Vedas: The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism.

The Vedas are the oldest and most sacred scriptures in Hinduism, forming the foundation of its religious and philosophical teachings. They are a collection of ancient hymns, chants, prayers, rituals, and philosophical discussions composed in Vedic Sanskrit. The Vedas are considered divine revelations and are revered by Hindus as eternal truths passed down through generations.

The Vedas are traditionally classified into four main texts, each serving a specific purpose and containing distinct types of knowledge:

Rigveda: The Rigveda is the oldest and most significant of the four Vedas. It consists of hymns dedicated to various deities and natural forces, such as Agni (fire), Varuna (the cosmic order), Indra (the king of gods), and others. The Rigveda is the primary source of knowledge on the Vedic religion and forms the basis for many ritual practices.

Samaveda: The Samaveda contains chants and melodies derived from the hymns of the Rigveda. It is primarily concerned with the musical aspects of Vedic rituals, where the hymns are chanted in specific musical notes (svaras) and rhythms (chandas) during sacrificial ceremonies.

Yajurveda: The Yajurveda deals with the procedures and formulas for performing Vedic rituals and sacrifices (yajnas). It provides the priestly class with the necessary guidelines and mantras to conduct rituals for specific purposes, such as invoking the deities or seeking blessings for various objectives.

Atharvaveda: The Atharvaveda contains hymns and incantations for everyday life, including prayers for healing, protection, and domestic rituals. It addresses a wider range of subjects, including medicine, marriage, rituals for prosperity, and various social and ethical issues.

Each Veda is further divided into four parts:

Samhitas: The core hymns and verses of each Veda.
Brahmanas: Ritualistic and explanatory texts associated with the Samhitas.
Aranyakas: "Forest books" with philosophical and symbolic interpretations.
Upanishads: Philosophical texts that delve into the nature of reality, the self, and ultimate truth.
The Vedas have been transmitted orally for generations, and their recitation is still preserved through an unbroken tradition. Vedic scholars known as Brahmins play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting this ancient knowledge.

The Vedas are highly revered and respected in Hinduism, and they continue to be a source of inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual insight for millions of Hindus worldwide.