Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads

The Vedas

There are four Vedas: the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda. These are the primary texts of Hinduism. They have also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Traditionally the text of the Vedas was coeval with the universe but scholars have determined that the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 BC and codified about 600 BC. It is unknown when it was finally committed to writing, but this probably was at some point after 300 B.C.

The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Along with the Book of the Dead, the Enuma Elish, the I Ching and the Avesta, they are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago.