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The word {{lang|2=ब्राह्मणम्}} || 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.  

The word {{lang|2=ब्राह्मणम्}} || 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 Brahmana''' the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.<ref name=":1">Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) ''Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu.'' Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press</ref>  

* According to '''Shatapatha Brahmana''' the word Brahma (ब्रह्म) means the samhita part of the four vedas. The commentaries which formed by collection of mantras from the samhita parts of the four vedas and adding the injunctions for their usage are termed as Brahmanas.<ref name=":1">Raghunadhacharya, S. B. (1985) ''Aarshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume Two : Brahmanalu.'' Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press</ref>  

<blockquote>ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)</blockquote><blockquote>सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म। (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः (Shat. Brah. 7.1.1.5)</blockquote><blockquote>सप्ताक्षरं वै ब्रह्मर्गित्येकमक्षरं यजुरितिद्वे सामेति द्वे अथ यदतोऽन्यद्ब्रह्मैव तद्द्व्यक्षरं वै ब्रह्म तदेतत्सर्वंसप्ताक्षरं ब्रह्म। (Shat. Brah. 10.2.4.6)</blockquote>The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || Brahman which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "Brahma Vai Mantrah"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to Brahman or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || brih 'to grow', 'to expand'. The Brahmanas are thus the ritual text-books on the details of sacrifice or ''Yajna''.<ref name=":2">''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/ Introduction to Brahmanas]'' By Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Delhi University From Vedic Heritage Portal</ref>  

* '''Apastamba''' ('''आपस्तम्बः)''' clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (sacrificial rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.<ref name=":1" />  

* '''Apastamba''' ('''आपस्तम्बः)''' clearly defines Brahmanas as the injunctions for the performance of yajnas (sacrificial rites), they are another name for Vedas themselves.<ref name=":1" />  

<blockquote>मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)<ref>Apastamba Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AA Prashna 24])</ref></blockquote>The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, the meaning is hidden, this is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.

<blockquote>मन्त्रब्राह्मणे यज्ञस्य प्रमाणम् ३० मन्त्रब्राह्मणयोर्वेदनामधेयम् ३१ कर्मचोदना ब्राह्मणानि ३२ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 24.30 to 32)<ref>Apastamba Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AA Prashna 24])</ref></blockquote>The texts containing the explanations of mantras from Rigveda and other three vedas referring to their appropriate place and way of usage in particular yajnas are called as Brahmanas. In the Samhitas, that meaning which is hidden (not easily understandable), is brought out with explanations and anecdotes in the Brahmanas.

* '''Jaimini Purvameemamsa darshana''' says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.  

* '''Purvamimamsa''' (मीमांसासूत्राणि) says the parts that are not mantra form the brahmana.<ref name=":1" />

<blockquote>शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || (2.1.33)</blockquote>

<blockquote>शेषे ब्राह्मण शब्दः || (2.1.33)<ref>Purvamimamsa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF 2.1.33])</ref></blockquote>

* '''Sayanaacharya''' has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda: <blockquote>"''"Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".''"</blockquote>The term 'Brahmana' has been variously interpreted by the scholars. It comes from the word ब्रह्मन् || ''Brahman'' which means ब्रह्म वै मन्त्रः || "''Brahma Vai Mantrah''"(both the Veda and the Mantra). Thus the word Brahmana means 'that which relates to ''Brahman'' or the Veda'. It is derived from the root बृः || brih 'to grow', 'to expand'.

* '''Sayanaacharya''' has said in the introduction of his commentary on the Rigveda<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>''"Which in tradition is not a hymn or a Mantra is a Brahmana and which is not Brahmana is a Mantra".''</blockquote>

 

''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] or [[Upanishad|Upanishads]] in their own right.  Each Vedic शाखा || ''[[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.

''Brahmanas'' lack a homogeneous structure across the different Vedas, with some containing chapters that constitute [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] or [[Upanishad|Upanishads]] in their own right.  Each Vedic शाखा || ''[[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.

== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ==

== विषयविभागः ॥ Vishayavibhaga ==

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 (same as Stuti), Purakalpa and Parakriti.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Sayanacharya states that performance of vedic activities is inspired by vidhi and arthavada only:<ref name=":1" />

# ''विधि || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.

 

# ''अर्थवाद || Arthavada'' comprises the numerous explanatory remarks on the meaning of Mantras and particular rites.

# ''निन्दा  || Ninda'' or censure consists in criticism and, refutation of the opponents' views.

 

# ''स्थुति || Sthuti or प्रशन्सा || Prashansha'' means eulogy, recommendation.

Thus the four Stuti, Ninda, Purakalpa and Parakriti may be classified under the heading Arthavada.  In Shabara Bhasyam under the heading ब्राह्मणनिर्वचनाधिकरणम् the different aspects of Brahmanas are explained.

# ''पुराकल्प || Puraakalpa'' refers to the performance of sacrificial rites in former times.

# ''विधिः || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites. Example : विधिः, यजमानसम्मिता उदुम्बरी भवति। as given in Shabara Bhasyam. This is further divided under two headings :

# ''पराकृति || 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:

#* Ajnatajnapaka (अज्ञातज्ञापकम्) injunctions which informs the yajamana about the procedure of a yajna.

# ''अर्थवादः || Arthavada'' comprises the numerous recommendations and the explanatory remarks on the meaning of mantras and particular rites.

#* ''स्तुतिः || Sthuti or प्रशंसा || Prashansha'' means eulogy and recommendation of the injunctions. Example : प्रशंसा, वायुर्वै क्षेपिष्ठा देवता (Shab. Bhas. 1.2.7) <ref>Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/शबरभाष्यम्/प्रथमोऽध्यायः/द्वितीयः_पादः Adhyaya 1 Pada 2])</ref> which means Vayu is a devata who travels fast. Hence he can bestow results speedily, is stated in the praise of Vayudevata.

#* ''निन्दा  || Ninda'' or censure consists in criticism and refutation of the opponents' views.<ref name=":2" /> However, according to another version, Ninda indicates the actions which should not be performed and prevents one from doing them. Example : निन्दा, उपवीता वा एतस्याग्नयः।(Shab. Bhas. 2.1.33)<ref name=":3">Shabara Bhasyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2 Pada 1])</ref> <ref name=":1" />

#* ''परकृतिः || Parakriti'' indicates the antagonistic injunctions  followed by others. Example : परकृतिः माषानेव मह्यं पचतीति। <ref name=":1" /> <ref name=":3" />

#* ''पुराकल्पः || Puraakalpa'' refers to the performance of sacrificial rites in former times.<ref name=":2" /> According to another version, purakalpa refers to the historical record.<ref name=":1" />

The main subject of the Brahmanas is injunction (Vidhi), all other topics being subservient to it.<ref name=":2" />

 

Shabara, in his commentary, has summed up their subjects into ten following heads:<ref name=":3" />

# ''हेतु || Hetu'' - reasons

# ''हेतु || Hetu'' - reasons

# ''निर्वचन || Nirvacana'' - etymology

# ''निर्वचन || Nirvacana'' - etymology

# '''ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana'''  :  It consists of 40 अध्याय || ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.   

# '''ऐतरेय ब्राह्मण || Aitareya Brahmana'''  :  It consists of 40 अध्याय || ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.   

# '''कौषितकी / सङ्खयन  ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana 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.   

# '''कौषितकी / सङ्खयन  ब्राह्मण || Kaushitaki / Sankhayana 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.   

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 बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण || Bahvrucha brahmana is the same as Aitareya brahmana.   

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 (बहुव्रुच ब्राह्मण) is the same as Aitareya brahmana.   

=== (B) Yajus Samhita ===

=== (B) Yajus Samhita ===

Brahmanas of Yajur veda includes two important shakas.  

Brahmanas of Yajur veda includes two important shakas.  

==References==

==References==

<references />

<references />

# A Comprehensive History of Vedic Literature, Brahmana and Aranyaka works by Satya Shrava

# A Comprehensive History of Vedic Literature, Brahmana and Aranyaka works by Satya Shrava