“Anantā vai vedāḥ” – The Vedas are infinite.
These timeless words reflect the boundless wisdom encapsulated in the Vedas—the oldest and most sacred scriptures of Sanatan Dharma, regarded as divine revelations (Shruti) heard by ancient sages (Rishis) in deep meditative states. They are not authored in the conventional sense; instead, they are apauruṣeya—not of human origin.
What Are the Vedas?
The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Vid’, meaning to know. Thus, Veda means “knowledge”—not just intellectual knowledge, but spiritual truth that liberates the soul and aligns one with the eternal cosmic order (Rita).
The Vedas are divided into four main collections:
- Rigveda – The Veda of Hymns
- Samaveda – The Veda of Music and Chants
- Yajurveda – The Veda of Rituals and Ceremonies
- Atharvaveda – The Veda of Everyday Life and Healing
Each Veda contains four parts:
- Samhita: Core hymns and mantras
- Brahmana: Ritual meanings and instructions
- Aranyaka: Forest teachings for deeper reflection
- Upanishad: Philosophical and spiritual insights, the path to self-realization
The Purpose of the Vedas
The Vedas serve multiple dimensions of life:
- Spiritual Enlightenment – Guiding the soul toward Moksha (liberation)
- Moral and Ethical Living – Teaching Dharma (righteousness)
- Societal Harmony – Encouraging respect for nature, truth, and community
- Personal Growth – Promoting self-discipline, devotion, and inner strength
The Vedas encompass prayers to deities, principles of cosmology, rules for rituals, and profound dialogues between teacher and student. They bridge the seen (material) and unseen (spiritual) worlds.
