Question

Name the 4 Vedas. What do they contain?

Answer 1

Hint: The Vedas are a collection of religious texts from ancient India. The books, written in Vedic Sanskrit, are the earliest layer of Sanskrit literature as well as Hinduism's oldest scriptures. The Vedas have been passed down orally from the second millennium BCE, using complex mnemonic procedures.

Complete answer:
Rig Veda: The "Rig Veda," the first Veda, is the earliest written scripture. This one is considered the most essential by scholars, and modern-day yoga scholars refer to it more than any other. It is made up of ten books, or mandalas, that include over 1,000 chants of devotion to Hindu gods and goddesses. The Purusha Shukta, as well as the adored Gayatri Mantra, are both found in this Veda. The "Rig Veda" is essentially a holy book of mantras.
Features of Rig Veda:
- It is the oldest Vedic Sanskrit text and the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit manuscript.
- The word 'Rigveda' means 'praise of knowledge.'

Yajur Veda: The "Yajur Veda," which provides rites and ceremonial rules, is more of a guidebook for priests. It's supposed to be related to the "Book of the Dead," an ancient Egyptian manuscript. This manual would be used by priests during ritual sacrifices. There are two components to this Veda: the “black” and the “white.” The "Yajur Veda" can be thought of as a book of ceremonies.
Features of Yajur Veda:
- There are 1549 verses in total (except 75 verses, all have been taken from Rigveda)
- Chandogya Upanishad and Kena Upanishad are two Upanishads found in Samaveda.

Sama Veda: The "Sama Veda" is primarily a collection of chants and hymns that were chanted throughout various religious ceremonies and sacrifices. The "Rig Veda" is where all of the tunes in this book originate.
Features of Sama Veda
- Krishna (Black/Dark) and Shukla (White/Bright) are the two sorts.
- The verses of the Krishna Yajurveda are disorganized, confusing, and haphazard.

Atharva Veda: Finally, there's the "Atharva Veda," which contains all of the ancient incantations, spells, and charms. It has a distinct feel from the other three Vedas, and it is sometimes seen to possess its spirit, making it distinctive in its own right. The Atharva Veda is thought to give a good picture of Vedic life thousands of years ago.
Features of Atharva Veda
- This Veda enumerates all of life's routines in great detail.
- There are 730 hymns/suktas, 6000 mantras, and 20 books in the collection.

Note: Vedic literature is one of the main sources of Ancient Indian history. The Vedas are the foundation of Indian scripture. The Vedas codify Vedic religion's concepts and practices, and they also serve as the foundation for classical Hinduism.