VedasThe Foundation of Hinduism
Vedas are often referred to as the “oldest scriptures” and the ultimate foundation of Hinduism. But do you have the appropriate understanding of what they actually are?
So, "What is a Veda?" "How many hundreds of years old are they?"
The Vedas, which in Sanskrit means "Knowledge" are cited as the ancient religious texts informing the Religion of Hinduism (known as Sanatan Dharma meaning "Eternal Path").
The Vedic Literature
The Vedic literature or the Apara Vidya is mainly classified into two groups- "The Vedas" and "The Vedangas." The Vedas are further divided into four essential parts, containing hymns, prayers, praises, and religious guidance.
The Vedic Literature
Each of these four Vedas the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Veda is further divided into four major parts.
- Samhitas ( Prayers, Mantras and Benedictions)
- Brahmanas (Commentaries on Ceremonies, Rituals, & Sacrifices)
- Aranyakas (Text on Ceremonies, Rituals, & Observances
- Upanishads (Philosophical Narratives and Dialogues)
ऋग्वेद की ऋचाओं में देवताओं की प्रार्थना, स्तुतियां और देवलोक में उनकी स्थिति का वर्णन है।
यजुर्वेद में यज्ञ की विधियां और यज्ञों में प्रयोग किए जाने वाले मंत्र हैं। यज्ञ के अलावा तत्वज्ञान का वर्णन है।
सामवेद गीतात्मक यानी गीत के रूप में है। इस वेद को संगीत शास्त्र का मूल माना जाता है।
इस वेद में रहस्यमयी विद्याओं, जड़ी बूटियों, चमत्कार और आयुर्वेद आदि का जिक्र है।
The Vedic Structure
The Vedas, one of the oldest sacred texts, have their roots in the North-Western region (Punjab) of the Indian sub-continent. The majority of the Rigveda Samhita is believed to have been composed between approximately 1500 and 1200 BCE.
The Vedic Text
The term Vedic text has two distinct connotations.
- Texts written during the Vedic period in Iron Age India.
- And, text perceived as "related to the Vedas" or as an "extension of the Vedas".