2. Four layers of Vedic literature

four layers of Vedic literature — Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishad — based on the main four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) and their primary branches.

Please note: Numbers vary slightly across traditions and manuscripts, but this gives you the most commonly accepted scholarly summary.

The Four Layers of Vedic Literature part -1

2. Four layers of Vedic literature

Samhita • Brahmana • Aranyaka • Upanishad The Sacred Anatomy of Eternal Wisdom ऋचो अक्षरे परमे व्योमन् यस्मिन् देवा अधि विश्वे निषेदुः।In the imperishable highest space reside the Riks (hymns), in which all the devas dwell.— Rigveda 1.164.39 Sanatana Dharma is not rooted in a single book — but in an ever-flowing river of revelation. And nowhere is this more profound, more ancient, and more mysterious than in the Vedas. But the Vedas are not…

Four Layers of Vedic Literature part -2

2. Four layers of Vedic literature

1. Samhita (संहिता) – The core mantra portion These are the original hymns and mantras revealed to the Rishis. Veda Number of Hymns (Suktas) Number of Shlokas (Approx.) Number of Mandalas/Books Rigveda 1,028 suktas ~10,552 mantras 10 mandalas Yajurveda ~1,975 mantras (Krishna Yajur), ~1,875 (Shukla Yajur) ~1,980+ Divided into Kandas/Adhyayas Samaveda ~1,875 mantras (many from Rigveda) ~1,875 2 parts (Purvarchika & Uttararchika) Atharvaveda 730 suktas ~5,977 mantras 20 books (Kandas) 📘 Total Samhita Layer:Approx. 3,500+…

108 Upanishads and Their Associated Vedas

Upanishads

List of 108 Upanishads and Their Associated Vedas Below is a comprehensive list of the 108 Upanishads as enumerated in the Muktika Upanishad, along with their associated Vedas. While the Muktika canon lists 108 Upanishads, it’s important to note that the total number of Upanishads is traditionally considered to be over 200, though many are lost or exist only in fragmentary form. The 108 Upanishads are categorized based on their philosophical themes and the Vedas…

The Upanishads: Introduction

Upanishads

The Secret Teachings of Sanatana Dharma. The Heart of Vedantic Wisdom. The Upanishads are the spiritual core of the Vedas, the oldest sacred scriptures of India. Often called the Vedanta — meaning “the end of the Vedas” — the Upanishads represent the culmination of Vedic thought. They explore profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, the universe, the Self (Atman), and the Absolute (Brahman). The term Upanishad itself means “sitting near” — referring…