What does Rigveda contain?

Rigveda is the oldest sacred text that exists in the world. Mantras of Rigveda are used to invoke, praise, and make offerings to Gods during Yajnas. Learn here about the books of Rigveda, their origin, contents, purpose, how Rigveda is preserved and transmitted.

What does Rigveda contain?

The following types of texts are also associated with Rigveda -

• Brahmanas
• Aranyakas
• Upanishads

What is the use of Rigveda in Yajnas?

When was Rigveda written?

Scheme of classification

The Rigveda Samhita is classified using 2 schemes.

1. Mandala - Sukta scheme - In this, the Samhita is divided into 10 Mandalas of uneven sizes. The Mandalas are subdivided into anuvakas, the anuvakas into suktas, and the suktas are made up of mantras or Riks.
2. Ashtaka - Adhyaya scheme - In this, the Samhita is divided into 8 ashtakas. Each Ashtaka has 8 adhyayas. Each adhyaya has 8 vargas. Each varga has 5 verses. This scheme is more helpful in memorizing.

The Mandala - Sukta scheme is more popular.

Recensions of Rigveda

Several Rigvedic schools came into existence through which Rigveda was preserved and transmitted.

They are called Shakhas, each with its own recension of Rigveda.

Patanjali mentions 21 such recensions.

According to CharanaVyuha, 5 recensions are prominent -

• Shakala
• Bashkala
• Ashwalayana
• Sankhyayana
• Mandukayana

Among these, Bashkala existed till the 16th century.

Only Shakala is available now.

These schools not only preserved and transmitted the Vedas but also tried to interpret their meaning.

Topics of Rigveda Samhita

Topic 1 - Praises

These Riks describe the characteristics and supernatural powers of Devas such as Indra, Agni, and Varuna. They are useful in Yajnas and Sagunopasana. They are expected to induce the Devas to grant favors. Many of the glorious deeds of the Devas are recounted. Referring to their past deeds, the mantras call upon the Devas to replicate them in the present and bless their worshipers. The praises seek wealth, long life, progeny, aid in defeating enemies. A large part of Rigveda is dedicated to the conduct of SomaYagas.

Topic 2 - Philosophy

• Origin of the universe
• True nature of man
• Omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience of God.
• Monotheism.

Topic 3

Marriage, warfare, social order, etc.

Rigveda Brahmanas

Brahmana texts provide detailed procedures and principles behind Yajnas. They belong to the KarmaKanda of the Vedic corpus.

1. Aitareya Brahmana - Mahida Aitareya is the author of this text. It deals with the procedures of SomaYaga, Rajasuya, etc. It is also known as Ashwalayna Brahmana. There are 40 chapters divided into 8 Panchakas.
2. Kaushitaki Brahmana - This is also known as Sankhyayana Brahmana. There are 30 chapters in this.

Rigveda Aranyakas

They discuss the mystical and philosophical aspects of Yajna. Aranyakas are the UpasanaKanda of the Vedas.

1. Aitareya Aranyaka - There are five books each one divided into adhyayas. Each adhyaya is further subdivided into khandas. The main topics discussed are -

• Explanation of Mahavrata
• Importance of speech in humans
• Creative power of the Supreme Being
• Importance of Prana
• Mystical meanings of the Rigveda Samhita mantras
• Meaning of Mahanamni hymns

1. Kaushitaki Aranyaka - There are 15 adhyayas in this and contains -

• Ritualistic explanation of Mahavrata
• Explanation of Aitareya Aranyaka

Rigveda Upanishads

Upanishads are secrets taught by established teachers to committed and deserving students.

They are the essence of the Vedic corpus and are called the JnanaKanda.

Upanishads are the culmination of Vedic thought.

The ten Upanishads connected to Rigveda are -

• Aitareya Upanishad
• Kaushitaki Upanishad
• Nadabindu Upanishad
• Atmabodha Upanishad
• Nirvana Upanishad
• Mudgala Upanishad
• Akshamala Upanishad
• Tripura Upanishad
• Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad
• Bahvrichi Upanishad

What are the Rigvedic priests in Yajnas called?

Hotas.

Which is the only existing shakha of Rigveda?

Shakala.