Vaidika Shakhas (वैदिकशाखाः)
Shakhas can be classified into two types
- compilations without any variations in mantras from the original structure of vedas
- compilations with some variations in mantras different from original structure of vedas[1]
According to MahaBhasya of Patanjali, there were 1131 Shakhas (21+101+1000+9) prevalent during his times.
एकविंशतिधा बाह्वृच्यम्। एकशतमध्वर्युशाखाः। सहस्रवर्त्मा सामवेदः। नवधाथर्वणो वेदः। पातन्जल महाभाष्य, पस्प-शाह्निक।
This includes the 4 Ved Samhitas. However, now only 16 of these Shakhas are available, which are as follows:
1. 5 of ऋग्वेदः शाकल: (Shaakala)(with and without Baal Khilya Sukta), बाष्कल: (Bhaashkala), आश्वलायन: (Aashvalaayana), शांखायन: (Shaankhaayana) and माण्डूकाय (Mandukaaya)
2. 6 of यजुर्वेदः
a. 3 of शुक्ल-यजुर्वेदःवाजसनेयी (Vaajasaneyi) or माध्यन्दिनी (Maadhyandini) and काण्व (Kaanva)।
b. 3 of कृष्ण-यजुर्वेदः तैत्तिरीय: (Taittiriya), मैत्रायणी (Maitraayani), कठ: (Katha), and कपिष्ठल (Kapishhthala)।
3. 3 of सामवेदः कौथुमीय (Kauthumiya), राणायनीय (Ranaayaniya) and जैमिनीय (Jaiminiya)
4. 2 of अथर्ववेदः शौनक (Shaunak) and पैप्लाद: (Paipalaada)[1]