FOUR VEDAS

PRERNA FOR IAS

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         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

FOUR VEDAS

1. Rigveda (ऋग्वेद)

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and is regarded as the world's earliest sacred scripture. It was composed between 1500–1200 BCE in Vedic Sanskrit by various sages (Rishis). The Rigveda consists of 10 Mandalas, 1,028 hymns (Suktas), and about 10,552 mantras. It mainly contains hymns dedicated to deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, Soma, Surya, Vishnu, Rudra, and Ushas. It provides valuable information about the early Vedic society, religion, economy, agriculture, political organization, and rivers like the Saraswati. Famous hymns include the Gayatri Mantra, Purusha Sukta, and Nasadiya Sukta.

2. Yajurveda (यजुर्वेद)

The Yajurveda is the second of the four Vedas and is known as the Veda of Sacrificial Rituals. It primarily explains the procedures for performing Yajnas (sacrificial ceremonies) and religious rituals. Written in both prose and verse, it contains nearly 1,975 mantras. The Yajurveda is divided into two major branches: Shukla (White) Yajurveda and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda. Important Upanishads associated with it include the Isha Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Taittiriya Upanishad, and Katha Upanishad. It played a significant role in shaping Vedic rituals, priesthood, religious ceremonies, and philosophical traditions in ancient India.

3. Samaveda (सामवेद)

The Samaveda is the third Veda and is popularly known as the Veda of Music because most of its hymns were meant to be sung during Vedic sacrifices. It contains about 1,875 mantras, of which only around 75 are original, while the rest are borrowed from the Rigveda. Its principal deities include Agni, Indra, and Soma. The Samaveda laid the foundation of Indian classical music and chanting traditions. The priest associated with it is called the Udgata, who sings the hymns during sacrifices. It remains an important source of India's musical, spiritual, and ritual heritage.

4. Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेद)

The Atharvaveda is the fourth and final Veda and is also known as the Brahmaveda. Composed around 1200–1000 BCE, it deals with everyday life rather than only rituals. It contains 20 books (Kandas), about 730 hymns, and nearly 6,000 mantras. The Atharvaveda discusses medicine, healing, health, agriculture, family life, peace, protection, governance, spirituality, and philosophy. It also includes prayers, charms, and hymns for prosperity and well-being. Considered an early foundation of Ayurveda, it offers valuable insights into the social, cultural, scientific, and religious life of ancient India, making it unique among the four Vedas.