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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 has been used as a synonym for Vedas and hence used in exchange for each other. Though many western scholars, not unanimously though, have dated the Vedas to several thousands of years back, but till date many followers of Sanatana Dharma believe in the agelessness and timelessness of these ancient texts.
'''Samhita''' ([[Sanskrit]]: सम्हिता, ''{{IAST|saṁhitā}}'') literally means "put together, joined" and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses". Samhita has been used as a synonym for Vedas and hence used in exchange for each other. Though many western scholars, not unanimously though, have dated the Vedas to several thousands of years ago, till date many scholars and followers of Sanatana Dharma believe in the agelessness and timelessness of these ancient texts.
== परिचय || Introduction ==
== परिचय || Introduction ==
== 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="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>
''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".
== 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.
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 ‘rks’, while those of Yajur veda are called 'yajus', Sama Veda mantras are called 'saman'. These mantras are structured metered verses in Rig veda while prose form is seen in Yajurveda mantras.
=== Rig Samhita ===
=== Rig Samhita ===
The
The Rigveda is the oldest, biggest of the four Vedas and the most highly valued work of the Hindus. This Samhita (Collection) is unique in its nature. The present form of this Samhita clearly indicates that the collection is not a single work, but consists of multiple elements, thus, intact through thousands of years are the seeds of India's religious and philosophical development. Various indications of language, style and ideas prove this point. Different hymns of this Samhita were composed long before they were systematically arranged. Being a compilation of different stages, there is something which stamps the Rigveda with an individuality of its own. It is much more natural in character and form than other Samhitas.
''Rik,'' from the root ''rc'' means ‘to praise''’.'' '''Rik''<nowiki/>' is the name given to those Mantras which are meant for the praise of the deities. Thus the collection (''Samhita'') of ''Riks'' is known as Rigveda-Samhita. Only one recession or school (''Shakha'') of the Rigveda is available today and it is the Shaakala. The Rigveda Samhita contains about 10552 Mantras, classified into ten books called ''Mandalas''. Each ''Mandala'' is divided into several sections called ''Anuvakas''. Each ''Anuvaka'' consists of a number of hymns called ''Suktas'' and each ''Sukta'' is made up of a number of verses called ''riks''. This division of the Rigveda is most popular and systematic. There is also the ashtaka system of dividing the contents of the Rigveda, but today that is uncommon among the students of the Veda.The value of the Rigveda today is not confined to India, for its well-preserved language and mythology have helped a better understanding of languages, literatures and cultures of the whole world. The
Rigveda Samhita consists of about 10, 170 rks and 1, 028 suktas, broadly. It is divided into ten mandalas revealed to several rishis including some brahmavaadinis like Lopamudra and Vak Ambhrni. It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same
Rigveda Samhita consists of about 10, 170 rks and 1, 028 suktas, broadly. It is divided into ten mandalas revealed to several rishis including some brahmavaadinis like Lopamudra and Vak Ambhrni. It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same
deity. For this reason some believe that the Vedas must be
deity. For this reason some believe that the Vedas must be
having a higher significance than the national anthem of any
having a higher significance than the national anthem of any
country: it is a prayer for amity among all nations, a true
country: it is a prayer for amity among all nations, a true
international anthem.
international anthem.
अग्निमीले पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्तिजम्
"May mankind be of one mind, " it goes.
"May mankind be of one mind, " it goes.