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Sub-Classification of Vedas

Sub-classification of the Vedas

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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

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  • 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.
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