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According to Indian traditional thoughts [[Veda (वेद)|वेद || Veda]] is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative. वैदिक सूक्त || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र || Mantras are seen and only spoken by the Rishis(seers or sages). These rishis are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.  Thus, they are called अपौरुषेय ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by Veda Vyasa and further formation of shakas (recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rishis.  

According to Indian traditional thoughts [[Veda (वेद)|वेद || Veda]] is regarded as revealed scripture, self-evident, and self authoritative. वैदिक सूक्त || Vedic Suktas (Collection of Mantras) and मन्त्र || Mantras are seen and only spoken by the Rishis(seers or sages). These rishis are neither author of the Mantras nor are they responsible for the contents of the Mantras.  Thus, they are called अपौरुषेय ॥ Apaurusheya. There is no final authority beyond the Vedas according to Bharatiya philosophy. While the mantras are revealed, the structural arrangement of Vedas given by Veda Vyasa and further formation of shakas (recensions) or versions of Vedas seen today is based on different rishis.  

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

महर्षि वेद व्यासः || Maharshi Veda Vyasa collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see today   

महर्षि वेद व्यासः || Maharshi Veda Vyasa collected all the Mantras in existence during his period, edited, codified and organized them into four groups in the form that we see today   

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called त्रयी विद्या || trayī vidyā, that is, 'the triple science' of reciting mantras (Rigveda), performing yajnas (sacrifices) (Yajurveda), and singing of mantras set to musical notes (Samaveda). Atharvaveda consists of mantras applicable to activities of daily life, such as ailments and their cure, achieving desired things, warfare, trade, commerce, construction among other things.     

Of these, the first three were the principal original division, also called त्रयी विद्या || trayī vidyā, that is, 'the triple science' of reciting mantras (Rigveda), performing yajnas (sacrifices) (Yajurveda), and singing of mantras set to musical notes (Samaveda). Atharvaveda consists of mantras applicable to activities of daily life, such as ailments and their cure, achieving desired things, warfare, trade, commerce, construction among other things.     

== ऋग्वेदः || Rigveda ==

== ऋग्वेदः || Rigveda ==

==== Etymology ====

==== Etymology ====

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":0">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref>

The Samskrit धातुः ऋच (तुदादि गणः) is used in the meaning स्तुतौ (to praise). That which has the description of the quality, action and nature of substances are said to be ऋक् (Rk).<ref name=":02">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref>

 

==== Rigveda Vibhajana ====

==== Rigveda Vibhajana ====

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, arose mainly for अध्ययनम् || study and अध्यापनम् || teaching. A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory.(See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":0" />) There are different versions about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda. nevertheless the variation is minimal.

There are two types of divisions of Rigveda namely Mandala krama and Ashtaka krama, arose mainly for अध्ययनम् || study and अध्यापनम् || teaching. A small lesson is easily grasped or understood and committed to memory.(See footnote 3 on Page 35 of Reference 1<ref name=":02" />) There are different versions advocated by different scholars about the number of suktas and mantras available in Rigveda.

 

===== Mandala Krama =====

===== Mandala Krama =====

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  55 Anuvakas, 1025 Suktas and 10522 mantras. The number of suktas in each Mandala is - 192, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1029) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>  

According to the Mandala krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas or books. The Mandalas are subdivided into  85 Anuvakas, 1028 Suktas and 10522 mantras<ref name=":02" /> and 10552 mantras according to another version<ref name=":1" />. In Rig veda Shakala samhita the number of suktas in each Mandala is - 191, 43, 62, 58, 87, 75, 104, 103, 114, 191 (1028) respectively from the first to tenth Mandala.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":1">Rigveda Classification on [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/ Vedic Heritage Portal] </ref>  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>मण्डल  | Mandala      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>सूक्त  | Sukta       ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>सूक्त  | Sukta       ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

|}Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref>Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref name=":2">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref> According to Shaunaka Anukramanika 11 suktas of Valakhilyas are present removing which from the total number of suktas (1028) will yield 1017 Suktas in Rig Veda Samhita. Vashkala or Baskala shaka has 8 suktas more than 1017 thereby is mentioned as having 1025 Suktas.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":2" />

Rig Veda contains 10552 mantras (about 10,170 Rks) according to some other scholars, spread over 1028 Suktas and 85 Anuvakas in 10 Mandalas.<ref>Introduction to Samhitas in [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/ Vedic Heritage Portal]</ref> According to Shaunaka rishi there are 10580 mantras (Page 17 of Reference 4).<ref>Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University</ref>

 

===== Ashtaka Krama =====

===== Ashtaka Krama =====

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of Vargas in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":0" />  

According to the Ashtaka krama, Rigveda Samhita is divided into 8 Ashtakas each containing 8 Adhyayas thus a total of 64 Adhyayas are available. The number of Vargas in each Ashtaka is -  265, 221, 225, 250, 238, 331, 248, 246 respectively from first to eighth Ashtaka. Thus a total of 2024 vargas are present in Rk samhita. The total number of mantras are 10522 according to some scholars(Page 34 of Ref 1).<ref name=":02" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Ashtaka      ►</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

!<nowiki>| Mantra</nowiki>

|}

|}

==== Rtvik ====

==== Rtvik ====

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna

Rig veda mantras are chanted by the '''[[Hotra|होत्र ||]]''' [[Hotra|'''Hotra''']], the Rig veda priest to invoke the deities to the yajna

Only one Shaka (school) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकल ||''' '''Shaakala.''' Patanjali referred to twenty­ one Shaaka-Samhitas of the Ṛigveda; the '''आश्वलायन ||''' '''Asvalaayana-Samhita''' being one of them (Ref 2).

Only one Shaka (school) of the Rigveda is available today called as  '''शाकल ||''' '''Shaakala.'''  

The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

The topics dealt with in the Rig Veda Samhita can be classified into 3 groups.

There are similarities between the mythology, rituals and linguistics in Rigveda and those found in ancient central Asia, Iranian and Hindukush (Afghanistan) regions.

There are similarities between the mythology, rituals and linguistics in Rigveda and those found in ancient central Asia, Iranian and Hindukush (Afghanistan) regions.

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

== यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda ==

It is a collection of Yajus or the mantras in prose which give procedural details to the [[Adhvaryu|'''अध्वर्यु || Adhvaryu''']] priest for the proper performance of Yajnas. The popular hymn in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Sooktam also occurs here with some modifications.

It is a collection of Yajus or the mantras in prose which give procedural details to the [[Adhvaryu|'''अध्वर्यु || Adhvaryu''']] priest for the proper performance of Yajnas. The popular hymn in praise of Lord Siva - श्रीरुद्रप्रस्न || SriRudraprasna – finds a place in this Veda. The other famous prayer पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Sooktam also occurs here with some modifications.

Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

Unlike the Samaveda which is almost entirely based on Rigveda mantras and structured as songs, the Yajurveda samhitas are in prose and linguistically, they are different from earlier Vedic texts. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. The youngest layer of Yajurveda text is not related to rituals nor sacrifice, it includes the largest collection of primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy.

==  सामवेद || Saamaveda ==

==  सामवेद || Saamaveda ==

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs

Samaveda Samhita is the highly commended scripture of Hinduism. However it is not considered as an independent work. All the mantras of the Rig Veda which are useful to [[Udgatri|'''उद्गात्रि''' || '''Udgaatri''']] priest for chanting in the Yajnas to ensure the grace of the Gods have been brought together in this Veda. The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 75 mantras) from the Rigveda. Just like Rigveda, the early sections of Samaveda typically begin with Agni and Indra hymns but shift to abstract, and their meters too shifts in a descending order. The later sections of the Samaveda have least deviation from substance of hymns they derive from the Rigveda into songs

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Only one Aranyaka of this Samhita is available which is called Talavakara or Jaiminiya Aranyaka.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

# Chandogya Upanishad and the Kenopanishad, also known as Talavakaropanishad.  

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==

==  अथर्वण || Atharvana or अथर्व वेद || Atharva veda ==

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text 'belonging to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] poets. It has about 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rigveda. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose.  This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms.

The Artharvaveda Samhita is the text 'belonging to the अथर्वण || Atharvan and [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|अङ्गिरस || Angirasa]] poets. It has about 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rigveda. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose.  This is also called Brahma Veda because it is assigned to the '''[[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]]''' priest who supervises the conduct of the Yajnas. The mantras in this Veda are both in prose and verse forms.

The Atharva veda has been a primary source for information about Vedic culture, the customs and beliefs, the aspirations and frustrations of everyday Vedic life, as well as those associated with kings and governance. The text also includes hymns dealing with the two major rituals of passage – marriage and cremation. The Atharva Veda also dedicates significant portion of the text asking the meaning of a ritual.

The Atharva veda has been a primary source for information about Vedic culture, the customs and beliefs, the aspirations and frustrations of everyday Vedic life, as well as those associated with kings and governance. The text also includes hymns dealing with the two major rituals of passage – marriage and cremation. The Atharva Veda also dedicates significant portion of the text asking the meaning of a ritual.

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

== Sub Classification of Vedas ==

=== संहिता || Samhitas ===

=== संहिता || Samhitas ===

Samhitas (Sanskrit saṃhitā, "collection"), are collections of mantras  or hymns and prayers in praise of Deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter.. There are four "Vedic" Samhitas: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, most of which are available in several recensions (śākhā).  

Samhitas (Sanskrit saṃhitā, "collection"), are collections of mantras  or hymns and prayers in praise of Deities for attaining prosperity in the world and happiness hereafter.. There are four "Vedic" Samhitas: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, most of which are available in several recensions (śākhā).  

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

This portion is mainly meant for [[Brahmacharya (walking on the path of the divine)|ब्रह्मचारी || Brahmacharis]], those who are in the first stage of their lives.

=== ब्राह्मण || Brahmanas ===

=== ब्राह्मण || Brahmanas ===

The Brahmanas are commentaries, explanation of solemn rituals as well as expound on their meaning of Vedic Samhita rituals in the four Vedas. They also incorporate legends and in some cases philosophy. Each regional Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.  

The Brahmanas are commentaries, explanation of solemn rituals as well as expound on their meaning of Vedic Samhita rituals in the four Vedas. They also incorporate legends and in some cases philosophy. Each regional Vedic shakha (school) has its own operating manual-like Brahmana text, most of which have been lost. A total of 19 Brahmana texts have survived into modern times: two associated with the Rigveda, six with the Yajurveda, ten with the Samaveda and one with the Atharvaveda.  

This portion of a Veda guides people in the performance of Vedic Karmas or sacrificial rituals; they are the prose explanations of the method of using the mantras in the Yajnas and other rituals. Brahmana is suitable for the गृहस्थ || Grihasthas (the householders), those belonging to the second stage in life.

This portion of a Veda guides people in the performance of Vedic Karmas or sacrificial rituals; they are the prose explanations of the method of using the mantras in the Yajnas and other rituals. Brahmana is suitable for the गृहस्थ || Grihasthas (the householders), those belonging to the second stage in life.

=== अरण्यक || Aranyakas ===

=== अरण्यक || Aranyakas ===

Aranyakas, "wilderness texts" or "forest treaties", were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view. It is frequently read in secondary literature.

Aranyakas, "wilderness texts" or "forest treaties", were composed by people who meditated in the woods as recluses and are the third part of the Vedas. The texts contain discussions and interpretations of ceremonies, from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view. It is frequently read in secondary literature.

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of sacrificial rites. It is a process of performing Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example Brihadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of Aswamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.  

The Aranyaka portion is addressed to the people of that category offering a substitute for rituals. They teach methods of meditation based upon symbolical interpretations of sacrificial rites. It is a process of performing Yajnas and sacrifices at the mental level. For example Brihadaranyaka Upanishad starts with such analytical mental performance of Aswamedha Yajna. The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or people who prepare themselves for the last stage in life i.e. Sanyasa. Aranyakas form the transition link between the ritual of the Brahmanas and the philosophy of the Upanishads.  

=== उपनिषद् || Upanishads ===

=== उपनिषद् || Upanishads ===

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which Adi Sankaracharya who lived between 788 and 820 A.D. chose to comment upon.  

The number of works that go by the name Upanishad and available today in print exceeds 200. The Muktikopanishad gives a list of 108 Upanishads. However, the principal Upanishads are accepted to be those which Adi Sankaracharya who lived between 788 and 820 A.D. chose to comment upon.  

# Chandogya Upanishad

# Chandogya Upanishad

# Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

# Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

The Upanishads are the concluding portions of the Vedas which discuss philosophical issues. They are commonly referred to as वेदान्त || Vedānta, variously interpreted to mean either the "last chapters, parts of the Vedas" or "the object, the highest purpose of the Veda". The concepts of ब्रह्मन || Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and आत्मन् || Ātman (Soul, Self) are central ideas in all the Upanishads, and "Know your Ātman" their thematic focus. The Upanishads are the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought and its diverse traditions.

The Upanishads are the concluding portions of the Vedas which discuss philosophical issues. They are commonly referred to as वेदान्त || Vedānta, variously interpreted to mean either the "last chapters, parts of the Vedas" or "the object, the highest purpose of the Veda". The concepts of ब्रह्मन || Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and आत्मन् || Ātman (Soul, Self) are central ideas in all the Upanishads, and "Know your Ātman" their thematic focus. The Upanishads are the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought and its diverse traditions.

Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (spirituality section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the commentary are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are together referred to as the jnana-kanda.

Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (ritualistic section), while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (spirituality section). In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the commentary are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are together referred to as the jnana-kanda.

== References ==

== References ==

# https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf

# https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf

# [http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage_brahmanas.htm http://ignca.nic.in/http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage_brahmanas.htm]

# [http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage_brahmanas.htm http://ignca.nic.in/http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage_brahmanas.htm]

# http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_portal_rigveda.htm

# http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_portal_rigveda.htm