8,090
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
mLine 1:
Line 1: − Each Veda has been subclassified into four major text types – the [[Samhita]]s (mantras and benedictions), the [[Brahmana|Brahmanas]] (explanation of Mantras and rituals)<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref> the [[Aranyaka|Aranyakas]] (mystical texts which give philosophical interpretation of the rituals. These are intended for the Vanaprasthas or hermits, who prepare themselves for taking Sanyasa)<ref name=":0" />, and the [[Upanishads]] (text discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge).+ − + − The '''Brahmanas''' (Sanskrit: {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मणम्}}, ''Brāhmaṇa'') are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four [[Vedas]]. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and thus the knowledge of Veda Samhitas is revealed. − Line 9:
Line 7: − + − KS Narayanacharya explains that Brahmana are meant as explanatory texts, attached to each branch, in simple prose. "These quote the original texts and then add notes, in order to decipher the symbolic language of the basic texts sometimes, using language of myths and giving us clues, etymologies and connecting different portions together, some other times".<ref name=":2222" />+ Line 22:
Line 20: − == 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. '''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).''' − '''Erdosy suggests that the later Brahmanas were composed during a period of urbanisation and considerable social change. This period also saw significant developments in mathematics, geometry, biology and grammar.'''+ − Line 75:
Line 70: − == सम्वाद || Discussion == − Are brahmanas vedas is a question that has been around for many centuries. − − − # A. C. Banerjea, ''Studies in the Brāhmaṇas'', Motilal Banarsidass (1963) − # E. R. Sreekrishna Sarma, ''Kauṣītaki-Brāhmaṇa'', Wiesbaden (1968, comm. 1976).
→परिचय || Introduction
Brahmanas (Samskrit: {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मणम्}}) are a collection of ancient texts with commentaries on the mantras of the four Vedas. They are attached to each Veda and contain the explanation for the difficult meanings and associated usage in vaidika kriyas.
== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==
== परिचय || Introduction ==
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 subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>.
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 subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</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>
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>
Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform sacrificial rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the sacrifice. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.<ref name=":0" />
Swami Sivananda says: The Brahmana portions guide people to perform sacrificial rites. They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in the Yajna or the sacrifice. The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>
K.S. Narayanacharya explains that Brahmanas are meant as explanatory texts, attached to each branch, in simple prose. "These quote the original texts and then add notes, in order to decipher the symbolic language of the basic texts sometimes, using language of myths and giving us clues, etymologies and connecting different portions together, some other times".<ref name=":2222" />
== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
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.
''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 ==
== 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.
# ''विधि || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
# ''विधि || Vidhi'' means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
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.
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
# Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Sanskrit Department, Delhi University at http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/
# Dr.Shashi Tiwari (Retd.), Sanskrit Department, Delhi University at http://vedicheritage.gov.in/brahmanas/
# Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5
# Aarshavignana sarvasvamu, Dvitiya samputa, Page 4, 5
# 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