SGS Veda Nidhi Academy & Masters Institute
Unit of Avadhoota Datta Peetham
Unit of Avadhoota Datta Peetham
Sacred Foundations of Sanātana Dharma
The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism, representing humanity's earliest spiritual wisdom. Set in archaic Sanskrit since time immemorial, these sacred texts form the foundation of Bhaaratiya philosophy, ritual practice, and spiritual knowledge.
The word "Veda" derives from the Sanskrit root "vid" meaning "to know," signifying divine knowledge revealed to ancient sages (rishis) through deep meditation. Each Veda serves a distinct purpose in the elaborate system of Vedic ritual (yajna) and spiritual understanding.
The Vedas are not just religious texts but encyclopedic compilations encompassing philosophy, theology, cosmology, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and the arts, making them invaluable treasures of ancient Indian civilization.
The Veda Vruksha illustrates the branches of Vedic knowledge.
ऋग्वेदः • Ṛgveda • "Veda of Praise"
The Rigveda is the oldest and most revered of the four Vedas, representing humanity's earliest preserved spiritual literature. It consists of hymns (suktas) composed in highly sophisticated Vedic Sanskrit, praising various deities and cosmic principles. The hymns explore profound philosophical questions about existence, creation, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
Recited by the Hotṛ (Pundit), who serves as the primary invoker of deities during Vedic sacrifices. The Hotṛ recites hymns (Shastra Mantras) to invite celestial beings to partake in the offerings, establishing communion between the earthly and divine realms.
Assistant roles:
Maitraavuna, Acchaavaaka, GraavaStut
The Rigveda is organized into 10 books (Mandalas). Books 2-7 are attributed to specific sage lineages. Book 9 is entirely dedicated to Soma, while Book 10 contains later philosophical hymns including the famous Nasadiya Sukta.
Aitareya Brahmanam, Kousheetaki Brahmanam explain the role Hota (Ritwik), who utilises the Mantras of Rigveda. Aitareya Aaranyaka explains about ritualistic practices and Aitareya Upanishad is a philosophical treatise.
Rik Pratishaakhyam by Shounaka Rishi, is an ancient text to learn the Samhitaa study procedures, where as Aashwalayana Shrouta Sutra, Gruhya Sutra and RigVidhaanam explain the purpose and usage of Mantras.
Originally, there were 21 shakhas of the Rigveda, but only the Śākala recension has survived in complete form and continues to be actively studied and recited today.
यजुर्वेदः • Yajurveda • "Veda of Sacrificial Formulas"
The Yajurveda is the practical manual of Vedic rituals, containing prose formulas (yajus) that guide the precise execution of sacrificial ceremonies. Unlike the Rigveda's poetic hymns, the Yajurveda provides step-by-step instructions for performing yajnas, including mantras to be recited during specific ritual actions, making it indispensable for the actual performance of Vedic sacrifices.
Krishna Yajurveda: Contains both mantras and explanatory Brahmana prose mixed together. Includes Taittirīya and Maitrāyanī shakhas.
Shukla Yajurveda (White): Separates mantras from explanatory material. Contains Vājasaneyi Samhitā with Śatapatha Brāhmana as separate text.
Used by the Adhwaryu (pundit), who performs all physical actions during the sacrifice - building the altar, preparing offerings, pouring ghee, arranging sacred utensils. The Adhvaryu mutters Yajurveda mantras while executing each ritual act. Assistant Roles: Pratiprasthaatṛ, Neshtṛ, Unnetṛ
Śrī Rudram: Powerful hymns to Rudra-Shiva, widely recited in temples today.
Puruṣa Sūkta: Parallel version of the cosmic person hymn.
Śānti Pāṭha: Famous peace invocations used in modern Hindu rituals.
ŚataPatha Brahmanam: Most comprehensive texts of all Vedas.
Taittiriya Brahmanam: Contains vast sections of Mantras, along with explanatory sentences and Upanishad.
Bruhadaranyakam: Philosophical treatise, explaining the purpose of life.
Taittiriya Praatishakhyam, is an ancient text to learn the Samhitaa study procedures, where as Aapastamba, Bodhayana, Hiranyakeshi, Katyana Shrouta Sutra, Gruhya Sutra explain the purpose and usage of Mantras and explain the genesis of many procedures.
While there were originally 86 shakhas of Yajurveda (42 Krishna and 44 Shukla), only these three have survived with complete oral and textual traditions.
सामवेदः • Sāmaveda • "Veda of Melodies"
The Samaveda is the musical dimension of Vedic knowledge, transforming Rigvedic hymns into elaborate melodic chants (sāman). It represents the genesis of Indian classical music, establishing the foundational concepts of raga (melodic framework), tala (rhythm), and svara (musical notes). The Samaveda demonstrates how sound vibration (nāda) can be harnessed for spiritual elevation and cosmic harmony.
The Samaveda established the seven basic notes (sapta svara): Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni - the foundation of all Indian music. It introduced complex melodic patterns, microtones, and the concept of rasa (aesthetic emotion) through sound.
Chanted by the Udgātṛ, who sings elaborate melodies during the soma sacrifice. The Udgātṛ is supported by three assistant pundits (Prastotṛ, Pratihartṛ and Subrahmanya), creating a harmonious three-part musical offering to deities.
Ārcika: Collection of verses (rc) based letters of a Mantra
Gāna: The melodies and patterns for singing the verses by improvising
Ūha & Rahasya Gāna: Melodic variations and improvisations
1) Tāṇḍya Mahābrāhmaṇa (also known as Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa) – the main and largest Brāhmaṇa 2) Ṣaḍviṃśa Brāhmaṇa 3) Sāṃavidhāna Brāhmaṇa 4) Ārṣeya Brāhmaṇa 5) Devatādhyāya Brāhmaṇa 6) Vaṃśa Brāhmaṇa 7) Saṃhitopaniṣad Brāhmaṇa 8) Jaiminīya Brāhmaṇa (Talavakāra Brāhmaṇa) & (Chāndogya Brāhmaṇa/ Upanishad)
Of the original 1,000 shakhas mentioned in ancient texts, these three have survived with their unique musical notations and chanting styles intact.
अथर्ववेदः • Atharvaveda • "Veda of Sacred Formulas"
The Atharvaveda stands apart as the most comprehensive and practical of the Vedas, addressing daily life concerns alongside profound philosophical inquiry. Named after the sage Atharvan, with contributions from Sages such as Bhrugu, Angiras it encompasses healing sciences (āyurveda), protective charms, domestic rituals, philosophical speculation, and esoteric knowledge. This Veda bridges the gap between elaborate Vedic rituals and household spiritual practices.
Contains extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, healing mantras, and therapeutic procedures. Many hymns address diseases, herbs, and healing energies. The Atharvaveda laid the foundation for Āyurveda, India's traditional medical system.
Used by the Brahman priest, who serves as the supervisor and protector of the entire ritual. The Brahman observes all proceedings silently, ready to correct errors or counter any negative influences through Atharvanic mantras. Brahmāṇacchaṃsī, Agnīdhra and Potṛ are the others in the team. Sadasya also oversees the rituals.
Gopatha Brahmana, details philosophical ideas, genesis of Vedic Practices. Where as Mundaka - Mandukya - Prashna Upanishad texts are known for their great insights about philosophy.
There were originally 9 shakhas of Atharvaveda. The Paippalāda Śākhā, long thought lost, was dramatically rediscovered in Kashmir, Gujarat and Odisha, offering invaluable insights into Vedic diversity.