Vedic Literature: Insights into Ancient Wisdom and Spiritual Traditions

• Texts ‘that are heard’ or product of Godly revelation to the great sages (Rishis) during meditation (‘Dhyaan’).
• It includes four Vedas and Samhitas.

• Recollected by normal humans. 
• Detailed commentaries/explanations on the Vedas (Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads), 6 Vedangas, and  Upavedas.

• It is divided into 10 Mandals (books):
  • Books II to VII constitute the earliest sections. 
  • Books I and X were later additions, incorporating the Purusashukta that explains the concept of the four varnas.
  • Book VIII – mainly related to Kanva’s family.
  • Book IX – compilation of Soma hymns.
• It is a collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to various deities and natural forces such as Agni, Indra, Mitra, and Varuna, presented by different families of poets or sages (family books).
• Tradition of Vedic chanting was included in the intangible heritage list of UNESCO.
• Although composed in Sanskrit, it contains numerous Munda and Dravidian words, likely integrated through the languages of the Harappans.

• These are poetic texts derived from Rig Veda.
• It contains the famous Dhrupada raga, later sung by Tansen.

• It is further divided into: 
  • Shukla Yajur Veda/White Yajur Veda/Vajasaneya (contains only the Mantras). It contains the Madhyandina and Kanva recensions.
  • Krishna Yajur Veda/Black Yajur Veda (contains both mantras and prose explanations/ commentary). 

(Medicine)

Kaushitiki

Kaushitiki

(Music)

Tandya,

Jaiminiya

Chandogya

Chandogya

(Warfare)

Shatapatha

KathaIsa,

Brihadaranyaka

Veda

Shilp Veda

(Architecture)

Mundaka

Prashan

Must Read