Vedas

The Vedas are a collection of ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism. They are composed in Sanskrit and are considered the oldest scriptures of Hindu religious literature. The Vedas are divided into four main collections:

1. Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, consisting of hymns dedicated to various deities. It is primarily a collection of prayers and praises for the gods.
2. Samaveda: This Veda consists mainly of hymns taken from the Rigveda, set to music. It is used in the performance of rituals, especially the Soma sacrifice.
3. Yajurveda: This Veda contains prose mantras and verses needed for the performance of sacrificial rituals. It is divided into two main parts: the Shukla (White) Yajurveda and the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
4. Atharvaveda: This Veda contains hymns, mantras, and incantations for domestic rituals, healing, and magic. It is more diverse in content compared to the other three Vedas.

The Vedas are divided into four parts:

1. Samhitas: Collections of hymns, mantras, and prayers.
2. Brahmanas: Prose texts that explain the Samhitas and provide instructions for rituals.
3. Aranyakas: “Forest Treatises” that serve as a bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads.
4. Upanishads: Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth (Brahman).

The Vedas have been orally transmitted for centuries and are considered apauruṣeya, meaning they are not of human origin and are believed to have been revealed to ancient sages (rishis). They continue to be highly revered in Hindu tradition and form the basis for various schools of thought and practice.