Sacred Texts

Vedaवेद

The foundational scriptures of Hinduism — four collections of hymns, mantras, and sacred knowledge regarded as eternal revelation.

Detailed Explanation

The Vedas (from vid, to know) are the oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures: the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Each contains hymns and mantras (Samhitas), ritual texts (Brahmanas), and philosophical portions (Aranyakas and Upanishads). Regarded as shruti — that which was heard, eternal truth revealed to ancient seers (rishis) — they are the source of much later Hindu ritual, thought, and mantra.

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Related Terms

Upanishadउपनिषद्

The philosophical culmination of the Vedas, inquiring into the Self (Atman), the absolute (Brahman), and liberation.

Mantraमंत्र

A sacred sound, syllable, or phrase used in meditation and worship.

Shlokaश्लोक

A Sanskrit verse, classically a couplet of 32 syllables, the standard verse form of Hindu epics and scriptures.