108 Upanishads

The word 'Upanishad' in Sanskrit language means upa (near), ni (down) and shad (to sit), which can be summed up as 'to sit down near' (and receive instructions). The teacher and student or a spiritual master and his disciples setting were not always prevalent in strict sense. In some cases, it was husband answering questions about immortality to his wife or a teenage boy was being taught by Yama (God of Death). The teachers, in some cases were women sages and the seekers of inspiration were kings. Besides dialogues, Upanishads also contain narrations, similes, metaphors, illustrations and symbolism.

According to Historians, Upanishads were composed between year 800-400 B.C. Experts differ on total number of Upanishads, but most agree on 108. Major among them are Chhandogya & Kena (Sam Veda); Aitareya & Kaushitaki (Rig Veda); Katha, Taittiriya, Brihadaranyaka, Svetasvatara, Isa & Prasna (Yajur Veda); Mundaka & Mandukya (Atharva Veda). From various elaboration found inside Upanishadic verses, it can be said that, sages like Yagnavalkya, Uddalaka, Aitareya, Pippalada, Sanat Kumar, Shwetaketu, Shandilya, Manu and even Maharshi Narada disseminated Upanishadic knowledge and thus, can be said to be their authors.

Upanishad contained in the RIG-VEDA:

Upanishad contained in the SUKLA-YAJUR-VEDA:

Upanishad contained in the KRISHNA-YAJUR -VEDA:

Upanishad contained in the SAMA-VEDA:

Upanishad contained in the ATHARVA-VEDA: