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Line 47: − + − − − − − − (A) Rigveda : There are two available brahamanas − − (1) Aitareya Brahmana : It consists of 40 ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual. − − (2) 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. + + + + − + − + − + + − Krishna-Yajurveda : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.+ − − − − (D) Samaveda: − − (1) Talavakaara or Jaimineeya Brahmana 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> − − (2) Taandya (Proudha or {{IAST|Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa}}) 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''. − − (3) Chandogya (Mantra) Brahmana are the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana (MB) and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the [[Chandogya Upanishad]]. + + + + − + +
→Classification of Brahmanas
== 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. Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas which are listed here:
Originally, there were numerous Brahmanas, of which only a few have survived to us. There are a number of lost Brahmanas which are quoted in the available Sanskrit Literature.
For each Samhita, there are corresponding Brahmanas. Names of the principal Brahmanas of all the Vedas are listed here:
=== (A) Rigveda ===
There are two available brahamanas associated with Rig veda.
# '''Aitareya Brahmana''' : It consists of 40 ''adhyayas'' (lessons, chapters), dealing with Soma sacrifice, and in particular the fire sacrifice ritual.
# '''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 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 is the same as Aitareya brahmana.
(B) Yajus samhita brahmanas include two important shakas.
=== (B) Yajus Samhita ===
Brahmanas of Yajur veda includes two important shakas.
Shukla-yajurveda : (1) Maadhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.
# '''Shukla-yajurveda''' : (1) Maadhyandina Shatapatha Brahmana and (2) Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana are available.
# '''Krishna-Yajurveda''' : (1) Taittiriya Brahmana is available.
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 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.
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 ===
# '''Jaimineeya Brahmana''' or Talavakaara 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>
# '''Taandya''' (Proudha or {{IAST|Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa}}) 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''.
# '''Chandogya''' (Mantra) Brahmana are the three primarily available brahmanas. Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten ''prapathaka''s (chapters). Its first two ''prapathaka''s (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana and each of them is divided into eight ''khanda''s (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form the [[Chandogya Upanishad]].
Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana
Four Upabrahmanas or Anubrahmanas for Samaveda include - (1) Saamavidhana Brahmana (2) Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana (3) Vamsha Brahmana (4) Simhatopanishad brahmana
Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shaatyayana brahmanas.
Four Saamaveda brahmanas that have been lost in time include Bhaallavi, Kaala, Rauruki, and Shaatyayana brahmanas.
(E) Atharvaveda : (1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana. Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.
=== (E) Atharvaveda ===
(1) Gopatha Bramana is the only available brahmana. Names of other brahmanas are not available for this Veda samhita.
Apart from these many other brahmanas are mentioned in important books such as Nirukta and in Bhashya books of Patanjali, Sayana among others.
Apart from these many other brahmanas are mentioned in important books such as Nirukta and in Bhashya books of Patanjali, Sayana among others.