Védák

The Vedas are a large body of Vedic Sanskrit texts originating in ancient India. They are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, regarded as śruti ("what is heard") by Hindus. The Vedic Sanskrit literature is a vast corpus of hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical treatises. The four principal Vedas are the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda is typically divided into four parts: the Samhitas (mantras and hymns), the Aranyakas (forest texts, dealing with rituals and meditation), the Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals), and the Upanishads (philosophical texts discussing the nature of reality and the self).

The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the Vedas, containing over a thousand hymns dedicated to various deities. The Samaveda consists of melodies and chants, largely drawn from the Rigveda, intended for liturgical use. The Yajurveda contains prose mantras and verses for sacrificial rites. The Atharvaveda, which was incorporated later, includes spells, charms, and incantations alongside philosophical hymns.

The Vedas are believed to have been composed between 1500 and 500 BCE. They are considered authoritative texts within Hinduism, influencing its theology, philosophy, and practices. The teachings within the Vedas have been interpreted and debated for centuries, forming the foundation of various schools of Hindu thought. Their study is crucial for understanding the historical development and core tenets of Hinduism.