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The Vedas are among the oldest sacred texts in the world, with origins dating back to around 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE.
There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda consists of hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical teachings.
The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas and is composed of hymns dedicated to various deities. It is considered the foundation of Hindu ritual and thought.
The Samaveda is a collection of melodies (saman) used in the performance of Vedic rituals. It is known for its musical notation.
The Yajurveda contains prose mantras used by priests during rituals. It is divided into two main parts: the White Yajurveda and the Black Yajurveda.
The Atharvaveda is a collection of hymns, spells, and incantations used for healing, protection, and other practical purposes. It is considered a later addition to the Vedic corpus.
The Vedas are highly revered in Hinduism and are considered the ultimate authority on ritual, philosophy, and spirituality.
The Vedas were originally transmitted orally and were later written down to preserve their teachings. The oral tradition of reciting the Vedas is still maintained in Hindu rituals.
The Vedas have had a profound influence on Indian culture, philosophy, and religious practices. They are also studied for their linguistic, poetic, and philosophical insights.