Aranyaka

layer of texts within the Vedas dealing with detailed instructions for rituals
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The Aranyakas (/ɑːˈrʌnjəkə/; Sanskrit: āraṇyaka आरण्यक) is the philosophy behind sacrifice of the ancient Hindu sacred texts, the Vedas.[1] They are usually part of the later parts of Vedas, and are one of many layers of the Vedic text.[2] The other parts of Vedas are the Samhitas (benedictions, hymns), Brahmanas (commentary), and the Upanishads (spirituality and abstract philosophy).[3][4]

A page of the Jaiminiya Aranyaka Gana found embedded in the Samaveda palm leaf manuscript (Sanskrit, Grantha script).
Hindu texts
Śruti

Smriti

References change

  1. "Aranyaka". Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
  2. In post-Vedic classifications by text types, the Aranyakas are one of five, with other four being Samhita, Brahmana, Upasana and Upanishad; see A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 5-17
  3. A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14
  4. Barbara A. Holdrege (1995), Veda and Torah: Transcending the Textuality of Scripture, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791416402, pages 351-357

Other reading change

  • Jan Gonda (1975), A History of Indian Literature: Volume 1, Vedic Literature: (Saṃhitās and Brāhmaṇas), Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447016032, Chapter IX: The Āraṇyakas (For context, see other chapters as well).

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