The Samhitas
Samhitas
are made of Mantras-sacred hymns written to meter and have to be read in
the proper tune (`swara'). They mostly consist of invocations to the
Early Gods of Sanathana Dharma- Indra, Varuna, Yama, Surya etc. These
gods are relegated to second order in time , with Trimurties (Lord
Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva who are responsible for the
generation, operation and destruction as per Hindu mythology.
The
Samhitas are totally five since Yajur Veda has two parts - Krshna Yajur
samhita and Sukla Yajur samhita. These Samhitas consists of 20389 slokas
( Rig-10552, Sama-1875, Yajur or Vajasayina samhita-1975, Atharva -
5987)
Rig-Veda Samhita
(c. 1200 BCE) is the oldest of the four vedas and consists of 1028 hymns
in praise of thirty-three gods and refers to rituals associated with
these gods.
Yajur-Veda
Samhita
is used as a handbook by priests performing the vedic sacrifices.
Sama-Veda
Samhita
sets the verses of the Rig Veda to music, to be sung during sacrificial
rites.
Atharva-Veda
Samhita
(c. 900 BCE) preserves many traditions which pre-date the Aryan
influence and consists of spells, charms and magical formulae.
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