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Line 37: + + + − + − − In the most generic context, a ''Samhita'' may refer to any methodical collection of text or verses. Any [[sastra]], [[sutra]] or Sanskrit Epic, along with Vedic texts, can be called a ''Samhita''.<ref name="monier2" /> − − ''Samhita'', however, in contemporary literature typically implies the earliest, archaic part of the Vedas. These contain [[Mantra|mantras]] – sacred sounds with or without literal meaning, as well as panegyrics, prayers, [[Litany|litanies]] and [[Benediction|benedictions]] petitioning nature or Vedic deities.<ref name="jl2">Lochtefeld, James G. "Samhita" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 2: N-Z, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, page 587</ref> Vedic Samhita refer to mathematically precise metrical archaic text of each of the ''[[Vedas]]'' ([[Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda]], [[Samaveda]] and [[Atharvaveda]]). − − The ''Vedic Samhitas'' were chanted during ceremonies and rituals, and parts of it remain the oldest living part of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] tradition.<ref name="jl2" />
no edit summary
The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rig Veda is called the Rig-Veda-Samhita or the Rig-Samhita. The Rig-Samhita contains the mantras known as ‘richas’. These hymns are metered verses.
The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to. For example, the Samhita of the Rig Veda is called the Rig-Veda-Samhita or the Rig-Samhita. The Rig-Samhita contains the mantras known as ‘richas’. These hymns are metered verses.
=== Rig Samhita ===
The
The
Rigveda Samhita consists of about 10, 170 rks and 1, 028 suktas, broadly. It is divided into ten mandalas revealed to several rishis including some brahmavaadinis like Lopamudra and Vak Ambhrni. It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same
Rigveda Samhita consists of about 10, 170 rks and 1, 028 suktas, broadly. It is divided into ten mandalas revealed to several rishis including some brahmavaadinis like Lopamudra and Vak Ambhrni. It begins with a sukta to Agni and concludes with a sukta to the same
in happiness. "
in happiness. "
=== Yajus Samhita ===
=== Sama samhita ===
The SamaSamhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Yajur-Samhita contains verities of mantras composed in the poetical and the prose forms. The Atharva-Samhita contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals.<ref name=":02" />
The SamaSamhita contains mantras in the form of songs meant for liturgy or public worship. The Yajur-Samhita contains verities of mantras composed in the poetical and the prose forms. The Atharva-Samhita contains mantras meant for routine rites and rituals.<ref name=":02" />
Swami Dayananda Saraswati made extraordinary efforts to bring out the significance of the mantras of the Vedas. Shri Aurobindo also challenged the Western philosophers and opined that the mantras are found to express esoteric truths which the Westerners can not grasp. He strove hard to elucidate the cryptic meanings of the Vedic words and the hymns.<ref name=":02" />
Swami Dayananda Saraswati made extraordinary efforts to bring out the significance of the mantras of the Vedas. Shri Aurobindo also challenged the Western philosophers and opined that the mantras are found to express esoteric truths which the Westerners can not grasp. He strove hard to elucidate the cryptic meanings of the Vedic words and the hymns.<ref name=":02" />
The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling.<ref name=":12" />
The Samhitas are considered to be basic revealed texts. These are recited in chain like arrangements of words, with no break, no punctuation, and order not be disturbed by arbitrary human meddling.<ref name=":12" />
A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>
A collective study of Vedas and later text suggests that the compendium of ''Samhitas'' and associated Vedic texts were far larger than currently available. However, most have been lost at some point or over a period of Indian history.<ref>Stephen Knapp (2005), The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, ISBN 978-0595350759, pages 9-16</ref>