What are the Vedas?

The Vedas are a large body of texts composed in Vedic Sanskrit originating in Bhārat (Indian Subcontinent). In fact, the Vedic texts are the oldest body of literature and scriptures emanating from this region. Also, Vedas have their root in the Sanskrit word vid which means without limit. Lastly, Vedas are the philosophical base on which yoga is built.

Within Bhārat, those that consider the Veda as scriptural authority of Hinduism are called आस्तिक (āstika – believers). Additionally, these followers recognise that the Vedas are अपौरुषेय (apauruṣeya – not of man), meaning that they were composed in a state of merger with the Supreme identity (Brahman).

Consequently, those that do not accept the authority of the Veda are called नास्तिक (nāsthika – non-acceptors of that the Veda-s are apauruṣeya). These are followers of Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism and any Hindu with similar views.

Importantly, Vedas are also called śruti (that which is heard), possibly because these were composed before 4000 BCE, well before the formulation of Sanskrit grammar, syntax and rules by Panini around 400 BCE when all transmission of knowledge was by ear and by rote.

How are the Veda-s classified?

There are four major Vedic branches or śākhā – Rig, Yajur, Sāma and Atharva.

Each Veda is subdivided into,

• Mantra or saṃhita (संहिता) – these are a collection of hymns used in yajña or sacrifice.
• Brāhmaṇā (ब्राह्मण) – this is the part where the procedures, meanings and commentaries of the mantra are detailed.
• Upaniṣad (उपनिषद्) – these are philosophical portions which deal with the gross and subtle nature of the Brahman. However, Upaniṣad are also called Vedānta.
• Upaveda or Tantra (तन्त्र) – this portion forms the bedrock of the scientific explanation of Brahman and techniques of transcending material state. Yoga comes under this aspect. However, books in tankrika are not generally regarded as part of Vedas anymore.

What are the different Veda-s?

There are four Veda-s – Rig, Yajur, Sāma and Atharva.

Rig Veda

Rig Veda is the oldest of all extant vedic text. Also, it is a collection of 1028 stanzas and 10600 verses organised into 10 mandalas or books/ chapters. Additionally, this Veda deals primarily with the origins of the universe, various deities and ancient rituals and practices.

Yajur Veda

Yajur Veda was composed much later than Rig Veda and has around 1875 shokas or verses. Additionally, it contains detailed instructions for conducting yajña or sacrifice and is split into two major subgroups;

• Kṛṣṇa (dark) Yajur Veda – where saṃhita (hyms) are interspersed with Brāhmana (commentary).
• Śukla (white) Yajur Veda – here the saṃhita are kept discrete from the corresponding Brāhmana (commentary).

Sāma Veda

Sāma Veda consists of 1549 shokas or verses, almost all taken from Rig Veda. Additionally, Sāma Veda consists of;

• Gāna (गान) – a set of 4 melody collections.
• Ārchika (आर्चिक) – a set of 3 books containing verses sung to the melody of the gāna.

Atharva Veda

Atharva Veda consists of 760 shlokās or hymns out of which 160 are common with the Rig Veda. Composed primarily by Āngiras and Atharvān, it is a later Veda, composed between 900 BC and 1000 BC. Importantly, it deals with rites, rituals and practices of the period, mainly marriage and cremation.

What you should know after reading this blog.

• What are the Vedas? Why are they important?
• How many Vedas exist?
• What are the elements of each Veda?
• Explain the design of each Veda?
• What is the difference between each of the Vedas?