Sub-Classification of Vedas

Sub-classification of the Vedas

I. Basic Sub-classification of each Veda

• Two Initial Levels: Each Veda is first divided into:
  • Mantras (Samhita): The core part with the verses.
  • Brahmana: A commentary that explains and specifies the rituals
• Brahmana Divisions: Brahmanas are further divided into:
  • Brahmana: The core explanation for yajnas.
  • Aranyaka: Philosophical approach to the yajna
  • Upanishad: Loftiest thoughts of the Vedic seers.

II. Details of each Sub-classification

A. Samhita (Mantras)

• The core portion of each Veda and presented in a metrical form.

B. Brahmanas

• A collection of knowledge relating to rituals, rights, and yajnas.
• Written primarily in prose.
• Technical in nature and not usually appealing for general reading.
• Detailed explanations of rituals, and technical information.
• Describes different types of Yajnas with required ritualistic details.
• Prescribes mantras from Samhita for the rituals.
• Provides detailed instruction for preparing sacrificial alters for the yajnas.

Brahmanas examples:

• Aitareya-brahmana: Describes soma sacrifices, agnihotra and soma yajna.
• Kaushitaki-brahmana: Details on food sacrifices, full moon, and seasonal sacrifices.
• Taittiriya-brahmana Describes the preparation of the alter
• Tandya-maha-brahmana (Panchavimsa brahmana): 25 chapters on conduct of Somayaga (from Samaveda)
• Shadvimsha-brahmana: 26 chapters, including origin of Agni and remedies for misfortunes.

C. Aranyakas

• Philosophical approach to the yajnas.
• Explores symbolism and philosophical aspects of rituals.
• Addresses individual philosophical needs as they grow older.
• Gives a deeper meaning to daily chores and prescribed rituals
• Meant to be learned in seclusion from a guru (not necessarily in a forest)
• Aranya means 'forest' in Sanskrit; Aranyaka means not in the hustle bustle of the city
• Most Aranyakas are not existing today.

D. Upanishads

• Meaning is derived from "upa-ni-shad", which means sitting near a guru and receiving wisdom through a teaching-learning process
• Philosophical treatises on the ultimate problems of life.
• Focuses on knowledge of Brahman (absolute truth) and self (Atma Vidya).
• In-depth studies of individual nature and psychology.
• Originally ~1180, now only ~200 are traceable, of which 108 are well known.
  • 10 Major Upanishads have commentaries written by all great Acharyas.
• Many ancient Gurus made these texts accessible to people today.

III. Rigveda: Organization

• Mandalas: Organized into 10 Mandalas.
• Anuvakas: Each Mandala has Anuvakas (85 in total).
• Suktas: Each Anuvaka has Suktas (1028 in total).
• Mantras: Rigveda contains 10,552 mantras.
• Rishis: Attributed to 400 Rishis (including 25 women Rishis) who revealed the mantras. * Each Rishi identified by two names.
• Devatas: Organized in praise of 14 categories of Devatas, such as Agni, Indra, etc.
• Meter Each mantra is recited in a particular meter.

IV. Summary of Vedas and Sub-classification

A. Rigveda

• Mantras: 10,552
• Shakas 21, but 5 are available
• Aranyakas: Aitareya Aranyaka, Sankhayana-Tabana Aranyaka.
• Brahmanas: Aitareya, Kaushitaki Brahmanas.
• Upanishads: Aitareya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad.

B. Yajurveda

• Shakas 85, but 4 are available
• Shukla Yajurveda Shakas 2 available
• Aranyakas: Taittiriya Aranyaka.
• Brahmanas: Taittiriya Brahmana.
• Upanishads: Taittiriya Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Shukla), Kathopanishad (Shukla)

C. Samaveda

• Mantras: ~1549-1875 (not precisely known)
• Shakas 1000, but only 3 available.
• Aranyakas: Talavakara (Jaiminiya) Aranyaka.
• Brahmanas: 9 (Panchavimsha, Tandya-maha-Brahmana, etc)
• Upanishads: Chandogya Upanishad, Kena Upanishad.

D. Atharvaveda

• Mantras: 6000
• Shakas 9, but only 2 are available
• Aranyakas: None available.
• Brahmanas: Gopatha Brahmana.
• Upanishads: Prashna Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad.

V. Conclusion

• This provides a summary of the sub-classifications within the 4 Vedas.
• Many interesting aspects even within the available texts.