AUM SRI SAIRAM

VEDA
e meaning of the word Veda
The word Veda
originates from
the Sanskrit root
Vid. The Sanskrit
verb Vid means
to know. The
word Veda
literally means
knowledge.
 Glory of Veda
Vedas also called as Shruti Vedas are
passed in an accurate manner through
generations only through oral
communication

The Vedas are the most celebrated

possessions of Sanatana Dharma that
emphasize on the growth and
development of human towards
transformation
 Glory of Veda
Vedas are Apoursheya Vedas
doesnot have author and they are the
very breath of Supreme
Rishi are called as mantra drashtah(one
who sees a mantra) and not as mantra
karta(creator of mantra).
anantha vai vedaha Vedas are
infinite and limitless
 Veda Vyasa
Maharishi Veda Vyasa compiled all the works of
rishis into four parts known to us as the Four Vedas.

Vyasa had four famous

disciples
Paila
Vaisampayana
Jaimini
Sumantu.
Vyasa taught
Rig Veda to Paila,
Yajur Veda to Vaisampayana,
Sama Veda to Jaimini
Atharva Veda to Sumantu.
Classification of Vedas
Classification of Vedas
 Classification of Vedas
KARMA KANDA
Samhita means "put together, joined, union" and "a methodically, rule-
based combination of text or verses".
It is referred to as collection of veda mantras grouped togethere in the
Veda, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers

Brahmana Vedic verses that contains the detail explanation for the
mantras that are available in the samhita, its meaning use and method of
application

Aranyaka Helps in understanding the vedic rituals and their procedures

for people in vanaprastha, also explains about the mantras and their
application
GNANA KANDA

Upanishad - The Upanishads are sometimes referred to as Vedanta,

variously interpreted to mean either the "last chapters, parts of the Veda"
or "the object, the highest purpose of the Veda
 Rig Veda
Rigveda is in form of Suktas, which mean 'beautiful
statements'.
A collection of very beautifully composed incantations itself is
a Sukta.
The Sukta is a hymn and is composed of a set of Riks.
'Rik' means - an incantation that contains praises and Veda
means knowledge
It contains total of 10552 mantras organised in 1028 suktas in
ten mandalas(chapters)
Shakas of rig veda that are available shaakala,Baskala
The Brahmana of the Rig Veda presents the procedure for
yajna and tells how to use the riks for yagnas.
There are two Brahmana texts named Kausheetki and
Aitereya
Aitareya Upanishad comes under the Rig veda
Mahavaakya Pragyanam Brahma ( aitareya upanishad)
 Yajur Veda
Yajur veda describes about the various steps by which
religious rituals should be performed.
It is a step-by-step guide about the right way of performing
religious ceremonies and sacred rituals.
The word "Yajus" meaning sacrifice
There are two major recensions they are
Shukla yajur veda Madhyandina, Kanva
Krishna yajur veda Taittiriya, maitriyani,katha and kapisthala
Upanishads from this vedas are
Shukla - Isavasya and brihadaranyakopanishad,
Krishna Taittiriyopanishad and Mahanarayanopanishad
Mahavaakya Aham Brahmasmi ( Brihadaranyakopanishad)
 Samaveda
Samaveda is a major collection of rigveda mantras Its stanzas
assume their proper character of musical samans (song
fashion.)
It is chanted at the ceremonies of the Soma-sacrifice.
It is, therefore, specially intended for the Udagata priest, who
chants at the sacrificial ritual.
Among the four Vedas, the Samaveda is regarded as the
foremost. In the Bhagavadgata, Lord Krishna has declared
"Among the Vedas I am Samaveda"- Vedanama
Samavedosmi
Shakas of Sama vedas are
Jaiminiya
Raanaayaniya
Kauthama
Upanishads from this veda are kena and chandogya
Mahavaakya Tatwamasi (Chandogya)
 Atharva veda
Atharva veda is mainly composed by Sage atharva and
angirasa
It explains about the bringing out their super natural powers
that can be achieved by humans.
It contains mantras for preparing medicines for healing
various diseases
It speaks about the warfare strategies and methodology.
Shakas of atharva vedas are
Pippalda
Shaunaka
Upanishads from this veda are mundaka, mandukya and
prasna
Mahavaakya ayam atma brahma (mandukya)
 Upanishad
It is considered as the highest form of knowledge imparted
to loosen or destroy the darkness or ignorance
They are also called as vedanta End portion of Veda
According to Muktikopanishad we have total of 108
upanishads available with us
Out of 108 upanishads popular ten upanishads are
commented by three acharyas Sankara, Madhva and
Ramanuja
They are Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya,
taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka
 Shad darshanas
The word darsana literally means vision.
The six schools of philosophy are the six instruments of true
teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth
. Each school has developed, systematised and correlated the
various parts of the Vedas in its own way.
The purpose of darsana is to show the path to liberation, and
the source of binding
Six Darshanas are
Nyaya
Mimamsa
Vaisheshika
Sankhya
Yoga
Vedanta
 Vedanga - Introduction
Vedanga - The word Vedanga means a limb or aid or auxiliary
of the Veda.
Anga Limb Parts of body
What is Purpose of Anga ?
To do some action
What is the aim of Vedanga? / Why we have Vedanga
Vedas are highly complex statements tough to understand
Meanings are referred to all states of mind referring to the
physical and mental world.
Grasping the meaning at both levels requires two levels of
vision, sight on one, insight on the other
Considering to preserve this understanding of highest
knowledge through generation with purity and integrity,
resulted in Vedanga
 Vedanga - Introduction
Vedangas were integral and essential part of vedic education
system for better understanding of Vedas and Vedic practices

First references to Vedangas are made in Mandukya

Upanishad as subjects for students of vedas.
 Vedanga - Introduction
Ears - Nirukta
Eyes - Jyotisha

Nose - Shiksha

Hands- Kalpa
Mouth - Vyakarana

Feet - Chandas

VedaPurusha
 Vedanga - Introduction
Maharishis of the ancient past have provided Sutras and
bhashyas for understanding the vedangas

Vedangas Angam Maharishi Work

Shiksha Ears Panini Shiksha sutra

Vyakarana Mouth Panini Ashtadhyayi

Chandas Feet Pingala Chanda sutra

Nirukta Ears Yaska Nirukta

Jyotisha Eyes Lagadha Vedanga Jyotisha

Apastamba, Shrauta, smarta,

Kalpa Hands Sathyashada, gruhya, Shulbha
Bodayana sutras
 Shiksha
Siksha deals with phonetics, the pronunciation and accent. It
explains how each syllable should be pronounced in which
context and the psychic effects
From Taittiriya Upanishad, First chapter details about the
rules in shiksha
Syllables are called as Aksharas - Imperishable
panini has mentioned them as Shiva Sutras as it was
revealed by Lord Shiva to him
 Shiksha
Example from Panini Shiska sutra

Swara Prana, Vyanjana -Body

Maatra (Timelines)
Hrasva Short, Deerga long
Sthanas of Akshara
Kant hya Throat
Tlavya Palatal
Mrdhanya
Dantya Teeth
shtya Lips
 Shiksha
Rules of veda chanting are also mentioned in Shiksha sutra

-
Chanting with a tune, as if it were a song
Chantingin a hurry and swallowing up the syllables
Nodding the head or moving some part of the body while
chanting
Chanting just as is written, even if there were errors
Chanting without understanding the meaning of the text
Chanting with a tone so low that even the person sitting in
front has to perk up his ears
 Vyakarana
Vyakarana means Grammar.
It helps us in understanding the correct meaning of the
words
It is also called Shabdanushasanam which means Science of
Words
Thus, Vyakarana may be thought of as an analysis of
language to identify the basic building blocks of language and
a synthesis of those building blocks
Paninis Ashtadhyayi deals with structure of words and
sentences and their construction
Origin of Vyakarana is related to Maheswara sutras as
revealed by Shiva to Panini
Sage Patanjali gave commentaries as Mahabhashyam on
Vyakarana
It plays an integral part of the vedic studies and supports
protection of the veda by acquiring the right knowledge to
 Vyakarana
It is applied for padaccheda(split up) and sandhi connecting
the words.

The dhtupt ha is also a part of vyakarana is a list of about

2,200 primitive roots classified into ten group
Each group of roots conjugate broadly similarly
It is applied in Vedic recitation for Prakriti and Vikruti Pata to
chant the mantras in two and fro form
Example: Ghana patha
1-2-2-1 1-2-3 3-2-1 1-2-3
 Vyakarana
Prakrititvat Vikruti Kartavyaha

Dhatupatha deals with list of root words that gives rise to

other words
It is part of vyakarana and it has 2,200 primitive roots
Ex: Ja, Bha,Mru
It is applied in Vedic recitation for Prakriti and Vikruti Pata to
chant the mantras in two and fro form
Example: Ghana patha
1-2-2-1 1-2-3 3-2-1 1-2-3
 Chandas
It is the foot that leads to the knowledge of Supreme.
It is derived from the root word Chad To hide
They are the meters used in measuring the vedic mantras
Also it is applied for the Itihasa and Purana and shlokas
Its application is as similar as Thirukural and Naladiar in
Tamil
Greatness of Chandas- NACHCHHANDAI
VAAGUCHCHARIT
Which means without the Chandas one cannot even
pronounce
Chandas alone ensures that the original form of the Vedic
text is kept absolutely intact, without adding or substracting
even one syllable.
It is only proper that no liberties are taken with the Vedic
sounds. Even a small plus or minus is bound to disturb their
spiritual content. .
 Chandas
A verse had to be set in a meter, divided into a set number of
Padas, comprised in turn, of syllables
Some of the Famous chandas are
Gayatri: 3 padas of 8 syllables containing 24 syllables
Ushnik : 4 padas of 7 syllables containing 28 syllables.
Anustubh: 4 padas of 8 syllables containing 32 syllables
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The four quarters are

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 Chandas
Brihati : 4 padas (8 + 8 + 12 + 8) containing
Pankti : 4 padas (sometimes 5 padas) containing.
Tristubh: 4 padas of 11 syllables containing 44
Jagati: 4 padas of 12 syllables containing 48 syllables in
each stanza
 Nirukta
Niruktam It stands for the ears of the Veda purusha
'Nirukta' means 'etymology'- helps to know meaning of
words
Etymology the study of the origin of words and the way
in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Only work survived is Nirukta of Yaska
Nirukta is the commentary of Nighantu.
Nighantu are compilation of the difficult and complex terms
of the Vedas grouped together.
The term "Nirukta" has been described by sage
Sayanacharya in the following way
"ARTHAVABODHE NIRPEKSHATAYA PADJATAM YATRA
TAT NIRUKTAM which means
The collection of independent words which helps in
understanding their meaning are called Nirukta.
 Niruktam
Commentators of Nirukta
Durgacharya is one of the most ancient commentator of the
Nirukta, but he is certainly not the first one to do so.
Numerous commentaries of earlier annotators are
mentioned in his volume.
According to him
Nirukta is supreme among the Vedangas because it
helps us to understand the meaning of the words. The
meaning of the word is of primary importance and the
word itself is of secondary importance
the study of grammar also helps in understanding the
characteristics of words but cannot interpret the meaning
of words as deeply as Nirukta
 Niruktam
Examples on Niruktam on Water
Pniya to be drunk, drinkable, a beverage, water
Salila flowing, surging, fluctuating; flood, surge, waves, water
nira water
Killa sweet beverage (the food of the gods), blood, water
Jala water, any fluid
Ambuwater(Lotus Ambu-Ja)
paswater
Vr water; stagnant water, a pond
Vriwater, rain, fluid, fluidity
Kamwater (Maitriya Samhita)
toya water
paya any fluid or juice, milk, water, rain
Pthawater
Udaka water
Jivanavivifying, giving life, enlivening, life giving element, water
Vana -water (Nighantu)
Ambha water, the celestial waters
Ana - not held up, not pent up, not fixed
amirtanectar, ambrosia, water
Ghanarasacloud-fluid, water
 Niruktam
Examples on Shatam referred in Vedas
 Jyotsiha
Jyotisha - Eye, organ of sight of Veda Purusha
Jyotisha is also known by the name of Nayana meaning
the eye. Naya means to lead. A blind person has to be led
by someone. For us who are fortunate in having the eyes
which can see the eye performs the role of the leader.
Having determined the auspicious time for doing Vedic
karmas, Jyotisha plays the role of the eye in leading us to
their actual performance.
This science or saastra has three parts or skandhas.
Hence it is called Skandha Trayaatmakam.
These are Siddhanta Skandham, Hora Skandham and
Samhita Skandham. The word Skandha means the main
branch from the trunk of a tree.
 Jyotsiha
Garga, Narada, Paraasara and many other sages have
written many treatises on Jyotisha.
It instructs us to calculate the right time to conduct of all
actions, and this was particularly so in respect of rituals
and sacrifices.
Sage Lagadha s work was the earliest on Jyotisha
While objects, which are near at hand, can be identified by
touch, those at a distance can only be seen by the eyes.
Just as the human eyes are useful in identifying objects far
and near the Jyotisha Saastra is useful in seeing the
disposition of planets and stars in time i.e, many years ago
or hereafter in the future
Jyotisha also helps Ayurveda to determine the basic health
potential of the person, their disease tendency and
possibility of recovery
 Kalpa
Kalpa Hands of the Veda Purusha
Vedas are complex and difficult to understand, Sages who
foresee our state of life have simplified the Vedas and
provided their crux as Sutras
Sutras here describe about the procedure for performing
an activity
So many rishis like Bodhayana, Apastamba, Sathyashada,
Bharadwaja,Vaikhanasar etc.. have provided these Sutras
They are
Shrauta-sutras, dealing with Shrauta sacrifices
Grihya-sutras, dealing with domestic ceremonies
Dharma-sutras, dealing religious, social laws
Shulba-sutras, dealing measurement of altars
 Kalpa
Shrauta-sutras, dealing with Shrauta sacrifices
They detail about the performing of Vedic sacrifices Like
Agnihotra, Somayaga, Vaajapeya, Aswamedha yagnas
etc..
Construction of Yagnasala(Place of doing Yagna) and
utensils to be used
Detail description of procedure for doing Yagna
 Kalpa
Gruhya Sutras, deals with rituals to be performed for a
person starting from Birth till death
Garbhadhana,Pumsavana,Seemantha,Jaatakarma,Anna
prasana,Choula,Upanayana,Vivaha,Antyeshti Last rites

Dharma Shastras guides through our way of life

explaining the do s and donts in the situations we face
In our life.
It shapes the Character of the conduct and boost the
moral of the society by the right way of life.
It results in the peace in the society.

Shulbha Shutras deals about the architecture

supporting the construction of House, Temple, Yagna
vedi, etc.
THANK YOU
SAIRAM