Scriptures of 4 Vedas of Hinduism
Consecrated Scriptures of Hinduism : Shruthi
Shruti, in Hinduism, represents the most revered body of sacred literature, believed to be divinely revealed. These works are considered to have been heard and transmitted by ancient sages. Although Shruti is regarded as more authoritative, Smriti texts hold greater influence in modern Hinduism. The revealed texts include the four Vedas; Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda along with the Brahmanas (ritual treatises), Aranyakas (“Forest Books”), and Upanishads (philosophical expansions on the Vedas that form the foundation of much of later Hindu philosophy and theology).
The Vedas are considered the oldest Hindu texts. Scholars estimate they were written down around 2,500 years ago, though tradition often dates them to the beginning of the Kali-yuga (circa 3000 BCE). Some Hindus believe that there was originally only one Veda, the Yajur Veda, which was later divided into four. However, scholars generally view the Rigveda as the oldest Hindu scripture.
Origin of Vedas
The Vedas, including the Upanishads or Vedanta, are the foremost scriptures of Hinduism. The four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva) are the original source of all knowledge and are considered apaurusheya (not of human origin). They are believed to have been heard and recorded by great sages (rishis) of ancient times, hence the term Shruti, meaning “as heard.” Although specific hymns and mantras are attributed to certain rishis in the Vedic texts, these sages are recognized as seers (mantra Drishta) rather than authors. According to Kanchi Paramacharya (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi), this is similar to Columbus discovering America; he is not its creator.
Hindu Puranas state that the Veda was originally one but was divided into four during the Dwapara Yuga by Veda Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa), an avatar of Vishnu, to make them easier to transmit in written form. Each Veda contains two major sections: the Karma Kanda and the Jnana Kanda. The Karma Kanda deals with mantras and rituals, while the Jnana Kanda contains the supreme wisdom of the Upanishads (or Vedanta, the culmination of Vedic knowledge). Although the ritualistic parts have diminished over time, the Upanishads remain central, serving as guides for seekers and reference points for various Hindu philosophies.
The term “Shruti” is significant because, in ancient times, the Vedas were not written but were transmitted orally from one generation to another.
Proper Chanting of Vedas
The Vedas hold importance not only for their content but also for the correct pronunciation and intonation required in chanting the mantras. These mantras carry subtle vibrations essential for invoking the gods of nature. To ensure the preservation of the Vedas and their correct recitation, strict procedures were established. Only Brahmins were permitted to propagate the Vedas because the task required physical and mental purity, intellectual capacity, memory, devotion to God, and mastery of Sanskrit.
Vedangas
Later, six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) were developed to preserve and pass on the Vedas without errors. They include grammar (Vyakarana), meter (Chandas), phonetics (Shiksha), etymology (Nirukta), astronomy (Jyotisha), and rituals (Kalpa). While the Vedangas are part of Smriti texts, they are not considered Shruti.
Parts of the Vedas
Karma Kanda – Samhitas (hymns) & Brahmanas (rites)
The Vedas primarily contain mantras, hymns, chants, and rites essential for worshipping celestial gods like Varuna, Vayu, Indra, and Rudra. These activities are classified as Karma Kanda. The hymns and chants are grouped into Samhitas, while the procedural aspects and rites are explained in the Brahmanas.
Samhitas and Brahmanas focus on invoking gods and conducting fire rituals and sacrifices connected with the 16 samskaras (rites of passage) and elaborate yagnas (grand fire sacrifices) like Ashwamedha, Rajasuya, and Vaishnava Yagas.
Jnana Kanda: The Aranyakas (Theology)
The Aranyakas discuss Vedic practices and their contemplative aspects, especially related to forest life. In some cases, they are viewed as extensions of the Brahmanas and sometimes are included in the Karma Kanda. According to Vedic tradition, middle-aged couples who completed their family duties would retreat to the forest to live a life of austerity and contemplation. The Aranyakas provide guidelines for such forest dwellers, including simplified rituals suitable for their lifestyle.
Vedanta — The Upanishads (Philosophy)
The Upanishads address the spiritual wisdom sought by rishis who questioned the limitations of Vedic rituals. Through deep meditation, they explored the nature of God, the soul, and the relationship between the two. They concluded that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is beyond name and form, all-pervasive, and identical to the Self. The Upanishads attempt to convey this transcendental experience through various forms, including hymns, aphorisms (maha vakyas), stories, and examples. As such, they form the core of Jnana Kanda and are considered the culmination of Vedic knowledge.
The Upanishads are one of the three authoritative philosophical scriptures of Hinduism, along with the Brahma Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita, collectively known as Prasthana Triya.
Lost Across Time
Given that the Vedic tradition was transmitted orally across countless generations, many parts of the Vedas have been lost over time. While hundreds of Upanishads were said to exist, only about a dozen are still extant. Similarly, only a small portion of the Sama Veda remains.
The significance of Karma Kanda has also diminished in modern times. Grand yagnas like Ashvamedha or Rajasuya have lost their relevance, but the essential philosophy of the Upanishads remains intact, preserving the ultimate spiritual knowledge.
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