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== 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 ==

== 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.

''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:

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>

(11) Jaiminiyopanishad Brahmana</blockquote>(E) Atharvaveda : (1) Gopatha Bramana

===[[Rigveda]]===

 

 

 

=== [[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.

** 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)

* 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  

Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5

Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5

[[Category:Brahmanas|*]]

[[Category:Brahmanas|*]]

[[Category:Hindu texts]]

[[Category:Hindu texts]]