Vedas

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The Vedas

The foundational scriptures of Sanātana Dharma — humanity's oldest and most comprehensive body of spiritual and secular knowledge, transmitted orally for millennia.

Rig Veda

10,552 verses · 10 Mandalas

The oldest of the Vedas, containing 1,028 hymns (suktas) praising the divine forces of nature. It lays the foundation of Vedic thought, cosmology, and philosophical enquiry.

Yajur Veda

Ritual formulas · Prose & Verse

The Veda of rituals and liturgy, providing detailed instructions for performing yajnas (sacred fire ceremonies). It exists in two recensions — Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black).

Sama Veda

1,875 verses · Musical notation

The Veda of melodies, consisting of hymns set to musical notations. It is the origin of Indian classical music and the concept of raga, and is considered the most lyrical of the Vedas.

Atharva Veda

5,977 mantras · 20 Kandas

The Veda of everyday life, containing hymns on healing, medicine, domestic rites, and practical philosophy. It includes early references to surgery, anatomy, and public administration.

Structure of Each Veda

1

Samhita

Collection of mantras and hymns — the core textual layer

2

Brahmana

Prose commentaries explaining the rituals and ceremonies

3

Aranyaka

Forest treatises — philosophical reflections for contemplation

4

Upanishad

Mystical dialogues exploring the nature of reality and self