Changes

=== Etymology ===

=== Etymology ===

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":022322">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 padas) dealing with the stuti for devatas, their invocation, yajnakarmas, karmakanda, upasana mantras, mantras related to different worldly activities such as dana, conduct, medical remedies etc.

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are 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 padas) dealing with the stuti for devatas, their invocation, yajnakarmas, karmakanda, upasana mantras, mantras related to different worldly activities such as dana, conduct, medical remedies etc.

===  Rigveda Vibhajana ===

===  Rigveda Vibhajana ===

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, 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=":022322" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.   

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, 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 suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.   

==== Mandala Krama ====

==== Mandala Krama ====

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10522 mantras<ref name=":022322" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":12322" />. In Rig veda 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=":022322" /><ref name=":12322">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10522 mantras<ref name=":0223222" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":123222" />. In Rig veda 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"

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

|}

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=":0322">Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":22322">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 Shaunaka Anukramanika 11 suktas of Valakhilyas are present removing which from the total number of suktas (1028) will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. Vashkala or Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017 thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":022322" /><ref name=":22322" />

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 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 Shaunaka Anukramanika 11 suktas of Valakhilyas are present removing which from the total number of suktas (1028) will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. Vashkala or Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017 thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":223222" />

In Rigveda, not only are the suktas and mantras counted but also there is a system of counting even the Aksharas or letters in such texts called 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 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 shakas, additionally in modern times the differences in counting the Rks is attributed to breaking the mantras having 4 padas into 2 padas each (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":22322" />).   

In Rigveda, not only are the suktas and mantras counted but also there is a system of counting even the Aksharas or letters in such texts called 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 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 shakas, additionally in modern times the differences in counting the Rks is attributed to breaking the mantras having 4 padas into 2 padas each (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":223222" />).   

==== Ashtaka Krama ====

==== Ashtaka Krama ====

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of 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=":022322" />

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of 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" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

=== Shakas ===

=== Shakas ===

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकला ||''' '''Shakala.'''<ref name=":022322" /><ref name=":12322" />

Only one Shaka (school or recension) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकला ||''' '''Shakala.'''<ref name=":0223222" /><ref name=":123222" />

According to Sarvanukramani vritti, Ahirbudhnyasamhita, Muktikopanishad and Pathanjali's Mahabhashyam, and recently many scholars opined that Rigveda had 21 shakas.   

According to Sarvanukramani vritti, Ahirbudhnyasamhita, Muktikopanishad and Pathanjali's Mahabhashyam, and recently many scholars opined that Rigveda had 21 shakas.   

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami<ref name=":022322" />, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakas namely, '''शाकला || Shakala''' and '''माण्डूकेया || Mandukeya'''. These two shakas became 21 shakas 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 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>Meaning : Shakala had 100 students who were brahmacharis. Of them 5 who were having dharmanistha, and were grihasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. शिशिरः || Shishira, वाष्कलः || Vashkala (Bashkala) सांख्यः || Samkhya वात्स्यः || Vatsya and अवाश्वलायनः || Asvalayana were the five disciples who were the pravartakas of the different shakas.<ref name=":022322" /> Asvalaayana-Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. Sankhyayana samhita is not available but its Brahmanas and Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that Sankhyayana and Kaushitaki shakas are one and the same.<ref name=":22322" />

However, according to Pt. Satyavrat Samashrami<ref name=":0223222" />, Rig veda has only 2 ancient shakas namely, '''शाकला || Shakala''' and '''माण्डूकेया || Mandukeya'''. These two shakas became 21 shakas 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 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>Meaning : Shakala had 100 students who were brahmacharis. Of them 5 who were having dharmanistha, and were grihasthas bearing the responsibility of maintaining a family. शिशिरः || Shishira, वाष्कलः || Vashkala (Bashkala) सांख्यः || Samkhya वात्स्यः || Vatsya and अवाश्वलायनः || Asvalayana were the five disciples who were the pravartakas of the different shakas.<ref name=":0223222" /> Asvalaayana-Samhita was available as lately as 17th century but is presently unavailable. Sankhyayana samhita is not available but its Brahmanas and Aranyakas are available. Some scholars opine that Sankhyayana and Kaushitaki shakas are one and the same.<ref name=":223222" />

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna. Important Rig vedic deities are Agni, Indra, Varuna, Ushas, Savita, Pusha, Mitra, Vishnu, Rudra, Marut and Parjanya. Gayatri, Jagati, Bruhati, Pankti and Trishtubh and Anustubh are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":22322" />).   

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna. Important Rig vedic deities are Agni, Indra, Varuna, Ushas, Savita, Pusha, Mitra, Vishnu, Rudra, Marut and Parjanya. Gayatri, Jagati, Bruhati, Pankti and Trishtubh and Anustubh are widely used meters (Page No 6 of Reference 4<ref name=":223222" />).   

=== विषयविभागम् ===

=== विषयविभागम् ===

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 समन्वय || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्य || Satya (truth) and धर्म || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्व || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

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 समन्वय || Samanvaya or harmony of life here and hereafter. सत्य || Satya (truth) and धर्म || Dharma (righteousness) are glorified and अमृतत्व || Amritatva (immortality) as the goal of life was accepted.

=== Famous Aspects <ref name=":22322" /> ===

=== Famous Aspects <ref name=":223222" /> ===

* Urvashi Pururava Samvada (Rig. Veda. 10.85)

* Urvashi Pururava Samvada (Rig. Veda. 10.85)

* Yama Yami Samvada (Rig. Veda. 10.10)

* Yama Yami Samvada (Rig. Veda. 10.10)

* Vak Sutram

* Vak Sutram

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads<ref name=":0322" /> ===

=== Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads<ref name=":03222" /> ===

* Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas

* Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas

* Aitareya and Sankhyayana Aranyakas  

* Aitareya and Sankhyayana Aranyakas  

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

=== Etymology<ref name=":22322" /> ===

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

According to Shabdakalpadruma इज्यतेऽनेनेति यजुः meaning performing of yajnas using this hence called Yajus.

According to Shabdakalpadruma इज्यतेऽनेनेति यजुः meaning performing of yajnas using this hence called Yajus.

According to Pt Gajanan Shastri - the word yajus is derived by the combination of यज and उसि.<ref name=":1322">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>

According to Pt Gajanan Shastri - the word yajus is derived by the combination of यज and उसि.<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>

अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः meaning that which has no regulation (metrical) of letters is called Yajus.   

अनियताक्षरावसानो यजुः meaning that which has no regulation (metrical) of letters is called Yajus.   

!<nowiki>| Kandikas      </nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Kandikas      </nowiki>

|}

|}

* Madhyandina Shaka : 40 Adhyayas and 1975 mantras, 90525 aksharas.<ref name=":02">Topic : Yajus samhita from ''Vaidika Vangmayasya itihasa bharatiya samskriti cha, Volume: Vedaparichaya'' by Rastriya Samskrit Samsthan. </ref>

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

* Kanva Shaka : 40 Adhyayas and 2086 mantras.<ref name=":02" />  

* Kanva Shaka : 40 Adhyayas and 2086 mantras.<ref name=":022" />  

The divisions of the texts for Krishna Yajurveda have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in Taittriya shaka which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":02" />  

The divisions of the texts for Krishna Yajurveda have different arrangements. Following are the textual divisions in Taittriya shaka which is representative of Krishna Yajurveda.<ref name=":022" />  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Kandas      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Kandas      ►</nowiki>

|}

|}

In some southern Indian parts where this shaka is widely followed there are other terms such as Panasa and Prashna (ex: Rudrasya prasha) which are in usage. Saraswat and Arsheya system of classification is also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.  

In some southern Indian parts where this shaka is widely followed there are other terms such as Panasa and Prashna (ex: Rudrasya prasha) which are in usage. Saraswat and Arsheya system of classification is also seen for Krishna Yajurveda.  

* Taittriya Shaka - 7 kandas, 44 Prapathakas, 651 Anuvakas (631 according to Page 9 of Reference<ref name=":1322" /> ), 2198 Kandikas are present.<ref name=":02" />

* Taittriya Shaka - 7 kandas, 44 Prapathakas, 651 Anuvakas (631 according to Page 9 of Reference<ref name=":13222" /> ), 2198 Kandikas are present.<ref name=":022" />

* Maitrayani Shaka - 4 kandas, 11 Prapatakas, 3144 mantras.<ref name=":02" />

* Maitrayani Shaka - 4 kandas, 11 Prapatakas, 3144 mantras.<ref name=":022" />

* Kathasamhita - 40 Adhyayas, 843 Anuvakas, 3091 mantras.<ref name=":02" />

* Kathasamhita - 40 Adhyayas, 843 Anuvakas, 3091 mantras.<ref name=":022" />

* Kapisthalakatha - 6 Astakas, 48 Adhyayas.<ref name=":02" />  

* Kapisthalakatha - 6 Astakas, 48 Adhyayas.<ref name=":022" />  

Thus as seen above different classification systems are seen for every shaka.  

Thus as seen above different classification systems are seen for every shaka.  

=== Shakas ===

=== Shakas ===

The number of Yajurveda shakas is given variously by different rishis and scholars as 101 shakas (recensions)<ref name=":22322" /> 107 according to Sutasamhita, Skanda and Brahmanda Puranas, 109 according to Muktikopanishad, 100 according to Pathanjali in his Mahabhasyam, 86 according to Charanavyuha and Shaunaka. According to Vayu Purana, there were 86 student lineages and thus 86 shakas of Maharshi Vaisampayana.<ref name=":1322" /> Vishnupurana and Agnipurana give a number of 27 shakas of Yajurveda.<ref name=":022322" /> Thus quite some variation is seen in the number of shakas that existed for Yajurveda.  

The number of Yajurveda shakas is given variously by different rishis and scholars as 101 shakas (recensions)<ref name=":223222" /> 107 according to Sutasamhita, Skanda and Brahmanda Puranas, 109 according to Muktikopanishad, 100 according to Pathanjali in his Mahabhasyam, 86 according to Charanavyuha and Shaunaka. According to Vayu Purana, there were 86 student lineages and thus 86 shakas of Maharshi Vaisampayana.<ref name=":13222" /> Vishnupurana and Agnipurana give a number of 27 shakas of Yajurveda.<ref name=":0223222" /> Thus quite some variation is seen in the number of shakas that existed for Yajurveda.  

In the present day five Shakas of Yajurveda are seen namely Taittriya, Katha or Kapisthala, Maitrayani, Vajasaneyi  and Kanva according to some scholars.<ref name=":1322" />

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

Many scholars view the classification into two major groups or शाखा || Shakhas<ref name=":022322" /><ref>Yajurveda Introduction by [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/yajurveda/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> :   

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

* Krishna Yajurveda   

* Krishna Yajurveda   

* Shukla Yajurveda  

* Shukla Yajurveda  

==== '''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 गद्यात्मकम् Gadya (prose) forms of mantras<ref name=":22322" />   

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

# Mantras are interspersed with Brahmanas which explain the usage of the mantras<ref name=":022322" />   

# Mantras are interspersed with Brahmanas which explain the usage of the mantras<ref name=":0223222" />   

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=":22322" />   

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" />   

Texts of the four major shakas that have survived are<ref name=":12" />   

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

# मैत्रायणी || Maitrayani  

# मैत्रायणी || Maitrayani  

# कठ/काठक || Katha or Kathaka  

# कठ/काठक || Katha or Kathaka  

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

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

The term शुक्ला ||  Shukla of the shakha is so given due to following reasons

The term शुक्ला ||  Shukla of the shakha is so given due to following reasons

# It contains only the Chandas (metrical) forms of mantras<ref name=":22322" /> without any prose content.   

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

# Mantras are arranged in an orderly manner. <ref name=":022322" />   

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

The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahmana).  

The Shukla Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahmana).  

This Samhita was said to contain 15 shakas (See footnote 1 in Page 20 of Reference 1<ref name=":022322" />) which were called Vajasaneyi. शुक्ल यजुर्वेद संहिता || Shukla Yajurveda Samhita is said to have been brought to the knowledge of the world by the famous sage याज्ञवल्क्य || Yajnavalkya from Vaajasani which means the Surya devata. Hence this is also known as वाजसनेयी संहिता || Vajasneyi Samhita.  

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

Texts of only two major shakas have survived   

Texts of only two major shakas have survived   

==== कृष्णशुक्ल-यजुर्वेदयोः भेदः ====

==== कृष्णशुक्ल-यजुर्वेदयोः भेदः ====

Following are few differences between Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda presented by Pt. Rishiram Regmi.<ref name=":12">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=":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>

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=== विषयम् || Content ===

=== विषयम् || Content ===

Whether Krishna or Shukla, both the shakas of Yajurveda deal primarily with the karmakanda and are also called yajnakanda<ref name=":02" />. 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.

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.

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.

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.

सा चामश्चेति तत्साम्नः सामत्वम् । <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>  

सा चामश्चेति तत्साम्नः सामत्वम् । <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>  

Meaning : सा stands for Rk mantra and अम stands for Gana (gandhara etc svaras) and forms Sama when combined.<ref name=":22">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref>

Meaning : सा stands for Rk mantra and अम stands for Gana (gandhara etc svaras) and forms Sama when combined.<ref name=":222">Adhikari, Shriram Article : ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_16.pdf Samaved ka parichay evam vaisishtya]'' from Vedic Heritage Portal </ref>

Along with the preparation of Soma rasa, praising the devatas by singing Samagana is an important aspect during Somayajna. Shatapata Brahmana states that without Samagana, Somayajna does not yield the desired results.<ref name=":22322" />

Along with the preparation of Soma rasa, praising the devatas by singing Samagana is an important aspect during Somayajna. Shatapata Brahmana states that without Samagana, Somayajna does not yield the desired results.<ref name=":223222" />

=== Samaveda Vibhajana ===

=== Samaveda Vibhajana ===

Samaveda Samhita is the shortest of all the vedas given to the world by Jaimini.<ref name=":22" />  Many Sama mantras are derived from the eighth and ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.<ref name=":22322" />  

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" />  

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The Samaveda samhita comprises two major parts.  

The Samaveda comprises two major parts.  

आर्चिक Archika (gāna, गान).  

The 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" /> 

=== Shakas ===

=== Shakas ===

सहस्त्रवर्त्मा सामवेदः |<ref name=":22322" /><ref name=":22" />

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

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=":022322" />). However, there are different versions of scholars about the loss of shakas of Samaveda. Some shakas of Samaveda that were mentioned in few ancient texts are

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.  

सात्यमुग्राः, नैगेयाः, शार्दूलाः, वार्षगण्याः, गाैतमाः, भाल्लविनः, कालबविनः, शाट्यायनिनः. रौरुकिणः. कापेयाः, माषशराव्यः, करद्विषः, शाण्डिल्याः, ताण्ड्याः<ref name=":022322" />

 

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

 

 

Presently only three shakas are available.

Presently only three shakas are available.

* राणायनीय || Ranayaneeya

* राणायनीय || Ranayaneeya

* जैमिनीय || Jaimini

* जैमिनीय || Jaimini

The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda.

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.

 

=== Devatas, Chandas and Rtvik ===

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" />

=== विषयम् || Content ===

=== विषयम् || Content ===

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 Gods. Hence, Sri Krishna says in the Gita (Ch.10 Verse 22) ‘vedaanaam saamavedosmi’ meaning ‘among the Vedas I am the Sama Veda’. Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama, one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is साम गाण प्रिये || Saama Gaana Priye (one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).

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 Gods. Hence, Sri Krishna says in the Gita (Ch.10 Verse 22) ‘vedaanaam saamavedosmi’ meaning ‘among the Vedas I am the Sama Veda’. Similarly, in the Lalita Sahasranama, one of the epithets used to describe the Divine Mother is साम गाण प्रिये || Saama Gaana Priye (one who is pleased with the recital of Saman).

Affiliated to this Samhita are-  

Affiliated to this Samhita are-  

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==