They explain the hymns and indicate how these are to be used in sacrifices. This is what the Brahmanas set out to do. But these mantras are difficult to interpret without commentaries. These were hymns that were used in sacrifices. The Samhita part consists of mantras or incantations. The Rig Veda is identified with the path of knowledge, the yajur Veda with the path of action, and the Sama Veda with the path of devotion.Įach of the Vedas has two parts, a samhita and the Brahmanas. Since the Vedas teach these three paths to salvation, they are referred to as trayi. The three paths to salvation are believed to be those of jnana (Knowledge), bhakti (devotion) and karma (action). Although the interpretation does seem to be slightly artificial, it is following. The world trayi is also interpreted in a different sense. The Atharva Veda is believed to have been a later addition to the sacred canon.
These are acknowledged to have been the Rig Vedas, the yajur Veda and the Sama Veda. There must have been some point in time when there were only three Vedas. Many years ago, the Vedas were referred to as trayi or three. There are four Vedas, known as the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda. The root is vid, ‘to Know’ The Vedas are thus texts that provide Knowledge. The Vedas are ancient texts that are sacred in India and renowned the world over.
