The Vedas and Upanishads have had a profound influence on Sanatan Dharma and Ancient Indian culture. They have inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, and continue to be studied and revered by spiritual seekers around the world. There are four Vedas in Hinduism, each with a specific purpose and focus. They are
Rigveda: The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and contains 8 octaves (Ashtakas), there are 64 Chapters and 10,552 hymns /Mantras. The hymns are dedicated to various deities and are used in rituals and prayers. The Rigveda is also known for its philosophical teachings, which include the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality, and the importance of following dharma, or moral duty. Rig Veda gives knowledge of science, matter of the universe like sun, moon, air, fire, body etc.
Yajurveda: The Yajurveda contains 40 Chapters, there are 1975 Mantras /hymns and rituals that are used in sacrificial ceremonies. The offerings which were given in the fire kindled in the altar were known as 'Yaag'. The prose mantras composed for this purpose are called 'Yajus'. It is divided into two parts; the Shukla Yajurveda and the Krishna Yajurveda. The Shukla Yajurveda contains hymns and prayers, while the Krishna Yajurveda contains instructions for performing rituals. Yajurved gives knowledge of all the deeds and duties to be performed by men, women, guru, students, leaders, king, agriculturist etc.,
Samaveda: There are 27 Chapters containing 1875 Mantras, primarily a collection of hymns that are used in rituals and prayers. These hymns are often chanted, and their musical qualities are emphasized. The mantras were recited in two ways- simple recitation as per the meter or melodiously like a song. These melodies are compiled in Samveda. The Samaveda is also known for its emphasis on meditation and spiritual practices. This veda is the origin of Indian Classical Music. Samved gives knowledge how to worship God who gives peace and long happy life etc. In this way, details of Yoga philosophy, qualities, supreme deeds and nature of the God are also given.
Atharvaveda: The Atharvaveda contains across 20 Stems (Kandangal), there are 5977 Mantras/ hymns and rituals that are used in everyday life. It includes spells and incantations for various purposes, such as healing, protection, and prosperity. This is the compilation of mantras meant for worldly desires. A manifestation of emotions is seen in atharvaveda. The Atharvaveda is also known for its teachings on ethics and morality. Along with pacificatory rites, some black magic is also included in this veda. Atharvaved gives details of God, medical science and details of medicine etc.
Total number of Mantras in all the four Vedas put together are 20379. Certain mantras of the Rigveda are repeated in other 3 Vedas too. For example, over 1200 mantras of the Rig Veda are repeated in Atharva Veda. Each Veda is comprised of 4 Parts, namely
Mantra Samhitas / hymns
Brahmanas ( meaning and explanation of the Mantras)
Aranyakas (these explain the philosophy behind the ritual practices mentioned in the vedas)
Upanishads (they are commentary on Vedas and thus contain the essence of Hinduism). Each of the Vedas also contains Upanishads, which are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the self. There are over 200 Upanishads, but the most well-known are the principal Upanishads, which are 12 in number. These Upanishads are:
Isha Upanishad: This Upanishad explores the nature of Brahman and the relationship between the self and the universe.
Kena Upanishad: This Upanishad discusses the importance of knowledge and the nature of the self.
Katha Upanishad: This Upanishad tells the story of a boy named Nachiketa, who seeks knowledge of the afterlife from the god of death.
Prashna Upanishad: This Upanishad contains six questions about the nature of Brahman and the self.
Mundaka Upanishad: This Upanishad explores the nature of Brahman and the importance of spiritual knowledge.
Mandukya Upanishad: This Upanishad focuses on the nature of the self and the relationship between the self and Brahman.
Taittiriya Upanishad: This Upanishad contains teachings on the nature of the self and the importance of meditation.
Aitareya Upanishad: This Upanishad explores the creation of the universe and the nature of the self.
Chandogya Upanishad: This Upanishad contains teachings on the nature of Brahman and the self, as well as stories and myths.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: This Upanishad explores the nature of Brahman and the self, as well as the relationship between the two.
Shvetashvatara Upanishad: This Upanishad contains teachings on the nature of Brahman and the self, as well as stories and myths.
Kaushitaki Upanishad: This Upanishad contains teachings on the nature of Brahman and the self, as well as instructions for meditation and spiritual practices.
The Upanishads are known for their profound philosophical insights and spiritual teachings. They explore the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, and offer guidance for achieving spiritual liberation. Some of the key teachings of the Upanishads include:
Brahman: The Upanishads teach that Brahman is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. Brahman is often described as infinite, eternal, and unchanging.
Atman: The Upanishads teach that the self, or Atman, is not separate from Brahman, but rather is a manifestation of Brahman. Through spiritual practices such as meditation and self-inquiry, one can realize the true nature of the self and attain liberation.
Karma: The Upanishads teach that actions have consequences, and that the law of karma governs the cycle of birth and death. By acting in accordance with dharma, or moral duty, one can accumulate good karma and achieve a better rebirth.
Maya: The Upanishads teach that the world of appearances, or Maya, is illusory and that the true nature of reality is hidden from our senses. Through spiritual practices and self-inquiry, one can penetrate the veil of Maya and realize the true nature of reality.
The teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads offer a rich and profound understanding of the nature of reality and the self, and provide guidance for achieving spiritual liberation and inner peace.
The derivatives of the four Vedas are known as the Vedangas. The Vedangas are six in number and are considered important auxiliary disciplines that are meant to aid the study and understanding of the Vedas. The six Vedangas are:
Shiksha (Phonetics): Shiksha deals with the proper pronunciation and recitation of the Vedic mantras. It includes the study of the alphabet, accent, and pronunciation of the Vedic language.
Vyakarana (Grammar): Vyakarana deals with the grammar and syntax of the Vedic language. It includes the study of the rules of word formation, syntax, and sentence construction.
Nirukta (Etymology): Nirukta deals with the interpretation and explanation of Vedic words and phrases. It includes the study of the etymology, meaning, and usage of Vedic words.
Chandas (Metrics): Chandas deals with the meter and rhythm of the Vedic mantras. It includes the study of the various Vedic meters and their usage in different contexts.
Jyotisha (Astronomy and Astrology): Jyotisha deals with the astronomy and astrology of the Vedas. It includes the study of the movement of the stars and planets, and their influence on human affairs.
Kalpa (Rituals): Kalpa deals with the Vedic rituals and ceremonies. It includes the study of the various rituals and their performance, as well as the rules and regulations governing them.
The Vedangas are considered important because they provide the necessary tools and knowledge for understanding and interpreting the Vedas. They also provide insights into the cultural and social practices of ancient India, and offer guidance for performing Vedic rituals and ceremonies. The Vedangas continue to be studied and practiced in modern times, and are an important part of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India.
तस्मै स होवाच प्रजाकामो वै प्रजापतिः स तपोऽतप्यत स तपस्तप्त्वा स मिथुनमुत्पादयते ।
रयिं च प्रणं चेत्येतौ मे बहुधा प्रजाः करिष्यत इति ॥ ४ ॥
The Creator did a great penance and created a pair, matter (Rayi) and energy (Prana) from which combination everything else arises. We find many types of statements in the Vedas referring to its own origin;
• It is the eternal sound heard by sages in deep meditation. (R.V.8:75-6)
• It was knowledge born out of sacrifices. (R.V.10:90-9)
• The self-existent God manifested it for the welfare of all. (AV.10:7:70)
• The Vedas are the breath of the Great Being. (Br.Up 2:4:10)
Lord Shiva has enlightened four vedas to four personalities; Rigveda in Lord Agni, Yajurveda in Lord Vayu, Samaveda in Lord Sun (Aditya) and Atarvaveda in Maharshi Angirasa. Vedas are Apaurusehya because the Karta for its origination is Paramatma only. That’s Maharishis are referred as Mantra Drashtas in Vedas than Mantra Kartas.
The Vedas are divided into three sections (a) Jnana Kanda - metaphysics (b) Karma Kanda - ritual practicesand (c) Upasana Kanda - techniques of meditation.
Vedas are 'complete' texts to understand the meaning and purpose of being created as a human and unless one comprehensively understands Vedas, it appears contradictory at a superficial level. Dharma is way beyond mere rituals, practices, understandings, or being pious or religious in conventional terms. The divisions of the Vedas into four parts, is to suit the four stages in a man's life.
They can be linked with the 4 kandas / yoga / paths, given by Shri Krishna in Bhagavadgita; (a) Karma Yoga (do your karma without expecting the end result) (b) Bhakti Yoga (surrender completely to almighty, through Bhakthi) (c) Raja Yoga (the self realization) and (d) Jnana Yoga (when you acquire the jnana (Brahma Jnana / knowledge, it paves your way to moksha).
Authored by Anadi Sahoo
