samhita
Definition
Noun: 1. A collection of sacred texts in Hinduism: Specifically, a Samhita is one of the four primary collections of Vedic hymns, mantras, and liturgical formulas. Each Samhita is associated with one of the four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva) and forms its core textual layer.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The Rigveda Samhita is the oldest and most important of the Vedic collections.
- Scholars study the Samhitas to understand early Hindu rituals and philosophy.
- Each Veda has its own Samhita, which contains the hymns used by priests.
Advanced Usage
- "The Samhitas": When used in the plural and with the definite article, it typically refers collectively to these four core Vedic texts.
- The Samhitas are considered śruti (that which is heard), or divinely revealed scripture.
Variants and Related Words
- Veda (n): The overarching category of sacred knowledge to which a Samhita belongs. A Veda consists of four parts: the Samhita (mantras), the Brahmanas (rituals), the Aranyakas (theologies), and the Upanishads (philosophies).
- Mantra (n): A sacred utterance, sound, or group of words in Sanskrit believed to have psychological and spiritual power; the primary constituent of a Samhita.
Synonyms
- Collection (in this specific sacred context)
- Compilation (in this specific sacred context)
Related Phrases
- The Vedic Samhitas: A common phrase specifying these collections as part of the Vedic canon.
Notes on Meaning
The term "Samhita" refers strictly to this specific corpus of ancient Indian religious literature. It is not used in a general modern context. Its meaning is deeply tied to Hindu religious tradition and Indology.
Noun
-
one of four collections of sacred texts
