Introduction to Vedas

The Vedas are ancient and sacred texts in Hinduism, considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world. They are a collection of knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down orally through generations for thousands of years.  The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit vid or vidh, that means ‘to know’. Hence, “Veda” means “knowledge” or “wisdom“.  It has been the prevalent belief in India for centuries that the Vedas came not from man, but from God. That’s why it comes under Shrutis.

The Vedas as the Foundation:

Think of the Vedas as the foundation of a grand and majestic building. Just as a building’s foundation provides stability and support for the entire structure, the Vedas form the foundational knowledge upon which Hinduism and many other Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions are built. They are the bedrock of Indian culture and spirituality.

Vedas as a Cosmic Library:

Picture the Vedas as an ancient cosmic library, where each Veda is a different section of this vast repository of knowledge. In this library, you’ll find hymns, chants, rituals, and philosophical insights that provide guidance for various aspects of life, just as a library offers books on different subjects for seekers of knowledge.

Vedas as a Timeless Beacon:

The Vedas have endured for millennia, much like a lighthouse standing tall against the test of time. They continue to guide and illuminate the spiritual and philosophical journeys of those who seek wisdom. Just as a lighthouse helps sailors navigate safely through stormy waters, the Vedas guide individuals on their spiritual path.

Four Vedas as Four Pillars:

There are four main Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. You can imagine these four Vedas as four strong pillars holding up the roof of a temple. Each pillar (Veda) has its unique role and purpose, just as the Vedas have distinct hymns and teachings specialized for various aspects of life, rituals, and spirituality.

Rig-Veda is by far the most complete and interesting. It is divided into

(i) 10 mandalas (books), containing 1017 metrical hymns (suktas), arranged according to their authors and the gods to whom they are addressed ; and

(2) 8 ashtakas (eights) nearly equal in length, each of which is subdivided into as many adhyayas (lectures), and each of these again into about thirty-three vargas (sections), usually containing five verses.

Yajur-Veda consists principally of prayers and invocations applicable to the consecration of the utensils and materials of sacrificial worship. It has about half the number of hymns found in the Rig-Veda, but its contents are not entirely taken from the Rig, and it often combines prose with poetry. It is divided into two – the white (sukla) and the black {krishna) ; the former is attributed to the sage Yajnavalkya and the latter to sage Tittiri.

Sama-Veda which is only about half the size of the Yajur, is a collection of separate texts, taken almost entirely from the Rig, to be chanted at particular parts of the sacrifice.

Atharva-Veda has hymns which are nearly as numerous as those of the Rig but, with the exception of a few of the later hymns of the Rig, it has little in common with the other three Vedas, which are used for performing the prescribed sacrifices; whereas the Atharva teaches chiefly how to appease, to bless, to curse, and to rectify what has been wrongly done in the act of sacrifice. A sixth part of its contents is in prose, and about one-sixth of its hymns are found in the Rig.