The Holy Vedas

Veda means knowledge. The word comes from the Sanskrit language and is derived from the verb root vid, 'to know'. The Vedas are considered the earliest literary record of Indo-Aryan civilization, and the most sacred books of India.

The Veda contain hymns, rituals, and mantras.

The four Vedas Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda are divided into four sections:Vastu which is Sanskrit for dwelling, is a science of directions and it accounts for 8 directions-

• Samhitas: Mantras and Hymns
• Brahmanas: Rituals
• Aranyakas: Meditations
• Upanishads: Philosophy, known as Vedanta, or the end of the Vedas

Vedanga (Ved = knowledge, anga = part) are the disciplines necessary to read and understand the Vedas fully. These are six in number:

1. Siksha, i.e. pronunciation and phonetics;
2.  Chhanda, i.e. metre;
3.  Vyakarana, i.e. grammar (Panini's rules and views);
4.  Nirukta, i.e. etymology (Yaska's writings);
5.  Jyotisha, i.e. astronomy;
6.  Kalpa, i.e. rules for sacrifices and ceremonies in accordance with the Vedas. Also known as Kalpa-sutras or Sautra-sutras.

The Vedas are also divided into two parts, namely, the Karmakanda and the Jnanakanda. Karmakanda deals with rituals and sacrifices whereas Jnanakanda deals with the Vedanta philosophy. For thousands of years only Karmakanda was more popular as the real Veda. Vedanta part of the Vedas was meant only for the sanyasins (monks). It was Shri Shankaracharya who wrote Bhashyas (commentaries) on a few selected Upanishads, called the Principal Upanishads, and made their studies popular.

In Vedas, the 11 sections of Sri Rudram are considered the most sacred. Sri Rudram occurs in Krishna Yajur Veda. There are seven chapters in this Veda and Sri Rudram occurs in the fourth or middle chapter. There are two important and well known Mantras in Sri Rudram. Panchakshari Mantra and Mrithunjaya Mantra. The Panchakshari mantra is also known as Sharanagati mantra. Sharanagati means surrender to the Lord.

Keywords:

Atma	Soul
Mana	Mind
Paramatma	Purest form of the Atma
Avatars	Manifestation of God in a physical form
Satwik	karma Deeds
Bramhanda	Universe
Brahmana	Priest
Guru	Teacher
Srishti	Nature
Dharma	Religion
Vyakarana	Grammar
Netra	Eyes
Panch Tatwa	The five elemental forms of existence

Upavedas: Secondary Knowledge
Medicine (Ayur Veda), associated with the Rigveda
Archery (Dhanur Veda), associated with the Yajurveda
Music and Dance (Gandharva Veda), associated with the Samaveda
Military science (Shastrashastra), associated with the Atharvaveda
Vastu also have spiritual benefits like it awakens the urge for understanding the meaning of life and death; evokes the quest for touching something more deep within and without; helps in problem solving ability and power to make right decision; and promotes happiness and healthier frame of mind.

Truth can not be suppressed and always is the ultimate victor.
- the Yajur Veda

One should, perform karma with nonchalance
without expecting the benefits because
sooner of later one shall definitely gets the fruits.
-Rig Veda

Through all this world strode Vishnu:
thrice his foot he planted,
and the whole world was gathered in his footsteps.
Vishnu, the guardian,
he whom none deceiveth,
made three steps and established his laws.
- the Sama Veda (8:2:5)

One should, perform karma with nonchalance
without expecting the benefits because
sooner of later one shall definitely gets the fruits.
- the Rig Veda

Do not be led by others, awaken your own mind, amass your own experience, and decide for yourself your own path.
- the Athar Veda