The Vedas are ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions. These texts are written in Vedic Sanskrit and are believed to have been composed between 1500 and 500 BCE in the Indian subcontinent. The term "Veda" is derived from the Sanskrit word 'vid', meaning "to know" or "knowledge." This root underpins the Vedas' role as the reservoir of wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Traditionally, the Vedas are considered apauruṣeya, which means not of human agency, and are believed to be divinely revealed to the ancient rishis (sages or seers). These texts are revered as authoritative and are foundational to various aspects of life, including rituals, philosophy, and ethics in Hindu culture.
There are four principal Vedas: the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda serves a different liturgical purpose and together they cover a wide array of subjects, from hymns in praise of deities and cosmology to rituals and philosophical questions. The Rigveda, the oldest of the four, consists primarily of hymns dedicated to various deities and is crucial for understanding the early Vedic rituals. The Yajurveda contains prose mantras and is used mainly during sacrificial rites. The Samaveda, largely derived from the Rigveda, focuses on musical chanting. Lastly, the Atharvaveda includes a mix of magic spells, charms, and even early medical practices, reflecting a more earthy spirituality compared to the other three.
Beyond these primary texts, each Veda has subsidiary texts associated with it, known as Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. The Brahmanas are prose texts that explain the hymns' meanings and describe the rituals in detail. Aranyakas, or "forest texts," serve as a bridge between ritualistic texts and philosophical teachings, often discussing meditation practices and spiritual knowledge suitable for ascetics. The Upanishads are philosophical texts that explore the inner meaning of rituals and delve into discussions about the soul, the universe, and the ultimate reality, termed Brahman. These texts collectively contribute to an extensive body of knowledge that influences not only religious but also philosophical thought in Hinduism.
The study and interpretation of the Vedas have traditionally been reserved for the Brahmin caste, although this has changed somewhat in modern times. The teachings of the Vedas have been transmitted orally through meticulous methods of memorization and recitation, ensuring their preservation across generations. This oral tradition, known as #śruti (that which is heard), highlights the sacredness and the unchanged nature of the words as they are believed to have been divinely heard. In contemporary times, the Vedas continue to influence not only religious practices and daily life but also provide insight into the ancient history and culture of India. Their reach and impact have transcended national and cultural boundaries, making them significant in the studies of comparative_religion and philosophy worldwide.