Definition

1. Noun:
   • The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism: Vedic literature refers to the oldest and most authoritative body of religious texts in Hinduism, written in an early form of Sanskrit. These texts form the foundation of Hindu philosophy, rituals, and spiritual knowledge.
   • A collective term for specific scriptural categories: The term traditionally encompasses four main layers or types of texts: the Samhitas (hymns and mantras), the Brahmanas (ritual and ceremonial explanations), the Aranyakas (forest treatises on ritual and symbolism), and the Upanishads (philosophical and metaphysical teachings).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scholars study Vedic literature to understand the origins of Hindu thought.
  • The concepts of dharma and karma are deeply rooted in Vedic literature.
  • This ritual is described in detail in the Vedic literature.

Advanced Usage

• "The Veda": Often used synonymously with Vedic literature, referring to the entire corpus of sacred knowledge.
  • The teachings of the Veda have been passed down for millennia.
• Used in academic or theological contexts to discuss the historical development, linguistic features, or philosophical content of these ancient scriptures.
  • Her thesis analyzes the cosmological models present in early Vedic literature.

Variants and Related Words

• Veda (n): The singular form, often used to refer to the entire collection or to one of its four primary divisions (e.g., the Rigveda).
  • The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas.
• Vedic (adj): Pertaining to the Vedas or the period of their composition.
  • Vedic Sanskrit is different from classical Sanskrit.

Synonyms

• The Vedas: The most direct synonym.
• Shruti (n): In Hindu tradition, this term means "that which is heard" and refers to the Vedas as divinely revealed texts, in contrast to later "remembered" (Smriti) texts.

Related Phrases

• Vedic corpus: A scholarly term for the complete collection of these texts.
  • The Vedic corpus was composed over several centuries.
• Post-Vedic literature: Refers to Hindu texts (like the Puranas or epics) composed after the Vedic period.

Noun

1. (from the Sanskrit word for `knowledge') any of the most ancient sacred writings of Hinduism written in early Sanskrit; traditionally believed to comprise the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads