Vedic Literature

Vedic Literature is the oldest layer of Sanskrit language. The word Veda has come from the Sanskrit verb विद् meaning 'to know'.

Vedas are also known as Shruti (श्रु-to hear).

Vedic Literature has been nurtured by sages and has been passed on to the future generations through oral tradition.

Vedas are also called Samhita

Sage Vyasa is known as the compiler of the Samhitas.

The four Vedas are Rigveda,Yajurveda,Samaveda and Atharvaveda.

These texts consist of benedictions and mantras, and also describe about various rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices, etc.

The Vedic texts are said to have no creator except Brahma. Hence this is called अपौरुषेय (not created by anyone).


Vedas were not created by one person at a particular time. It was a continuous process.

Vedas were found in a written form once the compilation of the Vedas was done.

There are many opinions regarding the exact dates of the Vedas, however some roughly state the date to be around 1700-1100 BC.


Many philosophers such as Lokmanya Tilak, Max Mueller and many more have stated their opinions regarding the date of the Vedas.


However what is most important is to preserve whatever treasure is available to us now and also pass it on to the future upcoming generations, so that our rich Vedic Literature is known by each and every one in the coming times too.


Some briefing of the four Vedas-

1-Rigveda- It is the most ancient text and is of utmost importance in vedic literature.Mantras are called Ruchas (ऋचा)in Rigveda which are further divided into Mandalas.Many deities have been praised in the Rigveda. Rigveda contains 1028 hymns. There are five branches of Rigveda Samhita namely- Shaakalashakha, Bhaashkalashakha, Aashvalaayanashakha, Shaankhaayanashakha, Mandukayaanashakha. Out of this only the Shaakalashakha is available today. The priest of Rigveda is called Hota.


2- Yajurveda-This is a text compiled, stating the knowledge of worship. It is divided into two groups namely- Shuklayajurveda and Krishnayajurveda.The priest of Yajurveda is Advaryu.


3.Samaveda-This text contains melodies and the chants are musical. There are in all 1875 verses in Samaveda. The three branches of Samaveda are- Kauthumeeyashakha, Ranayaneeyashakha and Jaimeeneeyashakha.The priest of Samaveda is called Udgaata.


4. Atharvaveda- This is the last of the four Vedas and said to be modern in nature as compared to the other three Vedas. This treatise is known as the Veda of magical formulas and contains information about various surgeries, remedies from medicinal herbs, black magic related information, etc.

It is divided into Pippalaadashakha and Shaunakaakhyashakha.The priest of Atharvaveda is called Brahma.

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