The Vedas or Shruti:
believed to be the oldest texts in Hinduism even as a consensus is yet to be reached on how old they truly are. While there are some scholars who say that they were written about 2,500 years ago, many others believe that they were documented at the start of Kali-yuga (circa 3000 BCE).
Most scholars and researchers say that the original Veda was Yajur Veda which was later split into four. Another scholarly view is that the Rig-Veda is the oldest of all. Research is on, however, to get the right perspective on how old the Vedas truly are.
The Rig-Veda
Believed to be the oldest of the Vedas. Has ten mandals or books with 1028 hymns that praise “Vedic Gods” like Indra, Agni, Vishnu, Rudra, Varuna etc. Plus, it also has the famous Gayatri mantra and the Purusha Shukta (the story of Primal Man) prayer.
The Yajur-Veda
Essentially a handbook for performance of yajnas (sacrifices).
Sama-Veda
Contains chants and melodies to be sung during worship and yajna performance.
Atharva-Veda
Includes hymns, mantras and incantations which are beyond the scope of yajna. Each of these four Vedas are divided into Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas & Upanishads.
Vedas have two critical pieces of supplementary literature, related closely to the Vedas. They are:
Vedangas: sciences that help us understand and apply the Vedas.
The Upavedas (smriti) that are about the four traditional arts and sciences.
- Kalpa (ritual detail)
- Siksha (pronunciation)
- Vyakarana (grammar)
- Nirukti (etymology)
- Chandas (metre)
- Jyotisha (astronomy/astrology)
In this section of Vedas, we will keep adding scholarly articles, commentaries and other inputs. There shall soon be a form for a discussion on Vedas, as well as courses for learners as well as scholars.
Annant Drishti Aadhaytam Peetham is devoted to learning and spreading Ancient Indian Wisdom contained in its multiple scriptures and philosophies far and wide. If you have the same interest, do get in touch.