The Vedas are a collection of ancient sacred texts that are considered the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. They are revered as divine revelations received by ancient sages (rishis) through deep meditation and spiritual insight. The word "Veda" is derived from the Sanskrit root "vid," which means "to know," signifying the knowledge contained within these texts
The Rigveda is the oldest and most foundational of the Vedas, consisting of hymns (suktas) addressed to various deities, prayers, and rituals. It is divided into ten books called Mandalas.
The Samaveda is a collection of melodies (saman) used in Vedic rituals, chanted by priests during sacrifices. It is closely related to the Rigveda and contains many of the same hymns, albeit in a musical form.
The Yajurveda is a collection of prose mantras and verses used by priests (hotri) during Vedic rituals and sacrifices. It provides detailed instructions for performing various rituals, including sacrificial offerings and prayers. It is further divided into two main branches: the Shukla (white) Yajurveda and the Krishna (black) Yajurveda.
The Atharvaveda is a compilation of hymns, incantations, and spells used for practical purposes such as healing, protection, and prosperity. It deals with a wide range of subjects, including medicine, astrology, and magic.