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'''Samhita''' ([[Sanskrit]]: सम्हिता, ''{{IAST|saṁhitā}}'') literally means "put together, joined" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".

'''Samhita''' ([[Sanskrit]]: सम्हिता, ''{{IAST|saṁhitā}}'') literally means "put together, joined" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

The [[Vedas]] have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]], the [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] and the [[Upanishads]] <ref>A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, 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).The [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] and [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] are variously classified, sometimes as the ceremonial ''karma-kanda'', other times (or parts of them) as the ''jnana-kanda''.

The [[Vedas]] have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]], the [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] and the [[Upanishads]] <ref>A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, 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).The [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] and [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] are variously classified, sometimes as the ceremonial ''karma-kanda'', other times (or parts of them) as the ''jnana-kanda''.

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=":02">[http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 1st Para]</ref>

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=":022">[http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 1st Para]</ref>

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=":12">Insights Into the Taittiriya

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=":122">Insights Into the Taittiriya

Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National

Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National

Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>

Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>

''Samhita'' also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the [[Veda|Vedas]], consisting of [[Mantra|mantras]] and slokas (a group of mantras or verses).  

''Samhita'' also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the [[Veda|Vedas]], consisting of [[Mantra|mantras]] and slokas (a group of mantras or verses).  

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

''Samhita'' is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".<ref name="monier2">[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html saMhita], Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref>

''Samhita'' is a Sanskrit word from the roots, sam (सं) and hita (हित), which mean "correct, proper" and "wholesome, arranged" respectively. The combination word thus means "put together , joined, compose, arrangement, place together, union" and "combination of letters according to euphonic rules, any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses".<ref name="monier22">[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html saMhita], Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref>

== Four Samhitas ==

== Four Samhitas ==

The Samhitas form the first part of each of the Vedas. A Samhita is a collection of mantras, so the Samhitas are sometimes also referred to as the ‘mantras’. Most of the mantras were concerned with the nature and the deities. Generally, the mantras are addressed to the Gods and Goddesses.<ref name=":02" />

The Samhitas form the first part of each of the Vedas. A Samhita is a collection of mantras, so the Samhitas are sometimes also referred to as the ‘mantras’. Most of the mantras were concerned with the nature and the deities. Generally, the mantras are addressed to the Gods and Goddesses.

The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rig Veda is called the Rig-Veda-Samhita or the Rig-Samhita. The Rig-Samhita contains the mantras known as ‘richas’. These hymns are metered verses.

The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rig Veda is called the Rig-Veda-Samhita or the Rig-Samhita. The Rig-Samhita contains the mantras known as ‘richas’. These hymns are metered verses.

=== Sama samhita ===

=== Sama samhita ===

The SamaSamhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Yajur-Samhita  contains verities of mantras composed in the poetical and the prose forms. The Atharva-Samhita contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals.<ref name=":02" />

The SamaSamhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Yajur-Samhita  contains verities of mantras composed in the poetical and the prose forms. The Atharva-Samhita contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals.<ref name=":022" />

Swami Dayananda Saraswati made extraordinary efforts to bring out the significance of the mantras of the Vedas. Shri Aurobindo also challenged the Western philosophers and opined that the mantras are found to express esoteric truths which the Westerners can not grasp. He strove hard to elucidate the cryptic meanings of the Vedic words and the hymns.<ref name=":02" />

Swami Dayananda Saraswati made extraordinary efforts to bring out the significance of the mantras of the Vedas. Shri Aurobindo also challenged the Western philosophers and opined that the mantras are found to express esoteric truths which the Westerners can not grasp. He strove hard to elucidate the cryptic meanings of the Vedic words and the hymns.<ref name=":022" />

The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling.<ref name=":12" />

The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling.<ref name=":122" />

A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>

A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>

=== Rig veda ===

=== Rig veda ===

The [[Gayatri mantra]] is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.

The [[Gayatri mantra]] is among the famous Hindu mantras. It is found in Rig Veda Samhita.

:: ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्

:: ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्

:: ''Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt''

:: ''Oṁ Bhūr Bhuva~Swah', Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhīmahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt''

=== Sama veda ===

=== Sama veda ===

[[Albrecht Weber|Weber]] noted that the ''Samhita'' of [[Samaveda]] is an anthology taken from the Rigveda-Samhita. The difference is in the refinement and application of arts such as melody, meters of music and literary composition.<ref name="fstaal2">Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins, Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages 107-115</ref> Thus, the root hymn that later became the ''Rathantara'' (Excellent Chariot) mantra chant is found in both Rigveda and Samaveda Samhitas, as follows

[[Albrecht Weber|Weber]] noted that the ''Samhita'' of [[Samaveda]] is an anthology taken from the Rigveda-Samhita. The difference is in the refinement and application of arts such as melody, meters of music and literary composition.<ref name="fstaal22">Frits Staal (2009), Discovering the Vedas: Origins, Mantras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin, ISBN 978-0143099864, pages 107-115</ref> Thus, the root hymn that later became the ''Rathantara'' (Excellent Chariot) mantra chant is found in both Rigveda and Samaveda Samhitas, as follows

 

:: Rigveda form: ''Abhi tva sura nonumo 'dugdha iva dhenavah | isanam asya jagatah svardrsam isanam indra tasthusah''

:: Rigveda form: ''Abhi tva sura nonumo 'dugdha iva dhenavah | isanam asya jagatah svardrsam isanam indra tasthusah''

:: Samaveda form: ''obhitvasuranonumova | adugdha iva dhenava isanamasya jagatassuvardrsam | isanama indra | ta sthu sa o va ha u va | as |''

:: Samaveda form: ''obhitvasuranonumova | adugdha iva dhenava isanamasya jagatassuvardrsam | isanama indra | ta sthu sa o va ha u va | as |''

=== Yajur veda ===

=== Yajur veda ===

The hymns in Section 4.1.5 of the Yajurveda ''Samhita'', dedicated to several ancient deities, state:<ref name="edward2">Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 32</ref>

The hymns in Section 4.1.5 of the Yajurveda ''Samhita'', dedicated to several ancient deities, state:<ref name="edward22">Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, page 32</ref>

 

{{Quote|

{{Quote|

May the [[Vasu]]s prepare you, with the [[gayatri]] meter, you are the earth,<br>

May the [[Vasu]]s prepare you, with the [[gayatri]] meter, you are the earth,<br>

=== Atharva veda ===

=== Atharva veda ===

A hymn in the Atharva Veda Samhita, for example, is a woman's petition to deity [[Agni]], to attract suitors and a good husband.<ref>[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita/Book II/Hymn 36|Atharva Veda Samhita, Book 2 Hymn 36: To get a husband for a woman]], Translator: [[William Dwight Whitney]], Atharva Veda Samhita Series - Harvard University (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource</ref>

A hymn in the Atharva Veda Samhita, for example, is a woman's petition to deity [[Agni]], to attract suitors and a good husband.<ref>[[s:Atharva-Veda Samhita/Book II/Hymn 36|Atharva Veda Samhita, Book 2 Hymn 36: To get a husband for a woman]], Translator: [[William Dwight Whitney]], Atharva Veda Samhita Series - Harvard University (Editor: [[Charles Rockwell Lanman]]), Wikisource</ref>

{{Quote|

{{Quote|

May O Agni!, a suitor after this girl's heart come to her,<br>

May O Agni!, a suitor after this girl's heart come to her,<br>

Some post-vedic Samhitas are: [[Ashtavakra Gita]], [[Bhrigu Samhita]], [[Brahma Samhita]], [[Charaka Samhita]], [[Deva Samhita]], [[Garga|Garga Samhita]], [[Gheranda Samhita]], [[Kashyap Samhita]], [[Shiva Samhita]], [[Sushruta Samhita]] (a treatise on food and medicine), [[Yogayajnavalkya Samhita]].{{cn|date=January 2015}}

Some post-vedic Samhitas are: [[Ashtavakra Gita]], [[Bhrigu Samhita]], [[Brahma Samhita]], [[Charaka Samhita]], [[Deva Samhita]], [[Garga|Garga Samhita]], [[Gheranda Samhita]], [[Kashyap Samhita]], [[Shiva Samhita]], [[Sushruta Samhita]] (a treatise on food and medicine), [[Yogayajnavalkya Samhita]].{{cn|date=January 2015}}

== References Keep 2,4,5,6 remove the rest ==

== References Keep 1,2,3,4,10 remove the rest ==

{{reflist|30em}}

{{reflist|30em}}

* [http://www.sanskritweb.net/rigveda/rv01-001.pdf Rigveda Samhita] First Mandala, (in Sanskrit)

* [http://www.sanskritweb.net/rigveda/rv01-001.pdf Rigveda Samhita] First Mandala, (in Sanskrit)

* http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part5/chap27.htm

* http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part5/chap27.htm

[[Category:Hindu texts]]

[[Category:Hindu texts]]

[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]

[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]