Difference between revisions of "Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)"

From Dharmawiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== परिचय || Introduction ==
 
== परिचय || Introduction ==
−
The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":022">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref> The Samhitas are sometimes identified as ''karma-kanda'' (कर्म खण्ड, action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ''jnana-kanda'' (ज्ञान खण्ड, knowledge/spirituality-related section).<ref name=":022" /> The Aranyakas and 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 Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.<ref name=":0222">A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, <nowiki>ISBN 978-0595384556</nowiki>, pages 8-14</ref> The Samhitas are sometimes identified as ''karma-kanda'' (कर्म खण्ड, action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ''jnana-kanda'' (ज्ञान खण्ड, knowledge/spirituality-related section).<ref name=":0222" /> The Aranyakas and 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 Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref name=":122"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</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 Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.<ref name=":1222"><nowiki>http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm</nowiki>, 6th Paragraph</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=":222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</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=":2222">Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)</ref>
  
 
== Etymology ==
 
== Etymology ==
Line 21: Line 21:
  
 
== Dating of Brahmanas ==
 
== Dating of Brahmanas ==
−
The dating of the final codification of the ''Brahmanas'' and associated Vedic texts is controversial. The oldest is dated to about 900 [[BCE]], while the youngest Brahmanas (such as the [[Shatapatha Brahmana]]), were complete by about 700 BCE.<ref name="ebri2">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/77126/Brahmana Brahmana] Encyclopædia Britannica (2013)</ref><ref name="mw2">[[Michael Witzel]], "Tracing the Vedic dialects" in ''Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, 1989, 97–265.</ref><ref name="bcp2">Biswas et al (1989), Cosmic Perspectives, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0521343541, pages 42-43</ref> According to [[Jan Gonda]], the final codification of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and early Upanishads took place in pre-Buddhist times (ca. 600 BCE).<ref name="kklo2">Klaus Klostermaier (1994), A Survey of Hinduism, Second Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791421093, page 67</ref>
+
The dating of the final codification of the ''Brahmanas'' and associated Vedic texts is controversial. The oldest is dated to about 900 [[BCE]], while the youngest Brahmanas (such as the [[Shatapatha Brahmana]]), were complete by about 700 BCE.<ref name="ebri22">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/77126/Brahmana Brahmana] Encyclopædia Britannica (2013)</ref><ref name="mw22">[[Michael Witzel]], "Tracing the Vedic dialects" in ''Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, 1989, 97–265.</ref><ref name="bcp22">Biswas et al (1989), Cosmic Perspectives, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0521343541, pages 42-43</ref> According to [[Jan Gonda]], the final codification of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and early Upanishads took place in pre-Buddhist times (ca. 600 BCE).<ref name="kklo22">Klaus Klostermaier (1994), A Survey of Hinduism, Second Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791421093, page 67</ref>
  
 
Erdosy suggests that the later Brahmanas were composed during a period of urbanisation and considerable social change.<ref>Erdosy, George, ed, ''The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity'', New York: Walter de Gruyter, 1995</ref> This period also saw significant developments in mathematics, geometry, biology and grammar.<ref>Doniger, Wendy, ''The Hindus, An Alternative History'', Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-19-959334-7, pbk</ref>
 
Erdosy suggests that the later Brahmanas were composed during a period of urbanisation and considerable social change.<ref>Erdosy, George, ed, ''The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity'', New York: Walter de Gruyter, 1995</ref> This period also saw significant developments in mathematics, geometry, biology and grammar.<ref>Doniger, Wendy, ''The Hindus, An Alternative History'', Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-19-959334-7, pbk</ref>
  
−
==Contents ==
+
== Contents ==
 
According to Apasthamba , these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi Arthavada , Ninda, Prashansha , Purakalpa and Parakriti.
 
According to Apasthamba , these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi Arthavada , Ninda, Prashansha , Purakalpa and Parakriti.
 
# ''Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
 
# ''Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
Line 46: Line 46:
 
''Yajna'' is not only sacrifice. In Brahmanas we find it as symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.
 
''Yajna'' is not only sacrifice. In Brahmanas we find it as symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.
  
−
==Classification of Brahmanas==
+
== Classification of Brahmanas ==
 
Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular [[shakha]] or school:
 
Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular [[shakha]] or school:
  
Line 53: Line 53:
 
For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas. Names of the principal Brahmanas of all the Vedas are listed here:
 
For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas. Names of the principal Brahmanas of all the Vedas are listed here:
  
−
(A) Rigveda : (1) Aitareya Brahmana  (2) Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana are the two available brahamanas.  Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.   
+
(A) Rigveda : (1) Aitareya Brahmana  (2) Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana are the two available brahamanas.  Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.   
  
 
Four of the Rig samhita brahmanas namely Paingi, Bahvrucha, Aashvalayana, Gaalava brahmanas are lost in time.  Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana is the same as Aitareya brahmana.
 
Four of the Rig samhita brahmanas namely Paingi, Bahvrucha, Aashvalayana, Gaalava brahmanas are lost in time.  Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana is the same as Aitareya brahmana.
  
−
(B) Yajus samhita brahmanas include two important shakas. Shukla-yajurveda : (1) Maadhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available. For  Krishna-Yajurveda : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.
+
(B) Yajus samhita brahmanas include two important shakas. Shukla-yajurveda : (1) Maadhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available. For  Krishna-Yajurveda : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.
  
 
Twelve Yajus samhita related brahmanas have been lost in time.  They are Charaka, Svetasvatara, Kaathaka, or Shataadhyayana, Maitraayani, Jaabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chaagaleya brahmanas.   
 
Twelve Yajus samhita related brahmanas have been lost in time.  They are Charaka, Svetasvatara, Kaathaka, or Shataadhyayana, Maitraayani, Jaabala, Khandikeya, Oukheya, Haridravika, Tumburu, Aavhvaraka, Kankati, Chaagaleya brahmanas.   
  
−
(D) Samaveda: <blockquote>(1) Tandya Brahmana, 
+
(D) Samaveda: (1) Talavakaara or Jaimineeya Brahmana (2) Taandya (Proudha or Panchavimsha) Brahmana, (3) Chandogya (Mantra) Brahmana are the three primarily available brahmanas.  Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana
−
(2)Shadvinsha Brahmana,<br>
 
−
(3) Samavidhana Brahmana, <br>
 
−
(4) Arsheya Brahmana,<br>
 
−
(5)Daivata/ Devatadhyaya Brahmana, <br>
 
−
(6) Upanishad Brahmana,<br>
 
−
(7) Samhitopanishad Brahmana, <br>
 
−
(8) Vamsha Brahmana, <br>
 
−
(9) Jaiminiya Brahmana,<br>
 
−
(10)JaiminiyaAsheyaBrahmana, <br>
 
−
(11) Jaiminiyopanishad Brahmana</blockquote>(E) Atharvaveda : (1) Gopatha Bramana
 
  
−
===[[Rigveda]]===
+
Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shaatyayana brahmanas. 
 +
 
 +
(E) Atharvaveda : (1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana.  Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.
 +
 
 +
Apart from these many other brahmanas are mentioned in important books such as Nirukta and in Bhashya books of Patanjali, Sayana etc. 
 +
 
 +
=== [[Rigveda]] ===
 
* Shakala shakha
 
* Shakala shakha
−
** [[Aitareya Brahmana]], rarely also known as Ashvalayana Brahmana (AB). It consists of 40 ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.  
+
** [[Aitareya Brahmana]], rarely also known as Ashvalayana Brahmana. It consists of 40 ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.  
 
* Bashkala or Iksvakus shakha (unclear)
 
* Bashkala or Iksvakus shakha (unclear)
−
** [[Kaushitaki Brahmana]] (also called {{IAST|Śāṅkhāyana}} Brahmana) (KB, ŚānkhB). It consists of 30 chapters, the first six of which are dedicated to food sacrifice, and the remaining to Soma sacrifice in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana.
+
** [[Kaushitaki Brahmana]] (also called {{IAST|Śāṅkhāyana}} Brahmana). It consists of 30 chapters, the first six of which are dedicated to food sacrifice, and the remaining to Soma sacrifice in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana.
  
−
===[[Krishna Yajurveda]]===
+
=== [[Krishna Yajurveda]] ===
 
* In the Krishna Yajurveda, Brahmana style texts are integrated in the Samhitas; they are older than the Brahmanas proper.
 
* In the Krishna Yajurveda, Brahmana style texts are integrated in the Samhitas; they are older than the Brahmanas proper.
 
** Maitrayani Samhita (MS) and an Aranyaka (= accented [[Maitrayaniya Upanishad]])
 
** Maitrayani Samhita (MS) and an Aranyaka (= accented [[Maitrayaniya Upanishad]])
 
** (Caraka) Katha Samhita (KS); the Katha school has an additional fragmentary Brahmana (KathB) and Aranyaka (KathA)
 
** (Caraka) Katha Samhita (KS); the Katha school has an additional fragmentary Brahmana (KathB) and Aranyaka (KathA)
 
** Kapisthalakatha Samhita (KpS), and a few small fragments of its Brahmana
 
** Kapisthalakatha Samhita (KpS), and a few small fragments of its Brahmana
−
** Taittiriya Samhita (TS). In addition to the Brahmana style portions of the Samhita,the Taittiriya school has an additional [[Taittiriya Brahmana]] (TB) and Aranyaka (TA) as well as the late Vedic Vadhula Anvakhyana (Br.).{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} It includes a description of symbolic sacrifices, where meditation substitutes an actual sacrifice.<ref name=winter3/>
+
** Taittiriya Samhita (TS). It includes a description of symbolic sacrifices, where meditation substitutes an actual sacrifice.
  
−
===[[Shukla Yajurveda]]===
+
=== [[Shukla Yajurveda]] ===
 
* Madhyandina Shakha
 
* Madhyandina Shakha
 
** [[Shatapatha Brahmana]], Madhyandina recension (SBM)
 
** [[Shatapatha Brahmana]], Madhyandina recension (SBM)
 
* Kanva Shakha
 
* Kanva Shakha
 
** Shatapatha Brahmana, Kanva recension (SBK)
 
** Shatapatha Brahmana, Kanva recension (SBK)
−
 
+
: The Satapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes [[Upanayana]], a ceremony that marked the start of [[Brahmacharya]] (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]].<ref name="winter32" /> The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous [[Brhadaranyaka Upanishad]] form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.
−
:The Satapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred ''adhyayas'' (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmanas canon of texts.<ref name=winter3/> Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes [[Upanayana]], a ceremony that marked the start of [[Brahmacharya]] (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of [[Svādhyāya|Svadhyaya]].<ref name=winter3/> The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous [[Brhadaranyaka Upanishad]] form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.
 
  
 
=== [[Samaveda]] ===
 
=== [[Samaveda]] ===
 
* Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas
 
* Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas
−
** [[Panchavimsha Brahmana|Tandya Mahabrahmana]] or Panchavimsha Brahmana ({{IAST|Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa}}) (PB) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas. This is one of the oldest Brahmanas and includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas''.<ref name="winter2">Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 176-178</ref>
+
** [[Panchavimsha Brahmana|Tandya Mahabrahmana]] or Panchavimsha Brahmana ({{IAST|Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa}}) (PB) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas. This is one of the oldest Brahmanas and includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and ''Vratyastomas''.
−
** [[Sadvimsha Brahmana]] ({{IAST|Ṣaḍviṃṡa Brāhmaṇa}}) ({{IAST|ṢadvB}}) is considered as an appendix to the Panchavimsha Brahmana and its twenty-sixth ''prapathaka''.<ref name="winter2" />
+
** [[Sadvimsha Brahmana]] ({{IAST|Ṣaḍviṃṡa Brāhmaṇa}}) ({{IAST|ṢadvB}}) is considered as an appendix to the Panchavimsha Brahmana and its twenty-sixth ''prapathaka''.<ref name="winter22">Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 176-178</ref>
 
** Samavidhana Brahmana, and the following Samaveda "Brahmanas" are in Sutra style; it comprises 3 prapathakas.
 
** Samavidhana Brahmana, and the following Samaveda "Brahmanas" are in Sutra style; it comprises 3 prapathakas.
 
** Arsheya Brahmana is an index to the hymns of Samaveda.
 
** Arsheya Brahmana is an index to the hymns of Samaveda.
Line 105: Line 100:
 
** Vamsa Brahmana consists of one short chapter, detailing successions of teachers and disciples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dharmicscriptures.org/Vedic_SB_Intro.doc|title=Vedic Samhitas and Brahmanas – A popular, brief introduction}}</ref>
 
** Vamsa Brahmana consists of one short chapter, detailing successions of teachers and disciples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dharmicscriptures.org/Vedic_SB_Intro.doc|title=Vedic Samhitas and Brahmanas – A popular, brief introduction}}</ref>
 
* Jaiminiya shakha
 
* Jaiminiya shakha
−
** Jaiminiya Brahmana (JB) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.<ref name="winter3">[[Moriz Winternitz]] (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 178-180</ref>
+
** Jaiminiya Brahmana (JB) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three ''kanda''s (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.<ref name="winter32">[[Moriz Winternitz]] (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 178-180</ref>
 
** Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana is also an index to the hymns of Samaveda, belonging to the Jaiminiya shakha.
 
** Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana is also an index to the hymns of Samaveda, belonging to the Jaiminiya shakha.
 
** [[Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana]] (JUB) also known as Talavakara Upanishad Brahmana, is to some extent parallel to the Chandogya Upanisad, but  older.
 
** [[Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana]] (JUB) also known as Talavakara Upanishad Brahmana, is to some extent parallel to the Chandogya Upanisad, but  older.
  
−
===[[Yajurveda]]===
+
=== [[Yajurveda]] ===
  
−
===[[Atharvaveda]]===
+
=== [[Atharvaveda]] ===
 
* Shaunaka and Paippalada Shakhas
 
* Shaunaka and Paippalada Shakhas
 
** The very late [[Gopatha Brahmana]] probably was the Aranyaka of the Paippaladins whose Brahmana is lost.
 
** The very late [[Gopatha Brahmana]] probably was the Aranyaka of the Paippaladins whose Brahmana is lost.
  
−
==Notes==
+
== Notes ==
−
<references   />
+
<references />{{reflist}}
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
−
==References==
+
== References ==
−
* {{cite book| title=A History of Sanskrit Literature |author=[[Arthur Anthony Macdonell]] |year=1900 |location=New York |publisher=D. Appleton and company |chapter=[[s:A History of Sanskrit Literature/Chapter 8|Brāhmaṇas]]}}
+
* {{cite book|title=A History of Sanskrit Literature|author=[[Arthur Anthony Macdonell]]|year=1900|location=New York|publisher=D. Appleton and company|chapter=[[s:A History of Sanskrit Literature/Chapter 8|Brāhmaṇas]]}}
 
* [[Arthur Berriedale Keith]], ''Rigveda Brahmanas'' (1920); reprint: Motilal Banarsidass (1998) ISBN 978-81-208-1359-5.
 
* [[Arthur Berriedale Keith]], ''Rigveda Brahmanas'' (1920); reprint: Motilal Banarsidass (1998) ISBN 978-81-208-1359-5.
 
* A. C. Banerjea, ''Studies in the {{IAST|Brāhmaṇas}}'', Motilal Banarsidass (1963)
 
* A. C. Banerjea, ''Studies in the {{IAST|Brāhmaṇas}}'', Motilal Banarsidass (1963)
Line 133: Line 127:
 
* Bloomfield, M. The Atharvaveda and the Gopatha-Brahmana (Grundriss der Indo-Arischen Philologie und Altertumskunde II.1.b) Strassburg 1899
 
* Bloomfield, M. The Atharvaveda and the Gopatha-Brahmana (Grundriss der Indo-Arischen Philologie und Altertumskunde II.1.b) Strassburg 1899
  
−
==External links==
+
== External links ==
 
* [http://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/ebene_1/fiindolo/gretil.htm#Brahm GRETIL etexts]
 
* [http://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/ebene_1/fiindolo/gretil.htm#Brahm GRETIL etexts]
 
References  
 
References  
Line 140: Line 134:
  
 
Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5
 
Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5
 +
 
[[Category:Brahmanas|*]]
 
[[Category:Brahmanas|*]]
 
[[Category:Hindu texts]]
 
[[Category:Hindu texts]]

Revision as of 21:26, 11 August 2017

The Brahmanas (Sanskrit: ब्राह्मणम्, Brāhmaṇa) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and thus the knowledge of Veda Samhitas is revealed.

परिचय || Introduction

The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads.[1] 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).[1] The Aranyakas and 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 Jnana-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.[2]

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.[3]

Etymology

The word [ब्राह्मणम्] error: {{lang}}: missing language tag (help) Brahmana in neuter gender means Brahmana texts. One wonders why these literary compositions are given this name even though the authors of Brahmanas and their commentators have not offered any definition of this word.

  • According to Shatapatha Braahmana the word "Brahma" means the samhita part of the four vedas (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5). The collection of mantras from these samhita parts of the four vedas are termed as Braahmanas.
  • आरस्तम्ब Apastamba defines Brahmanas as ‘कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि Karmacodana Brahmanani’ meaning Brahmanas are injunctions for the performance of sacrificial rites (Apasthamba Shrau. Sut. 34 and 35).
  • Jaimini Purvameemamsa darshana says "what is not a mantra the rest of it is brahmana शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः " (2.1.33)
  • Sayanaacharya has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda:

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

The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् Brahman which means both the Veda and the Mantra - "Brahma Vai Mantrah." Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root brih 'to grow', 'to expand'.

In other words, the name 'Brahmana' means the explanation of a ritual by a learned priest. Later this word came to mean a collection of such explanations by the priest on the science of sacrifice. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of sacrifice or Yajna.

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

Dating of Brahmanas

The dating of the final codification of the Brahmanas and associated Vedic texts is controversial. The oldest is dated to about 900 BCE, while the youngest Brahmanas (such as the Shatapatha Brahmana), were complete by about 700 BCE.[4][5][6] According to Jan Gonda, the final codification of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and early Upanishads took place in pre-Buddhist times (ca. 600 BCE).[7]

Erdosy suggests that the later Brahmanas were composed during a period of urbanisation and considerable social change.[8] This period also saw significant developments in mathematics, geometry, biology and grammar.[9]

Contents

According to Apasthamba , these texts deal with the following six topics: Vidhi Arthavada , Ninda, Prashansha , Purakalpa and Parakriti.

  1. Vidhi means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
  2. Arthavada comprises the numerous explanatory remarks on the meaning of Mantras and particular rites.
  3. Ninda or censure consists in criticism and, refutation of the opponents' views.
  4. Sthuti or Prashansha means eulogy, recommendation.
  5. Puraakalpa refers to the performance of sacrificial rites in former times.
  6. Parakriti means the achievements of others.

The main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it. Sayana states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavaada only "Dvividham braahmanam vidhihi anuvaadascha" (Rig bhashya bhu 9). Thus, they may be classified differently. Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:

  1. Hetu - reasons
  2. Nirvacana - etymology
  3. Ninda - censure ,condemn
  4. Prashansha - eulogy, praise
  5. Sanshaya - doubt,uncertainty
  6. Vidhi - injunction,sanction
  7. Parakriya - feats/deeds of others
  8. Purakalpa - legendary background
  9. Vyavadharana- Kalpana - managerial application
  10. Upamana - illustration.

Yajna is not only sacrifice. In Brahmanas we find it as symbolic also. Here it often represents the knowledge of creation and thus describes the secrets of creation.

Classification of Brahmanas

Each Brahmana is associated with one of the four Vedas, and within the tradition of that Veda with a particular shakha or school:

Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. There are a number of lost Brahmanas which are quoted in the available Sanskrit Literature.

For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas. Names of the principal Brahmanas of all the Vedas are listed here:

(A) Rigveda : (1) Aitareya Brahmana (2) Kaushitaki / Sankhayana Brahmana are the two available brahamanas. Earlier Rig samhita was supposed to have 21 shakas and each shaka had an associated brahmana.

Four of the Rig samhita brahmanas namely Paingi, Bahvrucha, Aashvalayana, Gaalava brahmanas are lost in time. Some say that Bahvrucha brahmana is the same as Aitareya brahmana.

(B) Yajus samhita brahmanas include two important shakas. Shukla-yajurveda : (1) Maadhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available. For Krishna-Yajurveda : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.

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

(D) Samaveda: (1) Talavakaara or Jaimineeya Brahmana (2) Taandya (Proudha or Panchavimsha) Brahmana, (3) Chandogya (Mantra) Brahmana are the three primarily available brahmanas. Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana

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

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

Apart from these many other brahmanas are mentioned in important books such as Nirukta and in Bhashya books of Patanjali, Sayana etc.

Rigveda

  • Shakala shakha
    • Aitareya Brahmana, rarely also known as Ashvalayana Brahmana. It consists of 40 adhyayas (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.
  • Bashkala or Iksvakus shakha (unclear)
    • Kaushitaki Brahmana (also called Śāṅkhāyana Brahmana). It consists of 30 chapters, the first six of which are dedicated to food sacrifice, and the remaining to Soma sacrifice in a manner matching the Aitareya Brahmana.

Krishna Yajurveda

  • In the Krishna Yajurveda, Brahmana style texts are integrated in the Samhitas; they are older than the Brahmanas proper.
    • Maitrayani Samhita (MS) and an Aranyaka (= accented Maitrayaniya Upanishad)
    • (Caraka) Katha Samhita (KS); the Katha school has an additional fragmentary Brahmana (KathB) and Aranyaka (KathA)
    • Kapisthalakatha Samhita (KpS), and a few small fragments of its Brahmana
    • Taittiriya Samhita (TS). It includes a description of symbolic sacrifices, where meditation substitutes an actual sacrifice.

Shukla Yajurveda

  • Madhyandina Shakha
  • Kanva Shakha
    • Shatapatha Brahmana, Kanva recension (SBK)
The Satapatha Brahmana consists of a hundred adhyayas (chapters), and is the most cited and famous among the Brahmana texts. Much of the text is commentaries on Vedic rituals, such as the preparation of the fire altar. It also includes Upanayana, a ceremony that marked the start of Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, as well as the Vedic era recitation practice of Svadhyaya.[10] The text describes procedures for other important Hindu rituals such as a funeral ceremony. The old and famous Brhadaranyaka Upanishad form the closing chapters of Śatapatha Brahmana.

Samaveda

  • Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas
    • Tandya Mahabrahmana or Panchavimsha Brahmana (Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa) (PB) is the principal Brahmana of both the Kauthuma and Ranayaniya shakhas. This is one of the oldest Brahmanas and includes twenty five books. It is notable for its important ancient legends and Vratyastomas.
    • Sadvimsha Brahmana (Ṣaḍviṃṡa Brāhmaṇa) (ṢadvB) is considered as an appendix to the Panchavimsha Brahmana and its twenty-sixth prapathaka.[11]
    • Samavidhana Brahmana, and the following Samaveda "Brahmanas" are in Sutra style; it comprises 3 prapathakas.
    • Arsheya Brahmana is an index to the hymns of Samaveda.
    • Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana comprises 3 khandas, having 26, 11 and 25 kandikas respectively.
    • Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten prapathakas (chapters). Its first two prapathakas (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana (MB) and each of them is divided into eight khandas (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the Chandogya Upanishad.
    • Samhitopanishad Brahmana has a single prapathaka (chapter) divided into five khandas (sections).
    • Vamsa Brahmana consists of one short chapter, detailing successions of teachers and disciples.[12]
  • Jaiminiya shakha
    • Jaiminiya Brahmana (JB) is the principal Brahmana of the Jaiminiya shakha, divided into three kandas (sections). One of the oldest Brahmanas, older than Tandya Mahabrahmana, but only fragments of manuscript have survived.[10]
    • Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana is also an index to the hymns of Samaveda, belonging to the Jaiminiya shakha.
    • Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana (JUB) also known as Talavakara Upanishad Brahmana, is to some extent parallel to the Chandogya Upanisad, but older.

Yajurveda

Atharvaveda

  • Shaunaka and Paippalada Shakhas
    • The very late Gopatha Brahmana probably was the Aranyaka of the Paippaladins whose Brahmana is lost.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14
  2. ↑ http://indianscriptures.50webs.com/partveda.htm, 6th Paragraph
  3. ↑ Insights Into the Taittiriya Upanishad, Dr. K. S. Narayanacharya, Published by Kautilya Institute of National Studies, Mysore, Page 75 (Glossary)
  4. ↑ Brahmana Encyclopædia Britannica (2013)
  5. ↑ Michael Witzel, "Tracing the Vedic dialects" in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes ed. Caillat, Paris, 1989, 97–265.
  6. ↑ Biswas et al (1989), Cosmic Perspectives, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0521343541, pages 42-43
  7. ↑ Klaus Klostermaier (1994), A Survey of Hinduism, Second Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791421093, page 67
  8. ↑ Erdosy, George, ed, The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity, New York: Walter de Gruyter, 1995
  9. ↑ Doniger, Wendy, The Hindus, An Alternative History, Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-19-959334-7, pbk
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 178-180
  11. ↑ Moriz Winternitz (2010), A History of Indian Literature, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120802643, pages 176-178
  12. ↑ "Vedic Samhitas and Brahmanas – A popular, brief introduction".<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>

References

  • Arthur Anthony Macdonell (1900). "Brāhmaṇas" . A History of Sanskrit Literature. New York: D. Appleton and company.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  • Arthur Berriedale Keith, Rigveda Brahmanas (1920); reprint: Motilal Banarsidass (1998) ISBN 978-81-208-1359-5.
  • A. C. Banerjea, Studies in the Brāhmaṇas, Motilal Banarsidass (1963)
  • E. R. Sreekrishna Sarma, Kauṣītaki-Brāhmaṇa, Wiesbaden (1968, comm. 1976).
  • Dumont, P. E. [translations of sections of TB 3 ]. PAPS 92 (1948), 95 (1951), 98 (1954), 101 (1957), 103 (1959), 104 (1960), 105 (1961), 106 (1962), 107 (1963), 108 (1964), 109 (1965), 113 (1969).
  • Caland, W. Über das Vadhulasutra; Eine zweite / dritte / vierte Mitteilung über das Vadhulasutra. [= Vadhula Sutra and Brahmana fragments (Anvakhyana)]. Acta Orientalia 1, 3–11; AO II, 142–167; AO IV, 1–41, 161–213; AO VI, 97–241.1922. 1924. 1926. 1928. [= Kleine Schriften, ed. M. WItzel. Stuttgart 1990, pp. 268–541]
  • Caland. W. Pancavimsa-Brahmana. The Brahmana of twenty five chapters. (Bibliotheca Indica 255.) Calcutta 1931. Repr. Delhi 1982.
  • Bollée, W. B. Sadvinsa-Brahmana. Introd., transl., extracts from the commentaries and notes. Utrecht 1956.
  • Bodewitz, H. W. Jaiminiya Brahmana I, 1–65. Translation and commentary with a study of the Agnihotra and Pranagnihotra. Leiden 1973.
  • Bodewitz, H. W. The Jyotistoma Ritual. Jaiminiya Brahmana I,66-364. Introduction, translation and commentary. Leiden 1990.
  • Gaastra, D. Das Gopatha Brahmana, Leiden 1919
  • Bloomfield, M. The Atharvaveda and the Gopatha-Brahmana (Grundriss der Indo-Arischen Philologie und Altertumskunde II.1.b) Strassburg 1899

External links

References

By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Sanskrit Department, Delhi University at http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/

Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5

Retrieved from ‘https://dharmawiki.org/index.php?title=Brahmana_(ब्राह्मणम्)&oldid=7035’