Vedas
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Śruti
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The Vedas are the four holiest books of Hinduism (the religion of the Hindus). Hindus say they are possibly the oldest books ever made by mankind. They are written in an old language called Sanskrit. They have spells (called mantras) to chant to please the demigods at the religious ceremonies. The four Vedas are :
- the Rig Veda
- the Sama Veda
- the Yajur Veda
- the Atharva Veda
The Vedas are very old Hindu religious books. They were written between 1,500 and 500 BC. The Vedas have stories about the Hindu gods, instructions for rituals, hymns, poetry, and prayers. The language of the Vedas is Vedic Sanskrit.
Hindus believe the Vedas are the basis of all Hindu religion. Even later schools of Hinduism that are very different from the Vedas, still respect the Vedas.
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[edit] Rigveda
Rigveda is the first Veda, out of the four Vedas. A translation of the words, Rig Veda, means a Veda of praise. This Veda has several verses (hymns). These hymns praise a number of gods and deities. This Veda is also the oldest Hindu holy book.
[edit] Samveda
Samaveda is the second Veda, out of the four Vedas. A translation of the words, Sam Veda, means the Veda of sacred songs. This Veda also has many hymns. They were sung by the Hindu priests and other Hindus during religious activities.
[edit] Yajurveda
Yajurveda is the third Veda, out of the four Vedas. A translation of the words, Yajur Veda, means the Veda of the Yajus. Yajus were mantras sung during religious activities. Yajur Veda is divided into two parts. Name of the first part is Black Yajurveda, called Taittiriya. Name of the second part is White Yajurveda, called Vajasaneyi.
[edit] Atharvaveda
Atharvaveda is the fourth Veda, out of the four Vedas. A translation of the words, Atharva Veda, means the Veda of knowledge. Ayurveda has connection with Atharva Veda. It was made after the other three vedas.
All these books are considered by Hindus to be of ultimate knowledge on both types of education: spiritual and mental.
