Four Layers of Vedic Literature part -2
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+ hymns (suktas) and 20,000+ mantras/shlokas
📖 2. Brahmana (ब्राह्मण) – Ritual explanations and procedures
These are prose texts explaining the application of Samhita mantras in yajnas (sacrifices).
| Veda | Main Brahmanas | Chapters/Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Aitareya Brahmana | 8 Panchikas (40 Adhyayas) |
| Yajurveda | Shatapatha Brahmana (White), Taittiriya Brahmana (Black) | Shatapatha: 14 books; Taittiriya: 3 Kandas |
| Samaveda | Tandya Mahabrahmana, Jaiminiya Brahmana | Tandya: 25 prapathakas |
| Atharvaveda | Gopatha Brahmana | 2 sections (Purva & Uttara) |
📘 Total Brahmana Layer:
~1000+ sections or chapters across all Brahmanas
🌳 3. Aranyaka (आरण्यक) – Forest texts for meditative rituals
These form the bridge between ritual and philosophy — often read by forest-dwelling hermits and advanced spiritual seekers.
| Veda | Main Aranyakas | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Aitareya Aranyaka | 5 chapters |
| Yajurveda | Taittiriya Aranyaka, Brihadaranyaka* | Taittiriya: 10 chapters; Brihadaranyaka often treated as Upanishad |
| Samaveda | Jaiminiya Aranyaka | 3 chapters |
| Atharvaveda | No distinct Aranyaka preserved | — |
📘 Total Aranyaka Layer:
~18+ major chapters, often overlapping with Upanishads
🧘 4. Upanishad (उपनिषद्) – Wisdom and Self-Realization
These are the crown jewels of Indian spiritual thought — dialogues and teachings on Atman, Brahman, Karma, Rebirth, and Moksha.
| Veda | Number of Principal Upanishads (Mukhya) | Total Known Upanishads | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | 3–5 | ~30 | Aitareya, Kaushitaki |
| Yajurveda | 16+ | ~50 | Brihadaranyaka, Isha, Taittiriya, Katha |
| Samaveda | 6+ | ~16 | Chandogya, Kena |
| Atharvaveda | 30+ | ~100 | Mundaka, Mandukya, Prashna, Garbha |
📘 Total Upanishads (recognized in Muktika tradition):
108 (principal canon)
200+ (in extended collections)
🧾 Total Overview (Approximate):
| Layer | Text Count | Verse Count | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samhita | ~3,500 suktas | ~20,000 mantras | Core Veda hymns |
| Brahmana | ~15+ texts | 1,000+ adhyayas | Ritual details in prose |
| Aranyaka | ~7+ major Aranyakas | ~18 chapters | Meditative + philosophical bridge |
| Upanishad | 108 canonical, ~200+ | ~5,000+ mantras | Focus on self, reality, liberation |