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The Vedas (Samskrit : वेदाः) are a large body of ancient sacred texts which have originated in [[Bharatvarsha|Bharatavarsha]] ( भारतवर्षः | the ancient Indian subcontinent). The Vedic Seers have received the Vedas through revelation. Vedas are considered to be [[Apauruseya|Apaurusheya (अपौरुषेयः)]], or entirely superhuman, without any authorship.<ref name=":022">Swami Sivananda, All About HInduism</ref> Composed in Vedic samskrit (वैदिकसंस्कृतम्), these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world.

The Vedas (Samskrit : वेदाः) are a large body of ancient sacred texts which have originated in [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]] ( भारतवर्षः | the ancient Indian subcontinent). The Vedic Seers have received the Vedas through revelation. Vedas are considered to be [[Apaurusheya (अपौरुषेयम्)|Apaurusheya]] (अपौरुषेयः), or entirely superhuman, without any authorship.<ref name=":022">Swami Sivananda, All About HInduism</ref> Composed in Vedic samskrit (वैदिकसंस्कृतम्), these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world.

The [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|Four Vedas]] which are regarded as authoritative texts by the followers of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] are Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः), Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः), Samaveda (सामवेदः ) and [[Atharvaveda]] (अथर्ववेदः). The Yajurveda is again divided into two parts- The Shukla (शुक्लः) and the Krishna (कृष्णः). The Krishna or the Taittiriya (तैत्तिरीयः) is the older version and the Shukla or the वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi is a later revelation to Maharshi Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः) from [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya (सूर्यः]]).<ref name=":022" /> The Rigveda is divided into twenty one sections, the Yajurveda into one hundred and nine sections, the Samaveda into one thousand sections and the Atharvaveda into fifty sections. In all, the [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda]] is thus divided into one thousand one hundred and eighty shakhas (शाखाः | recensions).<ref name=":022" />

The [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|Four Vedas]] which are regarded as authoritative texts by the followers of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] are Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः), Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः), Samaveda (सामवेदः ) and [[Atharvaveda]] (अथर्ववेदः). The Yajurveda is again divided into two parts- The Shukla (शुक्लः) and the Krishna (कृष्णः). The Krishna or the Taittiriya (तैत्तिरीयः) is the older version and the Shukla or the वाजसनेयी ॥ Vajasaneyi is a later revelation to Maharshi Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः) from [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya (सूर्यः]]).<ref name=":022" /> The Rigveda is divided into twenty one sections, the Yajurveda into one hundred and nine sections, the Samaveda into one thousand sections and the Atharvaveda into fifty sections. In all, the [[Veda Vargeekarana (वेदवर्गीकरणम्)|Veda]] is thus divided into one thousand one hundred and eighty shakhas (शाखाः | recensions).<ref name=":022" />

== परिचयः|| Introduction ==

== परिचयः|| Introduction ==

The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|सायणाचार्यः ॥ Sayanacharya]] has given a definition of the वेदः ॥ Veda. <blockquote>इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर - अलौकिकम् - उपयम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः ||{{Citation needed}}</blockquote><blockquote>iṣṭaprāpti - aniṣṭapariharyora - alaukikam - upayam yo grantho vedayati sa vedaḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning : The scripture, which describes the divine method for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called वेदः ॥ Veda.  

The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, सायणाचार्यः ॥ [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayanacharya]] has given a definition of the वेदः ॥ Veda. <blockquote>इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर् - अलौकिकम् - उपायम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः || iṣṭaprāpti - aniṣṭapariharyora - alaukikam - upayam yo grantho vedayati sa vedaḥ ||<ref name=":62">Dvivedi, Kapil Dev. (2000) ''Vaidika Sahitya evam Samskrti (Vedic Literature and Culture).'' Varanasi: Vishvavidyalaya Prakashan. (Pages 1 and 2)</ref></blockquote>Meaning : The scripture, which describes the divine method for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called वेदः ॥ Veda.  

This definition presents the purpose of the वेदः ॥ Veda. According to another definition, as per the Paribhasha sutras of अपस्तम्बः || Apastamba,<blockquote>मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् || mantra - brahmanyor - vedanāmadheyam || (Apas. Pari. 33)<ref>Apastamba Paribhasha Sutras ([https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.273855/2015.273855.The-Apastamba#page/n17/mode/2up Kanda 1])</ref> </blockquote>Meaning : The वेदः ॥ Veda is the name given to the मन्त्राः ॥ Mantras and the ब्राह्मणानि ॥ Brahmanas.  

This definition presents the purpose of the वेदः ॥ Veda. According to another definition, as per the Paribhasha sutras of अपस्तम्बः || Apastamba,<blockquote>मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् || mantra - brahmanyor - vedanāmadheyam || (Apas. Pari. 33)<ref>Apastamba Paribhasha Sutras ([https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.273855/2015.273855.The-Apastamba#page/n17/mode/2up Kanda 1])</ref> </blockquote>Meaning : The वेदः ॥ Veda is the name given to the मन्त्राः ॥ Mantras and the ब्राह्मणानि ॥ Brahmanas.  

This definition describes the form of the वेदः ॥ Veda because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the मन्त्राः ॥ Mantras and the ब्राह्मणानि ॥ Brahmanas. Accordingly, Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is Brahmana. Here, it is interesting to know that many ancient definitions of Veda, showing its significance, form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking, the word Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal and divine knowledge as well as the texts embodying that knowledge.<ref name=":1">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>

This definition describes the form of the वेदः ॥ Veda because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the मन्त्राः ॥ Mantras and the ब्राह्मणानि ॥ Brahmanas. Accordingly, Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is Brahmana. Here, it is interesting to know that many ancient definitions of Veda, showing its significance, form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking, the word Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal and divine knowledge as well as the texts embodying that knowledge.<ref name=":1">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>

== वैदिकसाहित्यं लौकिकसाहित्यं च ॥ Vaidika and Laukika Sahitya ==

== वैदिकसाहित्यं लौकिकसाहित्यं च ॥ Vaidika and Laukika Sahitya ==

Classical samskrit works (लौकिकसाहित्यम्  | laukika sahitya), such as the mahakavyas ( महाकाव्यानि | the five great classic works on poetic form) and gadya kavyas (गद्यकाव्यानि | prose works) by various poets, are significantly different from the Vedic texts and are available in great volumes. Vedic texts and their usage of Samskrit language are distinct from the classical samskrit texts. Vedic Samskrit is more ancient than classical Samskrit. Long before Panini (पाणिनिः) systematized classical Samskrit grammar, Nirukta (निरुक्तम् ) was used to interpret Vedic Samskrit words.  

Classical samskrit works (लौकिकसाहित्यम्  | laukika sahitya), such as the mahakavyas ( महाकाव्यानि | the five great classic works on poetic form) and gadya kavyas (गद्यकाव्यानि | prose works) by various poets, are significantly different from the Vedic texts and are available in great volumes. Vedic texts and their usage of Samskrit language are distinct from the classical samskrit texts. Vedic Samskrit is more ancient than classical Samskrit. Long before Panini (पाणिनिः) systematized classical Samskrit grammar, Nirukta (निरुक्तम् ) was used to interpret Vedic Samskrit words.  

Vedas are also called Shruti (श्रुतिः | what is heard) distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called Smṛiti (स्मृतिः | what is remembered). The Vedas are revelations of ancient sages after intense meditation, passed on to thousands of future generations by shabda (शब्दः | sound) or transmitted verbally thus, carefully preserved since ancient times. Vedic texts have been written and preserved in much later ages.  

Vedas are also called Shruti (श्रुतिः | what is heard) distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called Smṛiti (स्मृतिः | what is remembered). The Vedas are revelations of ancient sages after intense meditation, passed on to thousands of future generations by shabda (शब्दः | sound) or transmitted verbally thus, carefully preserved since ancient times. Vedic texts have been written and preserved in much later ages.

वैदिकसंस्कृतम् ॥ [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic samskrit language]] being ancient is difficult to understand without the knowledge of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedangas (वेदाङ्गानि)]], especially Nirukta of Maharshi Yaska (महर्षिः यास्कः) and the grammar of Panini and Patanjali (पतञ्जलिः). Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta is special in that, it is not only a dictionary of Vedic words but also an explanatory text for different Vedic terms.

वैदिकसंस्कृतम् ॥ [[Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)|Vedic samskrit language]] being ancient is difficult to understand without the knowledge of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedangas (वेदाङ्गानि)]], especially Nirukta of Maharshi Yaska (महर्षिः यास्कः) and the grammar of Panini and Patanjali (पतञ्जलिः). Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta is special in that, it is not only a dictionary of Vedic words but also an explanatory text for different Vedic terms.

With the availability of modern technological advancements, vast data on various topics is created, in different parts of the world, dispersed all over the globe. Thus, people generated a large number of genuine as well as falsely interpreted data about the Vedas of Bharatavarsha (in the form of blogs, educational sites, wikipedia for example).  

With the availability of modern technological advancements, vast data on various topics is created, in different parts of the world, dispersed all over the globe. Thus, people generated a large number of genuine as well as falsely interpreted data about the Vedas of Bharatavarsha (in the form of blogs, educational sites, wikipedia for example).  

The four terms वेदः || Veda, आम्नायः || Amnaya, त्रयी || Trayi, श्रुतिः || Shruti are synonymous according to अमरकोशः ॥ Amarakosha.  

The four terms वेदः || Veda, आम्नायः || Amnaya, त्रयी || Trayi, श्रुतिः || Shruti are synonymous according to अमरकोशः ॥ Amarakosha.  

Nine terms found in literature that are synonymous with the term Veda namely<ref>Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>

Nine terms found in literature that are synonymous with the term Veda namely<ref>Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref><ref name=":62" />

# श्रुतिः || Shruti

# श्रुतिः || Shruti

# अनुश्रवम् || Anushrava

# अनुश्रवम् || Anushrava

# त्रयी || Trayi

# त्रयी || Trayi

# आम्नयः || Amnaya

# आम्नायः || Amnaya

# समाम्नायः || Samamnaya

# समाम्नायः || Samamnaya

# छन्दः || Chanda

# छन्दः || Chanda

* Texts considered as "connected to the Vedas" or a "ancillary of the Vedas".

* Texts considered as "connected to the Vedas" or a "ancillary of the Vedas".

The samskrit term veda as a common noun means "knowledge", but can also be used to refer to fields of study unrelated to spiritual knowledge, e.g. in अगद-वेद || agada-veda (medical science), सस्य-वेद || sasya-veda (science of agriculture) or सर्प-वेद || sarpa-veda (science of snakes), already found in the early Upanishads.

The samskrit term veda as a common noun means "knowledge", but can also be used to refer to fields of study unrelated to adhyatmik knowledge, e.g. in अगद-वेद || agada-veda (medical science), सस्य-वेद || sasya-veda (science of agriculture) or सर्प-वेद || sarpa-veda (science of snakes), already found in the early Upanishads.

== वेदोत्पत्तिः || Vedotpatti ==

== वेदोत्पत्तिः || Vedotpatti ==

Although the Vedas are said to be सनातनः ॥ Sanatana (eternal), however their origin is credited to ब्रह्मा ॥ [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]]. According to शब्दकल्पद्रुमः ॥ Shabdakalpadruma,  <blockquote>ब्रह्ममुखनिर्गतधर्म्मज्ञापकशास्त्रम् इति पुराणम् |</blockquote><blockquote>brahmamukhanirgatadharmmajñāpakaśāstram iti purāṇam |</blockquote>Meaning : पुराण-s || [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]] proclaim that vedas are शास्त्र-s || shastras revealed from ब्रह्मा ॥ Brahma’s mouth that remind of one's धर्मः ॥ Dharma.

Although the Vedas are said to be Sanatana (सनातनः । eternal), however their origin is credited to [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma (ब्रह्मा)]].  

 

According to Shabdakalpadruma,  <blockquote>ब्रह्ममुखनिर्गतधर्म्मज्ञापकशास्त्रम् इति पुराणम् |</blockquote><blockquote>brahmamukhanirgatadharmmajñāpakaśāstram iti purāṇam |</blockquote>Meaning : [[Puranas (पुराणानि)]] proclaim that vedas are shastras (शास्त्राणि) revealed from Brahma’s mouth that remind of one's Dharma (धर्मः).

 

 

 

=== मनुस्मृतिः ॥ Manusmriti ===

<blockquote>अग्निवायुरविभ्यस्तु त्रयं ब्रह्म सनातनम् । दुदोह यज्ञसिद्ध्यर्थं ऋग्यजुःसामलक्षणम् । । १.२३ । ।(Manu. Smri. 1.23)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>agnivāyuravibhyastu trayaṃ brahma sanātanam । dudoha yajñasiddhyarthaṃ ṛgyajuḥsāmalakṣaṇam । । 1.23 । ।(Manu. Smri. 1.23)</blockquote>Manusmrti also

Regarding the origin of Vedas, शब्दकल्पद्रुमः ॥ Shabdakalpadruma further states that according to the पुराणानि ॥ Puranas and मार्कण्डेय-महर्षिः ॥ Markandeya rishi - once ब्रह्मा ॥ Brahma meditated on how to create and the Vedas then took birth out of Brahma's four faces with 21 शाखाः || shakas of ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda, 100 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of यजुर्वेदः ॥ Yajurveda, 1000 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of सामवेदः ॥ Samaveda and 9 शाखाः ॥ shakhas of अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda as given below.<blockquote>वेदस्य प्रादुर्भावो यथा कदाचित्कथं सृक्ष्यामीति ध्यायतो ब्रह्मणो मुखचतुष्टयेभ्यश्चत्वारो वेदाः प्रादुरासन् यथा </blockquote><blockquote>एकविंशतिशाखात्मक - ऋक् १ शतशाखात्मक - यजुः २ सहस्रशाखामयसाम ३ नवशाखामयाथर्व्व ४ इति पुराणम् अपि च श्रीमार्कण्डेय उवाच । </blockquote><blockquote>vedasya prādurbhāvo yathā kadācitkathaṃ sṛkṣyāmīti dhyāyato brahmaṇo mukhacatuṣṭayebhyaścatvāro vedāḥ prādurāsan yathā </blockquote><blockquote>ekaviṃśatiśākhātmaka - ṛk 1 śataśākhātmaka - yajuḥ 2 sahasraśākhāmayasāma 3 navaśākhāmayātharvva 4 iti purāṇam api ca śrīmārkaṇḍeya uvāca ।</blockquote>In the महाभारतम् ॥ [[Mahabharata (महाभारत)|Mahabharata]]  also the creation of Vedas is credited to ब्रह्मा ॥ Brahma. The Vedic hymns themselves assert that they were skillfully created by ऋषि-s || Rishis (seers), after inspired creativity, just as a carpenter builds a chariot. The वेदाः ॥ Vedas (shruti) are different from other texts based on Vedas such as श्रौतसूत्रम् || Shrauta Sutra and गृह्यसूत्रम् || GrhyaSutra, which are smriti texts.<ref name=":03">Acharya Dharma Deva Vidya Martanda. (2002). ''[https://archive.org/details/RigvedaWww.aryamantavya.in The Rigveda, with Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's commentary, English translation, Vol I]''. New Delhi:Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.</ref><blockquote>तेभ्यस्तप्तेभ्यस्त्रयो वेदा अजायन्त । अग्नेर्ऋग्वेदो वायोर्यजुर्वेदः सूर्यात् सामवेदः । (Shat. Brah. 11.5) as given by Pt. Sri Jayadevaji Sharma<ref name=":2">Sharma, Pt Sri Jayadevaji (2008) ''Rigveda Samhita Bhashabhashya Volume 1'' Ajmer: Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd</ref><ref>Singh, Ahilya. (2010) PhD Thesis Title: [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/180070/3/03_chapter%201.pdf Pracheen bharat mein aarthik jeevan prarambh se vaidik kaal tak]. V. B. S. Purvanchal University.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tebhyastaptebhyastrayo vedā ajāyanta । agnerṛgvedo vāyoryajurvedaḥ sūryāt sāmavedaḥ । (Shat. Brah. 11.5) as given by Pt. Sri Jayadevaji Sharma</blockquote><blockquote>तेभ्योऽभितप्तेभ्यस्त्रयो वेदा अजायन्त ऋग्वेद एवाग्नेरजायत यजुर्वेदो वायोः सामवेद आदित्यात् (Aite. Brah. 5.32)<ref>Aitareya Brahamana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%90%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9E%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A5%AB_(%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9E%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%AE_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9E%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE) Panchaka 5])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tebhyo'bhitaptebhyastrayo vedā ajāyanta ṛgveda evāgnerajāyata yajurvedo vāyoḥ sāmaveda ādityāt (Aite. Brah. 5.32)</blockquote><blockquote>अग्निवायुरविभ्यस्तु त्रयं ब्रह्म सनातनम् । दुदोह यज्ञसिद्ध्यर्थं ऋग्यजुःसामलक्षणम् । । १.२३ । ।(Manu. Smri. 1.23)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>agnivāyuravibhyastu trayaṃ brahma sanātanam । dudoha yajñasiddhyarthaṃ ṛgyajuḥsāmalakṣaṇam । । 1.23 । ।(Manu. Smri. 1.23)</blockquote>As seen, all the above three mantras from different sources speak of the origin of Rigveda from [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] (अग्निः), Yajurveda from [[Vayu]] (वायुः) and Samaveda from [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]] (सूर्यः also called रविः।Ravi and आदित्यः । Aditya). Brahmanas (ब्राह्मण texts) ascribe the origin of Vedas from the Creator of the Universe, Brahma (ब्रह्मा) or Prajapati (प्रजापतिः).

===मुण्डक-उपनिषद् ॥ Mundaka Upanishad===

The Upanishad texts base their adhyatmik philosophy on Vedas and describe the origin of vedas to be from the Parabrahma (परब्रह्मन् । Infinite Consciousness).<ref name=":032">Acharya Dharma Deva Vidya Martanda. (2002). ''[https://archive.org/details/RigvedaWww.aryamantavya.in The Rigveda, with Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's commentary, English translation, Vol I]''. New Delhi:Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.</ref><ref>Swami Sharvananda (1920) ''Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads'', Madras:Sri Ramakrishna Math</ref><blockquote>तस्मादृच: साम यजूंषि दीक्षा || tasmādṛca: sāma yajūṃṣi dīkṣā || (Mund. Upan. 2.1.6)<ref>The Works of Sri Sankaracharya (1910) [https://archive.org/stream/CompleteWorksOfSriSankaracharyaIn20Volumes1910Edition/WorksOfSriSankaracharya05-MundakaMandukyaAitareyaUpanishads1#page/n57/mode/2up ''The Upanishad Bhashya - Munda, Mandukya, & Aitereya. Vol 5''] Srirangam: Sri Vani Vilas Press</ref></blockquote>Meaning: From Him (the परब्रह्मन् ॥ Parabrahma) arise the the mantras of Rks, Yajus (यजुस्) and Sama (साम) vedas.<ref name=":032" />

Brhdaranyaka Upanishad ascribes the origin of Vedas from the breath of the Supreme Being <blockquote>....एतस्य वा महतो भूतस्य नि:श्वसितमेतद् यद् ऋग्वेदो यजुर्वेद: सामवेदोऽथर्वाङ्गिरस .... || (Brih. Upan. 4.5.11)<ref>Brhdaranyaka Upanishad ([https://archive.org/stream/Brihadaranyaka.Upanishad.Shankara.Bhashya.by.Swami.Madhavananda#page/n805/mode/2up Adhyaya 4])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>....etasya vā mahato bhūtasya ni:śvasitametad yad ṛgvedo yajurveda: sāmavedo'tharvāṅgirasa .... || (Brih. Upan. 4.5.11)</blockquote>Meaning:  From the breath (exhalation) of this Supreme Being have arisen the Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः), Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः), Samaveda (सामवेदः) and Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः).<ref name=":033">Acharya Dharma Deva Vidya Martanda. (2002). ''[https://archive.org/details/RigvedaWww.aryamantavya.in The Rigveda, with Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's commentary, English translation, Vol I]''. New Delhi:Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.</ref>

== वेदलक्षणानि || Vedalakshanas ==

== वेदलक्षणानि || Vedalakshanas ==

Vedas have the following important attributes summarized here, apart from the many other characteristics, as discussed by scholars over ages.

Vedas have the following important attributes summarized here, apart from the many other characteristics, as discussed by scholars over ages.

=== अनन्तत्वम् ॥ Anantatva ===

=== अनन्तत्वम् ॥ Anantatva ===

Vedas  are  unlimited  in extent. What is stated in the Vedas is that they are verily endless - "ananta vai Vedah". It cannot be said that the Vedas in their entirety got revealed to the Rishis. Only a portion — a small portion of the  limitless  Vedas  —  became  revealed  to  them.  The  four  Vedas  and  a  thousand  and  odd  Veda saakhaas (or branches) of the Vedas are only a portion of what was made known to them as evident from the life of Bharadvaja rshi.{{Box-round}}<blockquote>अनन्ता वै वेदाः । (Tait. Brah. 3.10.11)<ref>Taittriya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 10])</ref></blockquote>

Vedas  are  unlimited  in extent. What is stated in the Vedas is that they are verily endless - "ananta vai Vedah". It cannot be said that the Vedas in their entirety got revealed to the Rishis. Only a portion — a small portion of the  limitless  Vedas  —  became  revealed  to  them.  The  four  Vedas  and  a  thousand  and  odd  Veda saakhaas (or branches) of the Vedas are only a portion of what was made known to them as evident from the life of Bharadvaja rshi.  

<blockquote>अनन्ता वै वेदाः । (Tait. Brah. 3.10.11)<ref>Taittriya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 10])</ref></blockquote>

=== सनातनत्वम् ॥ Sanatanatva ===

=== सनातनत्वम् ॥ Sanatanatva ===

A clash between the ideologies of modernity and the philosophy of civilization of cultures could have dangerous repercussions and this has been a frequently recurring thought in contemporary discourse. To understand the implications of these notions it becomes essential to emphasize that religion and dharma are not synonymous and hence cannot be talked of in the same breath.   

A clash between the ideologies of modernity and the philosophy of civilization of cultures could have dangerous repercussions and this has been a frequently recurring thought in contemporary discourse. To understand the implications of these notions it becomes essential to emphasize that religion and dharma are not synonymous and hence cannot be talked of in the same breath.   

The Vedas are the source of all Dharmas (in moral, social, religious, judicial, and spiritual sense) that have been in practice since times immemorial and hence is called सनातनधर्मः ॥ Sanatana Dharma (eternal dharma).   

The Vedas are the source of all Dharmas (in moral, social, religious, judicial, and adhyatmik sense) that have been in practice since times immemorial and hence is called सनातनधर्मः ॥ Sanatana Dharma (eternal dharma).   

धर्मः ॥ Dharma is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other language in this world as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rishis since times immemorial. It would be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings. For instance, the word "Dharma" is used to mean Nyaya (न्यायः Justice), what is right in a given circumstance, moral values of life, pious obligations of individuals, righteous conduct in every sphere of activity, being helpful to the the needy, giving charity to individuals in need or for a public cause, natural qualities or properties of characteristics of a living being or things, duty and law as also constitutional law. धर्मः ॥ Dharma is regarded as the greatest and most valuable contribution to humanity by भारतवर्षः ॥ Bharatavarsha.   

धर्मः ॥ Dharma is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other language in this world as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rishis since times immemorial. It would be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings. For instance, the word "Dharma" is used to mean Nyaya (न्यायः Justice), what is right in a given circumstance, moral values of life, pious obligations of individuals, righteous conduct in every sphere of activity, being helpful to the the needy, giving charity to individuals in need or for a public cause, natural qualities or properties of characteristics of a living being or things, duty and law as also constitutional law. धर्मः ॥ Dharma is regarded as the greatest and most valuable contribution to humanity by भारतवर्षः ॥ Bharatavarsha.   

Contemporary knowledge and academia is not able to help us ascertain the right direction in life. To understand भारतीयता ॥ Bharatiyata as experienced by our ancient Rishis and lead a Dharmic life requires revisiting our civilisational heritage through the wisdom bank of the Vedas. Compiling relevant literature that is timely, supportive and relevant to the original वेदविद्या || VedaVidya may be seen as regressive by self-styled modernists and liberals, but this should not deter us as it is an indication of the power of the annihilating forces.<ref name=":1" />

Contemporary knowledge and academia is not able to help us ascertain the right direction in life. To understand धार्मिकता ॥ Bharatiyata as experienced by our ancient Rishis and lead a Dharmic life requires revisiting our civilisational heritage through the wisdom bank of the Vedas. Compiling relevant literature that is timely, supportive and relevant to the original वेदविद्या || VedaVidya may be seen as regressive by self-styled modernists and liberals, but this should not deter us as it is an indication of the power of the annihilating forces.<ref name=":1" />

Predictions of the future being bleak and bringing destruction are made regularly, yet the same destructive systems are seen as wisdom? Notably, "If the future is seen as destructive, how come revisiting time-tested successful systems is seen as unproductive?" The compilation of our Dharmic texts also becomes essential as the self-appointed ‘knowledge leaders’ will need  some definitive yardstick to judge both the progressive and the destructive. Without such a yardstick, knowledge creation remains the outcome of a whimsical mind, or propaganda for political/territorial gains or media-generated fodder for control of the world’s resources by a few rich corporations, leading to eventual destruction.

Predictions of the future being bleak and bringing destruction are made regularly, yet the same destructive systems are seen as wisdom? Notably, "If the future is seen as destructive, how come revisiting time-tested successful systems is seen as unproductive?" The compilation of our Dharmic texts also becomes essential as the self-appointed ‘knowledge leaders’ will need  some definitive yardstick to judge both the progressive and the destructive. Without such a yardstick, knowledge creation remains the outcome of a whimsical mind, or propaganda for political/territorial gains or media-generated fodder for control of the world’s resources by a few rich corporations, leading to eventual destruction.