the devatas.

The special virtue of Sama Veda is that although its mantras are from the Rig Veda they are set to music which is greatly conductive to the spiritual evolution of a human being and to qualify oneself for receiving the grace of the devatas.  

Sri Krishna says in श्रीमद् भगवद्गीता ॥ Shrimad Bhagavadgita (Ch.10 Verse 22) <blockquote>वेदानां सामवेदोस्मि । vedānāṃ sāmavedosmi ।</blockquote>Meaning : Among the Vedas, I am the Samaveda.

ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmanas, आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads affiliated to this Samhita are<ref name=":22222" />

#ताण्ड्य-महाब्राह्मणम् ॥ Tandya Maha Brahmana, the biggest and most important. The other seven ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmanas namely षड्विंशब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shadvimshabrahmana, आर्षेयब्राह्मणम् ॥ Arsheyabrahmana, सामविधानब्राह्मणम् ॥ Samavidhanabrahmana, देवताध्यायब्राह्मणम् ॥ Devatadhyayabrahmana,छान्दोग्य-उपनिषद्-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Chanddogyopanishad-brahmana, वंशब्राह्मणम् ॥ Vamshabrahmana and संहितोपनिषद्-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Samhitopanishadbrahmana.

#One आरण्यकम् ॥ Aranyaka of this संहिता ॥ Samhita is available which is called तलवकार ॥ Talavakara or जैमिनीय-आरण्यकम् ॥ Jaiminiya Aranyaka.

अथर्वण ॥ Atharvana or अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda (Samskrit : अथर्वण or अथर्व).

Sri Krishna says in the Shrimad Bhagavadgita (Ch.10 Verse 22) 

Here, थु्र्वी हिंसायाम् धातु || thurvī hiṃsāyām dhātu undergoes change into थर्व. अथर्व means that which is devoid of हिंसा ॥ himsa (harm to others).

Other names of this Veda include ब्रह्मवेदः ॥ Brahmaveda, क्षत्रवेदः ॥ Kshtraveda (as it contains a information about राजनीतिः ॥ rajaneeti or statecraft and administration for kings), भिषग्वेदः ॥ Bhishagveda (as it contains information about diseases and their cure), अङ्गीरोवेदः ॥ Angiroveda and अथर्वाङ्गीरोवेदः ॥ Atharvangiroveda.<ref name=":022">Pt. Sri Rishiram Regmi. Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_17.pdf Atharvaved ka sankshipth parichay]'' available at Vedic Heritage Portal</ref><ref>''[https://ia800209.us.archive.org/22/items/atharvavedasamhi014565mbp/atharvavedasamhi014565mbp.pdf Atharva Veda Samhita]'' (Telugu) Tirupati : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam</ref> It is called as ब्रह्मवेदः ॥ Brahmaveda due to the following 3 reasons<ref name=":022" />

 

#In यज्ञकर्माणि ॥ Yajna karmas, ब्रह्मा ॥ [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]] is the ऋत्विक् ॥ [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Rtvik]] who oversees the यज्ञः ॥ yajna.

#Contains the knowledge of ब्रह्मन् ॥ Brahman

 

#The mantras of this veda were revealed to the rishi named ब्रह्मा ॥ Brahma.

===अथर्ववेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Atharvaveda Vibhajana===

 

The अथर्ववेद-संहिता ॥ Artharvaveda Samhita is the text revealed to the अथर्वन् || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरसः || Angirasa]] rishis. अथर्वसंहिता ॥ Atharvasamhita of शौनक-शाखा ॥ Shaunaka shakha has the following divisions of the text.<ref name=":022" />

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other names of this Veda include Brahma Veda, Kshtra veda (as it contains a information about rajaneeti or statecraft and administration for kings), Bhishagveda (as it contains information about diseases and their cure), Angiroveda and Atharvangiro veda.<ref name=":0">Regmi, SriRishiramji. Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_17.pdf Atharvaved ka sankshipth parichay]'' available at Vedic Heritage Portal</ref><ref>''[https://ia800209.us.archive.org/22/items/atharvavedasamhi014565mbp/atharvavedasamhi014565mbp.pdf Atharva Veda Samhita]'' (Telugu) Tirupati : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam</ref> It is called as Brahma Veda due to the following 3 reasons<ref name=":0" />

# In Yajna karmas Brahma is the Rtvik who oversees the yajna.

# Contains the knowledge of Brahman

# The mantras of this veda were revealed to the rishi named Brahma.

=== अथर्ववेद-विभाजनम् ॥ Atharvaveda Vibhajana ===

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text revealed to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] rishis. Atharvasamhita of Shaunaka shaka has the following divisions of the text.<ref name=":0" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas       ►</nowiki>

!काण्डः ॥ Kanda       ►

!<nowiki>| Suktas       ►</nowiki>

!सूक्तम् ॥ Sukta       ►

!<nowiki>| Prapathaka      ►</nowiki>

!प्रपाठकः ॥ Prapathaka      ►

!<nowiki>| Mantras      </nowiki>

!मन्त्रः ॥ Mantra

|}It has 20 Kandas, 760<ref name=":223222" />, 730<ref name=":0" /> 731<ref name=":0223222" /> Suktas, 36 Prapathakas and 5987 (5977<ref name=":0223222" />)  mantras. Most of the mantras are metrical, but some sections are in prose. About 20% of the mantras are from Rig veda.

|}It has 20 काण्डाः ॥ Kandas, 760<ref name=":22322222" /> / 730<ref name=":022" /> / 731<ref name=":022322222" /> सूक्तानि ॥ Suktas, 36 प्रपाठकाः ॥ Prapathakas and 5987 (5977<ref name=":022322222" />)  mantras. Most of the mantras are metrical, but some sections are in prose. About 20% of the mantras are from Rigveda.

=== शाखाः ॥ Shakhas ===

===शाखाः ॥ Shakhas===

According to Atharvana Parishista, Charanavyuha, Prapanchahrudaya, Pathanjali's Mahabhasya and Kurma Purana and Sarvanukramani, Atharvana veda had 9 shakas. Another version of Sarvanukramani and Muktikopanishad mention the existence of 50 shakas. The 9 shakas according to Charanavyuha are, slightly different from other versions, given as follows  

According to अथर्वणपरिशिष्टम् ॥ Atharvana Parishista, चरणव्यूहम् ॥ Charanavyuha, प्रपञ्चहृदयम् ॥ Prapanchahrdaya, पतञ्जलेः महाभाष्यम् ॥ Patanjali's Mahabhashya and कूर्मपुराणम् ॥ Kurma Purana and सर्वानुक्रमणी ॥ Sarvanukramani, अथर्वणवेदः ॥ Atharvanaveda had 9 शाखाः ॥ shakhas. Another version of सर्वानुक्रमणी ॥ Sarvanukramani and मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad mention the existence of 50 shakhas. The 9 shakhas according to चरणव्यूहम् ॥ Charanavyuha are, slightly different from other versions, given as follows:

पैपलादाः, स्त्रौदाः, शौनकीयाः,जाजलाः, देवदर्शाः, चारणविद्याः, स्त्रौदाः जलदाः ब्रह्मवादः <ref name=":0223222" />

पैपलादाः ॥ Paippalada, स्त्रौदाः || Strauda, शौनकीयाः || Shaunakeeya, जाजलाः || Jajala, देवदर्शाः || Devadarsha, चारणविद्याः || Charanavidya, स्त्रौदाः || Strauda, जलदाः || Jalada, ब्रह्मवादः || Brahmavada <ref name=":022322222" />

According to other versions<ref name=":223222" /><ref name=":0" /> the nine shakas are

According to other versions<ref name=":22322222" /><ref name=":022" /> the nine shakhas are

पैपलादाः, स्त्रौदाःor तौद, मौद, शौनक, जाजल, जलद, ब्रह्मवादः, देवदर्श, चारणवैद्य

पैपलादाः || Paippalada, स्त्रौदाः || Strauda or तौदः || Tauda, मौदः ॥ Mauda , शौनकः ॥ Shaunaka, जाजलः ॥ Jajala, जलदः ॥ Jalada, ब्रह्मवादः || Brahmavada, देवदर्शः ॥ Devadarsha, चारणवैद्यः ॥ Charanavaidya

Out of the 9 Shakhas known only two are available now. They are

Out of the 9 Shakhas known only two are available now. They are,

# Pippalada (incomplete version)  

#पैप्पलादः ॥ Pippalada (incomplete version)

# Saunaka

#शौनकः ॥ Shaunaka

=== देवताः छन्दसः ऋत्विक् च ॥ Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

===ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads===

Like Rigveda from where Atharvana veda takes a significant part, the chandas here include Anustuph, Tristup along with many other new chandas or metrical forms. Worship of many devatas is also seen along with the acceptance of the Supreme Being. The rtvik of Atharvaveda is '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas.

Only one Brahmana called Gopatha Brahmana (गोपथब्राह्मणम् ) has been discovered. No Aranyaka of this Veda has come to light so far.

As the Atharva Veda Samhita has some special features it stands apart from the other three Vedas. It deals more with worldly things than with the other worlds and the yajnas mentioned here are utilized as a means to them. Amidst mundane subjects high philosophical ideas are also found in this Veda.

This Veda contains many types of mantras for the following worldly or materialistic purposes<ref>Introduction to Atharva Veda Samhita from [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/atharvaveda-samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref>

There are a number of Upanishads which are associated with this Veda. The well known Upanishads belonging to this Veda are :

* To ward off evils and hardship, snakes, and supernatural forces such as demons.

* Marriage, cremation and other samskaras

* Description of diseases,their cure and herbal remedies

Different texts of Vedic literature is further classified as follows<ref>Vettam, Mani. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>.

[[Samhita (संहिता)]] deals primarily with yagas and are collections of mantras in praise of deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter. There are four Vedic Samhitas: the ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda, सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda, यजुर्वेदः ॥ Yajurveda, and अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda, most of which are available in several शाखाः ॥ shakhas (recensions).

* Rajaneeti includes statecraft, defense systems of the country, training for soldiers, winning in wars.

* Related to Supreme Reality, Immortality and other philosophical matters.

* Creation and emergence of the Universe. .

The Atharvaveda was not considered as a Veda in the Vedic era, and was accepted as a Veda during later ages though some schools do not consider it even in modern era.

The Atharva veda has been a primary source for information about Vedic culture, their customs and beliefs, the social economic conditions, agricultural and scientific matters, the requirements of people in everyday life in Vedic era ranging from mantras for snakes to those associated with kings and governance.  

Yagas are of three types :

=== विशेष-विषयाः ॥ Famous Aspects ===

*एकाहः ॥ Ekaha: A yaga that is completed in one day is called Ekaha. Ex: Jyotishtoma (ज्योतिष्टोमः).

* पृथ्वी सूक्तं || Prithvi Suktam

* Madhuvidya Suktam

*सत्रयागः ॥ Satrayaga: A yaga that lasts from 12 days to a few years is called सत्रम् ॥ Satra. Ex : Gavamanas

* Kanda 15 is called व्रात्यकाण्ड || Vratya kanda. It deals about people whose origin and nature is debated by many scholars, and they did not follow any kind of vaidika kriyas, nor had respect for any rituals.<ref name=":223222" />

=== ब्राह्मणानि आरण्यकानि उपनिषदः च ॥ Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads ===

*नित्यकर्म ॥ Nityakarma: actions that are prescribed to be performed on a daily basis

Only one Brahmana called Gopatha Brahmana has been discovered. No Aranyaka of this Veda has come to light so far.  

*नैमित्तिककर्म ॥ Naimittika karma

*काम्यकर्म ॥ Kamya karma

*निषिद्धकर्म ॥ Nishiddha karma

In some contexts, the term Veda is used to refer to these Samhitas. This is the oldest layer of Vedic texts, apart from the Rigveda, which is the oldest text in the world.<ref name=":222">Malladi, Sri. Suryanarayana Sastry (1982) ''Samskruta Vangmaya Charitra, Volume 1 Vaidika Vangmayam'' Hyderabad : Andhra Sarasvata Parishad</ref>

There are a number of Upanishads which are associated with this Veda. The well known Upanishads belonging to this Veda are :

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी-s || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

===ब्राह्मणानि || Brahmanas===

Apastamba defines [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmana (ब्राह्मण)]] as<blockquote>‘कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि || karmacodanā brāhmaṇāni’ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 34 and 35)</blockquote>Meaning: Brahmanas are injunctions for the performance of yajnika rites.

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

Different texts of Vedic literature is further classified as follows<ref>Vettam, Mani. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>.

Samhitas (Samskrit : संहिता) deal primarily with yagas and are collections of mantras in praise of deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter. There are four Vedic Samhitas: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, most of which are available in several shakas (recensions).  

Some believe that what are not mantras are brahmanas (जैमिनीयपूर्वमीमांसा ॥ Jaimineeya Purvamimamsa 2.1.33)

* Satrayagam : A yaga that lasts from 12 days to a few years is called Satra. Ex : Gavamanas

In these samhitas, all karmas are described, they are of four types : 

In some contexts, the term Veda is used to refer to these Samhitas. This is the oldest layer of Vedic texts, apart from the Rigveda, which is the oldest text in the world.<ref name=":2" />

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

Brahmanas though are not metrical like the Vedic mantras contain prose with पाठपद्धतिः ॥ patha paddhati (recitation methods) to chant them. They are commentaries or explanation of ceremonial Shrauta yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः) giving the meaning of मन्त्राः ॥ mantras in Vedic Samhitas of the four Vedas and depict the socio-economic conditions and religious aspects of the era. They also contain some legends and debates about a few differences in the rituals. Each Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.<ref name=":222" />

आपस्तम्ब || Apastamba defines Brahmanas as ‘कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि || Karmacodana Brahmanani’ meaning Brahmanas are injunctions for the performance of sacrificial rites (Apasthamba Shrau. Sut. 34 and 35). Some believe that what are not mantras are brahmanas (Jaimineeya Purvamimamsa 2.1.33)

Brahmanas though are not metrical like the Vedic mantras contain prose with patha paddhati or recitation methods to chant them. They are commentaries or explanation of ceremonial Srauta yajnas giving the meaning of mantras in Vedic Samhitas of the four Vedas and depict the socio-economic conditions and religious aspects of the era. They also contain some legends and debates about a few differences in the rituals. Each Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.<ref name=":2" />

Each of the Brahmanas is associated with one of the Samhitas or its recensions. The Brahmanas may either form separate texts or can be partly integrated into the text of the Samhitas. They may also include the आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads. The substance of the Brahmana text varies with each Veda.

Each of the Brahmanas is associated with one of the Samhitas or its recensions. The Brahmanas may either form separate texts or can be partly integrated into the text of the Samhitas. They may also include the Aranyakas and Upanishads. The substance of the Brahmana text varies with each Veda.  

This portion of a Veda guides people in the performance of Vedic Karmas or yajnika rituals; they are the prose explanations of the method of using the mantras in the Yajnas and other rituals. Brahmana is suitable for the गृहस्थ-s || Grhasthas (the householders), those belonging to the second stage in life.

As mentioned in तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम् ॥ Taittiriya Aranyaka, they were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view<ref name=":222" />.

Aranyakas, "wilderness texts" or "forest treatisies" अरण्येऽधीयूरान् meaning texts to be studied in forests as mentioned in Taittiriya Aranyaka, were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view<ref name=":2">Malladi, Sri. Suryanarayana Sastry (1982) ''Samskruta Vangmaya Charitra, Volume 1 Vaidika Vangmayam'' Hyderabad : Andhra Sarasvata Parishad</ref>.  

This text is unavailable (as for Atharvana veda) or found as the last part of the Brahmanas, or are completely separated from the Brahmanas. For example, the last kanda of Shatapata Brahmana is Aranyaka for Shukla Yajurveda, whereas in Krishna Yajurveda, the Taittiriya Brahmana and Aranyaka are completely separate.<ref name=":2" />

This text is unavailable (as for अथर्वणवेदः ॥ Atharvanaveda) or found as the last part of the ब्रामणानि ॥ Brahmanas, or are completely separated from the ब्राह्मणानि ॥ Brahmanas. For example, the last काण्ड ॥ kanda of शतपथ-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Shatapata Brahmana is आरण्यकम् ॥ Aranyaka for शुक्लयजुर्वेदः ॥ Shukla Yajurveda, whereas in कृष्णयजुर्वेदः ॥ Krishna Yajurveda, the तैत्तिरीय-ब्राह्मणम् ॥ Taittiriya Brahmana and आरण्यकम् ॥ Aranyaka are completely separate.<ref name=":222" />

Aranyakas, however, neither are homogeneous in content nor in structure. They are a combination of instructions and ideas, and some include chapters of Upanishads within them. Two theories have been proposed on the origin of the word Aranyakas. One theory holds that these texts were meant to be studied in a forest, while the other holds that the name came from these being the manuals of allegorical interpretation of sacrifices, for those in वानप्रस्थ || Vanaprastha (retired, forest-dwelling) stage of their life, according to the historic age-based Ashrama system of human life.  

आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas, however, neither are homogeneous in content nor in structure. They are a combination of instructions and ideas, and some include chapters of उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads within them. Two theories have been proposed on the origin of the word आरण्यक ॥ Aranyaka. One theory holds that these texts were meant to be studied in a forest while the other holds that the name came from these being the manuals of allegorical interpretation of yajnika, for those in वानप्रस्थः || Vanaprastha (retired, forest-dwelling) stage of their life, according to the historic age-based आश्रम ॥ Ashrama system of human life.

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of sacrificial rites. It is a process of performing Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example Brihadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of Aswamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.  

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of yajnika rites. It is a process of performing यज्ञ-s || Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example: बृहदारण्यक-उपनिषद् ॥ Brhadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of अश्वमेधयज्ञः ॥ Ashwamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. सन्यासः ॥ Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.

=== उपनिषदः || Upanishads ===

===उपनिषदः || Upanishads===

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which Sri Adi Sankaracharya chose to comment upon.  

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The मुक्तिकोपनिषद् ॥ Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which श्रीआदिशङ्कराचार्यः ॥ Sri Adi Shankaracharya chose to comment upon.

Sri Sankaracharya was the earliest commentator on the Upanishads. He chose only 10 Upanishads for his commentaries<ref name=":2" />. According to some scholars he commented upon 11 Upanishads. He refers to 4 more Upanishads in his commentary on Brahma Sutra namely Svetasvatara  Upanishad, Kousitaki Upanishad, Jaabaala Upanishad, Mahanarayana Upanishad, and Paingala Upanishad.

श्रीशङ्कराचार्यः ॥ Sri Shankaracharya was the earliest commentator on the Upanishads. He chose only 10 Upanishads for his commentaries<ref name=":222" />. According to some scholars, he commented upon 11 Upanishads. He refers to 4 more Upanishads in his commentary on ब्रह्मसूत्रम् ॥ Brahmasutra namely श्वेताश्वतर-उपनिषद् ॥ Shvetashvatara  Upanishad, कौषीतकी उपनिषद् ॥ Kausitaki Upanishad, जाबाल-उपनिषद् ॥ Jabala Upanishad, महानारायण-उपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayana Upanishad, and पैङ्गल-उपनिषद् ॥ Paingala Upanishad.

Considering the ones chosen by him for commenting and as reference material as the most ancient and authentic, they are termed as major or principal Upanishads. We may list them as follows:

Considering the ones chosen by him for commenting as reference material and as the most ancient and authentic, they are termed as major or principal Upanishads. We may list them as follows:

'''TEN MAJOR UPANISHADS (Based on Sri Adi Shankaracharya's Commentaries)'''

'''TEN MAJOR UPANISHADS (Based on Sri Adi Shankaracharya's Commentaries)'''

# Isavasya or Isopanishad

#ईशावास्य/ईशोपनिषद् ॥ Ishavasya/Isopanishad

# Kena Upanishad

#केन-उपनिषद् ॥ Kena Upanishad

# Katha Upanishad

#कठ-उपनिषद् ॥ Katha Upanishad

# Prasna Upanishad

#प्रश्न-उपनिषद् ॥ Prashna Upanishad

# Mundaka Upanishad

#मुण्डक-उपनिषद् ॥ Mundaka Upanishad

# Mandukya Upanishad

#माण्डूक्य-उपनिषद् ॥ Mandukya Upanishad

# Taittiriya Upanishad

#तैत्तिरीय-उपनिषद् ॥ Taittiriya Upanishad

# AitareyaUpanishad

#ऐतरेय-उपनिषद् ॥ AitareyaUpanishad

# Chandogya Upanishad

#छान्दोग्य-उपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad

# Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

#बृहदारण्यक-उपनिषद् ॥ Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

The Upanishads are the concluding portions of the Vedas which discuss philosophical issues both in prose and metrical forms. They are commonly referred to as वेदान्त || Vedanta, variously interpreted to mean either the "last chapters, parts of the Vedas" or "the object, the highest purpose of the Veda". The concepts of ब्रह्मन || Brahman (Ultimate Reality, Paramatma), आत्मन् || Atman (Soul, Self, Jivatma) and liberation of soul (Mukti Moksha) are central ideas in all the Upanishads and primarily focus on routes for obtaining Brahmavidya which on practice leads one to Mukti. The Upanishads are the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought and its diverse traditions.<ref name=":2" />

The Upanishads are the concluding portions of the Vedas which discuss philosophical issues both in prose and metrical forms. They are commonly referred to as वेदान्तः || Vedanta, variously interpreted to mean either the "last chapters, parts of the Vedas" or "the object, the highest purpose of the Veda". The concepts of ब्रह्मन् || Brahman (Ultimate Reality, परमात्मा ॥ Paramatma), आत्मन् || Atman (Soul, Self, जीवात्मा ॥ Jivatma) and liberation of soul (मुक्तिः ॥ Mukti/ मोक्षः ॥ Moksha) are central ideas in all the Upanishads and primarily focus on routes for obtaining ब्रह्मविद्या ॥ [[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]] which on practice leads one to मुक्तिः ॥ Mukti. The Upanishads are the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought and its diverse traditions.<ref name=":222" />

They are the essence of the Vedas containing their knowledge aspects along with explanation of karmas (as in Upakosala's tending to fires in Chandogya Upanishad). The philosophy of the Upanishads occupies the highest pedestal in the spiritual knowledge. They speak about the identity of the Supreme Eternal Soul, the Brahman, the individual soul, the Atman, their mutual relationship, the Universe (jagat) and man’s place in it. In short they deal with जीवात्मा || Jivatma, परमात्मा || Paramatma, जगत् || Jagat Avidya, Karmaphalam, Punarjanma and जगदीश्वर || Jagadishwara.

They are the essence of the Vedas containing their knowledge aspects along with explanation of कर्म-s || karmas (as in Upakosala's tending to fires in छान्दोग्य-उपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad). The philosophy of the Upanishads occupies the highest pedestal in the adhyatmik knowledge. They speak about the identity of the Supreme Eternal Soul, the ब्रह्मन् ॥ [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]], the individual soul, the आत्मन् ॥ [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]], their mutual relationship, the Universe (जगत् ॥ jagat) and man’s place in it. In short, they deal with जीवात्मा || Jivatma, परमात्मा || Paramatma, जगत् || Jagat, अविद्या ॥ Avidya, कर्मफलम् ॥ Karmaphalam, पुनर्जन्म ॥ Punarjanma and जगदीश्वरः || Jagadishvara.

Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (spirituality section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the commentary are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are together referred to as the jnana-kanda.

आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas are sometimes identified as कर्मकाण्ड ॥ karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as ज्ञानकाण्ड ॥ jnana-kanda (adhyatmikity section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called संहिताः ॥ Samhitas and the commentary are called the ब्राह्मण-s || Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial कर्मकाण्डः ॥ karma-kanda, while आरण्यक-s || Aranyakas and उपनिषद्-s || Upanishads are together referred to as the ज्ञानकाण्डः ॥ jnana-kanda.

== References ==

==References==

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