Classification of the Vedas

Overview

• Each Veda is classified into two main parts:
  • Samhita (Mantras)
  • Brahmana
• Brahmana is further divided into three parts:
  • Aranyaka
  • Upanishad

Samhita

• Constitutes the main portion of each Veda.
• Contains mantras in metrical form.
• Example: Rig Veda Samhita organization:
  • 10 Mandalas
  • 85 Anuvakas
  • 1028 Suktas
  • Total: 10,552 mantras
• Organized by 400 Rishis, including 25 women Rishis.
• 14 categories of Devatas are invoked, most notably Indra and Agni.

Brahmanas

• Collections related to rituals and rites, primarily in prose.
• 60-70% of Vedic repository.
• Acts as a detailed SOP for conducting rituals such as Yajnas.
• Examples:
  • Aitreya Brahmana: Soma sacrifice, Agnihotra.
  • Kaushitiki Brahmana: Food sacrifices, seasonal sacrifices.
  • Tandiya Maha Brahmana: Soma Yaga and more.
  • Shadvim Vimsa Brahmana: Rituals for various misfortunes.

Aranyakas

• Philosophical approach to Yajna and rituals.
• Provide symbolic and philosophical meaning behind rituals.
• Found at the end of Brahmanas.
• Learned in a secluded place, hence the term "Aranyaka" (related to forest).
• Examples:
  • Six Aranyakas available from the first three Vedas.
  • None from Atharva Veda.

Upanishads

• Focus on philosophical teachings and ultimate problems of life.
• Deals with knowledge of Brahman and self (Atmavidya).
• Originally 1,180, now about 200 available; 108 are well-known.
• 10 major Upanishads with commentaries by great Acharyas.
• Distribution of 108 Upanishads across Vedas:
  • Rig Veda: 10
  • Yajur Veda: 51 (19 in Shukla, 32 in Krishna)
  • Sama Veda
  • Atharva Veda: 31

Summary of Vedas and Their Classifications

Rig Veda

• 10,552 mantras
• 21 Shakas (5 available)
• Aranyakas: Aitareya, Sankhya Tabana
• Brahmanas: Aitareya, Kaushitaki
• Major Upanishads: Aitriya, Kaushitika

Yajur Veda

• 85 Shakas (4 available)
• Shukla Yajurveda and Krishna Yajurveda divisions
• Notable Brahmanas and Aranyakas (Taithiriya related)
• Upanishads include Bhradaranyaka, Katta

Sama Veda

• 1,549 or 1,875 mantras
• 1,000 Shakas (3 available)
• Aranyaka: Talavakara or Jaimini
• Brahmanas: Panchavamsha, Thandiya Maha
• Upanishads: Chandogya, Kena

Atharva Veda

• 6,000 mantras
• 9 Shakas (2 available)
• No Aranyakas
• Brahmana: Gopatha
• Upanishads: Prashna, Mundaka, Mandukya

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In the next video, the discussion will cover some of the messages in the Vedas.