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Aranyakas (Samskrit : आरण्यकम्) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature.  The term Aranyaka is derived from the word Aranya (अरण्यम्) meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ as against the Brahmanas, which were to be used by those in grihastha ashrama.

Aranyakas (Samskrit : आरण्यकम्) are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature.  The term Aranyaka is derived from the word Aranya (अरण्यम्) meaning ‘forest’. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because ‘they were works to be read in the forest’ as against the Brahmanas, which were to be used by those in grihastha ashrama.

==  परिचय || Introduction ==

==  परिचयः || Introduction ==

The Vedas have been divided into four styles of texts – the Samhitas, the Aranyakas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The Samhitas are sometimes identified as कर्म खण्ड || ''karma-kanda'' (action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ज्ञान खण्ड || ''jnana-kanda'' (knowledge/spirituality-related section).^[1] The Aaranyakas 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. The Samhitas are sometimes identified as कर्म खण्ड || ''karma-kanda'' (action/ritual-related section), while the Upanishads are identified as ज्ञान खण्ड || ''jnana-kanda'' (knowledge/spirituality-related section).^[1] 

 

The Aaranyakas 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 ''Aaranyakas'' and the Upanishads form the Jnana-''Kanda'' segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on the philosophy and spiritualism.^[2]

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 ''Aaranyakas'' 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]

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 ==

==  व्युत्पत्तिः|| Etymology ==

Aranyakas are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with a huge bulk of sacrificial topics which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

Aranyakas are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognized as independent works. Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with a huge bulk of sacrificial topics which represents ''Karma-Kanda'', the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent ''Jnana-Kanda''.

Sayana has the definition आरन्यव्रतरुपम् ब्रह्मणम् || Aaranyavratarupam brahamanam. He in his introduction to his commentary on the Aitereya Brahmana writes <blockquote>ऐतरेयब्राह्मणेऽस्ति काण्डमारण्यकाभिधम् ।</blockquote><blockquote>अरण्य ऐव पाठ्यत्वादारण्यकमितीर्यते ॥ (5)</blockquote><blockquote>सत्रप्रकरणेऽनुक्तिररण्याध्ययनाय हि ।</blockquote><blockquote>महाव्रतस्य तस्यात्र हौत्र कर्म विविच्यते ॥ (6)</blockquote>Sayana in the Taittiriya Aranyaka explains-

Sayana has the definition आरन्यव्रतरुपम् ब्रह्मणम् || Aaranyavratarupam brahamanam. He in his introduction to his commentary on the Aitereya Brahmana writes <blockquote>ऐतरेयब्राह्मणेऽस्ति काण्डमारण्यकाभिधम् । अरण्य ऐव पाठ्यत्वादारण्यकमितीर्यते ॥ (5)</blockquote><blockquote>सत्रप्रकरणेऽनुक्तिररण्याध्ययनाय हि । महाव्रतस्य तस्यात्र हौत्र कर्म विविच्यते ॥ (6)</blockquote>Sayana in the Taittiriya Aranyaka explains <ref name=":4">Upadhyaya, Baldev. (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref><blockquote>अरण्याध्ययनादेतद् अारन्यकमितीर्यते । अरणंये तदधीयीतेत्येवं वाक्यं प्रचक्ष्यते ॥ (Tait. Aran. Bhas. 6)</blockquote>''Yajna'' and other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead the life of house-holders. But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals are intended to confer not only material benefits but also mental purity by constant discipline. Having obtained purity, one must seek the solitude of forests for further concentration and meditation.   

 

''अरण्यध्ययनद एतद् अरन्यकम् इतिर्यते || Aranyadhyayanad-etad – aranyakam-itiryate.''

 

''Yajna'' and other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead the life of house-holders. But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals are intended to confer not only material benefits but also mental purity by constant discipline. Having obtained purity, one must seek the solitude of forests for further concentration and meditation.   

According to Sankara (BAU, ASS, 15, 3) also Aranyaka is so called because it is to be learnt or studied in the forest.  The Brahmanas advocating the actual observances of the sacrifices are meant for गृहस्थ || ''Grihastha'' and the आरण्यक || Aranyakas containing explanations of the rituals and allegorical speculations thereon are meant for वानप्रस्थ || ''Vanprasthas'', who renounce family life residing in the forests for tapas and other religious activities.  

According to Sankara (BAU, ASS, 15, 3) also Aranyaka is so called because it is to be learnt or studied in the forest.  The Brahmanas advocating the actual observances of the sacrifices are meant for गृहस्थ || ''Grihastha'' and the आरण्यक || Aranyakas containing explanations of the rituals and allegorical speculations thereon are meant for वानप्रस्थ || ''Vanprasthas'', who renounce family life residing in the forests for tapas and other religious activities.