Vedic age (1500-600)BC
This is Vedic literature It is also called Shruti literature
1. Veda
- Brahmin
- Aranyaka
4.Upanishad
This is not Vedic literature.
1. Vedang
2.memory
3.Purana
4.Ramayana
5.Mahabharata
The Vedas –
*The literal meaning of Veda is knowledge.
*The compilation of the Vedas was done by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.
*The Aryans composed the Vedas.
*The literal meaning of Arya is noble/elite.
*The Vedas are considered eternal, authentic, and apauruṣeya (not of human origin).
*Those who composed Vedic hymns are called drashta (seer). Women who composed Vedic hymns were called rishi.
→ Vedas are 4
I. Rigveda –
- The Rig Veda has 10 Mandalas, 1028 Suktas, 10580 (10600) Mantras. Richa
*The first and 10th circles have been added later. - The second to seventh circles are called Vansh Mandal/Family Circle.
*Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in the third mandala.
*Gayatri Mantra was composed by Vishwamitra.
*Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri/Savitri (Sun). - There is mention of Dashraj/Dasarajan war in the seventh circle.
bharat clan v/s 10 clan
Raja = Sudas
Purohit = Vashishtha
Priest = Vishwamitra
*This war was fought for the water of Ravi river.
*In the eighth Mandala, we find the names of sage women like Ghosa, Sikata, Apala, Visvara, Kakshavriti, Lopamudra. - The 1st mandala is dedicated to Soma.
Som meets Mujvant mountain. - Mention of the word Shudra / mention of all four varnas is found in the Purusha Sukta of the 10th Mandal.
- Nirguna Bhakti is mentioned in the Nasadiya Sukta of the 10th Mandal.
*Brahmin who recites the mantras of the Rig Veda = Hotri
*Upveda = Ayurveda
Ⅱ. Yajurveda :-
*It has two parts –
- Krishna Yajurveda
- Shukla Yajurveda It is called Bajsaniya Samhita.
*This Veda is written in prose and poetry.
*The methods of performing Yagya have been mentioned in it.
*Zero is mentioned in this Veda.
*One who pronounces mantra = Adhvaryu
*Upveda = Dhanurveda
Ⅲ. Samveda :-
*The oldest source of music
*The pronunciation of Vedic mantras has been described which are sung in a loud voice.
*Favourite Veda of Lord Krishna
*One who utters mantras = Udgata
*It is also called Mahiveda, Bhaishjya Veda, AtharvaAngiras Veda.
*Upaveda = Gandharvaveda
IV. Atharvaveda :-
*also known as mahiveda / atharavangiras
*This is a materialistic Veda.
*Witchcraft and tricks have been mentioned in this.
*Medical methods and medicines have been mentioned in it.
*One who utters mantras = Brahm
*Upaveda = Shilpaveda
*The methods of performing Yagya have been mentioned in it.
Brahmin literature :-
Rigveda –
1.Aitareya Brahmin
2.Kaushitaki Brahmana
3.Shatapath Brahmin
- Taitiraya Brahmana
Samveda –
1.Panchvish Brahmin
2.Shadvish
3.Gemniya
Atharvaveda –
1.Gopath Brahmana
Aranyaka Literature :-
*These were composed in forests (Aranya).
*Theme :-
Mystical knowledge and philosophical elements
*The literal meaning of Upanishad is to sit with devotion near the Guru.
Upanishad :-
*Their number is 108.
*It is also called Vedanta.
*Major Upanishads –
1.Kathopanishad = Katha +Upanishad. It contains the dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa.Rituals have been criticized in this.
2.Chandogya Upanishad –
- The oldest mention of Lord Krishna is found in this.
- Lord Shri Krishna has been described as the disciple of Devaki and the son of sage Angiras. son of
- The Panchsheel principle of Buddhism is found in it.
3 Vrihadaranyaka Upanishads – - Longest Upanishad
- It contains the dialogue between Gargi and Yajnavalkya.
- Jabal Upanishad –
- Mention of all four ashrams is found.
5.Aitareya Upanishads –
*Eightfold Path of Buddhism
6.Mundaka Upanishad –
“Truth Alone Triumphs”= satyamev jayte
Vedanga :-
*It was composed to understand Brahmin Vedic literature.
*Their number is 6.
*Grammar Panini’s Ashtadhyayi is the first book of grammar.
*Astrology
*Kalpa
*Nirukta
Purana:-
*Puranas were composed by Lomaharsha and Ugrashrava.
*The number of Puranas is 18.
*Literal meaning of Purana = ancient narrative
Matsyapuran :-
*oldest purana
- Information about Shunga and Satvahana dynasty is available in it.
