véds

Veds are a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that form the foundation of Hinduism. The term "Veda" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "vid," meaning "to know." These texts are considered to be revealed knowledge, or shruti, meaning "that which is heard," suggesting they were divinely inspired and transmitted orally through generations before being written down.

The Vedic corpus is traditionally divided into four main samhitas: the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda contains hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical discussions. The Rigveda is the oldest, primarily a collection of hymns praising various deities. The Samaveda is largely derived from the Rigveda and is set to music for chanting during sacrifices. The Yajurveda focuses on prose mantras and rituals, providing instructions for performing sacrifices. The Atharvaveda, considered the last to be compiled, includes spells, charms, and incantations for everyday life, as well as philosophical speculations.

Beyond the samhitas, each Veda is further elaborated by Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. Brahmanas explain the rituals and their significance. Aranyakas, or "forest texts," are philosophical interpretations intended for hermits. The Upanishads, which form the Vedanta ("end of the Vedas"), delve into profound metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate principle (Brahman). The Veds are central to Vedic religion, which evolved into what is now known as Hinduism.