The Vedas (“knowledge”) are a large body of knowledge texts originating in the ancient Indian subcontinent. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas are considered revelations seen by ancient sages after intense meditation and self-enquiry.
There are four Vedas: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda.
Each Veda has been subclassified into four major text types –
the Samhitas (mantras and benedictions),
the Aranyakas (text on rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices and symbolic-sacrifices),
the Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices),
and the Upanishads (texts discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge).
Some scholars add a fifth category – the Upasanas (worship).
