Brahmana

The Brahmanas are important old books linked to the Vedas, which are sacred texts in Hinduism. These books explain how to do special ceremonies and rituals that people used long ago. They also talk about the meanings of words and songs in these rituals.

Each of the four main Vedas—the Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas—has its own Brahmana books. These books were shared by speaking them for many years before they were written down. The oldest Brahmana book was likely finished around 900 BCE, and the newest ones around 700 BCE.

Besides rituals, Brahmanas also share ideas about the world and nature, such as how to measure things and watch the stars. Some parts of these books discuss big questions about life and the universe.

Nomenclature and etymology

Brahmana (or Brāhmaṇam, Sanskrit: ब्राह्मणम्) means 'explanations of sacred knowledge or doctrine'. It helps us learn special meanings and rules used by priests called Brāhmans during their sacrifices.

The word Brahmana comes from brahman, which refers to a priest who knows all the Vedas and understands the meanings behind sacrifices. This priest’s important teachings are called a Brahmanam.

Overview

Brahmanas are old texts linked to the hymns of the Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas. They help priests learn how to do sacred rituals and explain what the hymns mean. These texts also talk about ideas of the universe and early science, like looking at the stars and using geometry to build altars.

The Brahmanas teach the right way to do rituals. They say it is important to say words correctly, use the right rhythms, and make exact movements. This care helped save the Vedas by telling them by mouth before writing was common. These texts also have stories and legends about the rituals and their deeper meanings.

Rigveda

The Aitareya, Kausitaki, and Samkhyana Brahmanas are the main works linked to the Rigveda. They help explain the meaning of the hymns and guide how to do old ceremonies.

The Aitareya Brahmana is connected to the Shakala school of the Rigveda and was likely written around 600-400 BCE. It has eight books with five chapters each. It talks about big ceremonies and royal events.

The Kausitaki Brahmana, also called the Samkhyana Brahmana, is linked to the Baskala school of the Rigveda. It has thirty chapters and talks about many kinds of sacrifices. Scholars think it was also written around 600–400 BCE and is seen as more organized than the Aitareya Brahmana.

Samaveda

The Samaveda has three main schools or branches: the Kauthumas, the Ranayaniyas, and the Jaiminiyas.

The Panchavimsha Brahmana is one of the oldest and most important texts of the Kauthuma school. It has 25 books and includes many old stories. It also talks about a special ceremony that allowed people from outside some groups to join certain traditions.

The Samavidhana Brahmana explains how chanting certain hymns can help achieve different goals. It is likely very old.

The Daivata Brahmana focuses on the gods that the hymns are addressed to. It gives rules for deciding which gods the hymns are meant for.

The Samhitopanishad Brahmana discusses the effects of chanting and the relationship between the hymns and the words used.

The Jaiminiya Brahmana describes daily offerings to the sacred fire and was compiled by Jaimini, a well-known teacher of the Samaveda.

The Chandogya Brahmana is divided into ten books. The first two books contain hymns for important life events. The remaining books explore deeper spiritual ideas.

Yajurveda

Śukla (White) Yajurveda: Shatapatha Brahmana

Main article: Shatapatha Brahmana

The Shatapatha Brahmana is an old book. It explains the meaning of special rituals and ceremonies. It also shares early ideas about science, like looking at the stars and shapes used in building. Scholars think it was written down around 1000–800 BCE.

Krishna (Black) Yajurveda: Taittiriya Brahmana

Main article: Taittiriya Brahmana

The Taittiriya Brahmana is another book. It helps people learn how to do special ceremonies. It also talks about the stars and stories about gods. This book is linked to teachings called the Taittiriya Shakha.

Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda has nine schools or branches. One of these schools is called the Gopatha Brahmana. This text talks about the Atharvaveda and its priests. It has two parts: the first part has five chapters and the second part has six chapters. The Gopatha Brahmana is special because it works for two ways of reciting the verses. It helps connect the Atharvaveda to the rituals of the other Vedas.

Main article: Gopatha Brahmana

Lost Brahmanas

M Haug says that there were probably more Brahmanas connected to each Veda than we have today. Writers like Panini and Patanjali in his Mahabhasya also suggest this. Even a scholar named Sayana, who lived long ago, knew of more Brahmanas than exist now.

S. Shrava explains that many important Vedic manuscripts were lost over time. This happened because of damage, neglect, and hard times with rulers and invaders. Because these manuscripts are gone, it is harder to understand some of the old Vedic hymns correctly. Shrava lists many of these lost works based on mentions in other old texts.

Rigveda

Samaveda

Yajurveda

Unknown

The Brahmanas listed below are only named in other texts, with no extra details about which Veda they belong to.

Manuscripts and translations

Rigveda

The Rigveda is one of the oldest sacred books of Hinduism. It has many hymns that people used for prayers.

Yajurveda

The Yajurveda has verses that help people perform special rituals. These rituals were important parts of Hindu worship.

Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda includes spells, healing chants, and wisdom sayings. It was used for everyday help and guidance.

Lost Brahmanas (fragments)

Some old texts called Brahmanas were lost over time. Only small pieces of them remain. These pieces give us clues about ancient Hindu thoughts and practices.