Know the Vedic Scriptures

We all know Vedic Scriptures are in Snskrit language. Many of us wonder why they are in Sanskrit, though translated in several other languages. The reason being Sanskrit as the first known language on the earth since human civilization. Most of the languages of modern days including English have been derived from Sanskrit one way or either.

Vedic Scriptures are ocean of the knowledge, wisdom. Since knowledge is not bound to any specific language or society or region , rather anyone can be benefited with the knowledge. This inspired several authors and for the sake of the mankind the Vedic Scriptures have been translated time to time in several other languages by different authors.

We can find Vedic Scriptures available in several languages like Hindi, English and several others including regional ones.

Several translations are available for most of the following scriptures:

Veda: The Vedas are the most important and the oldest Vedic scripture. The meaning of the word Veda is knowledge. Vedas are called Sruti literature ( What is heard ) and is different from Smriti ( What is remembered ). In great Hindu Epic Mahabharata, Lord Bramha is portrayed as the creator of the Vedas.

Maharishi Vyasa is considered as the compiler of Vedas who compiled the specific Mantras into four different Samhitas. These four Samhitas are known as four Vedas which are proposed by four different Rishis.

Rig Veda - Agni Rishi, Yajur Veda - Vayu Rishi, Sam Veda - Aditya Rishi, Atharva Veda - Angira Rishi

Upanishads: The word Upanishad means "to sit near". In ancient gurukul days, the teaching methodology was primarily sitting by the side of the Guru/Rishi and listening to the discourses. These discourses by the Rishi was compiled in the form of Upanishads. Though there are several Upanishads but eleven Upanishads are considered of utmost source of knowledge and wisdom. These eleven Upanishads are Ish, Ken, Kath, Prashna, Mundak, Mandukya, Aitareya, Taitareya, Chhandogya, Brihdarnayak and Shvetashvetar.

Manusmriti : The Manusmriti is famous among Vedic scriptures and is named after its author Manu. Manusmriti is a compilation of the discourses given by Manu on topics of duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and others . The law in different religion in different parts of the world are considered to be influenced by the laws of Manusmriti one way or either.

Ramayana: The Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki is among the first and the oldest great compositions of Sanskrit literature. Ramayana depicts a broad picture of the ideal society in the Vedic and Upanishadic era.

Mahabharata: The Mahabharata composed by Maharishi Vyasa is one of the two great epic, the other being Ramayana. The Mahabharata focuses on four goals of life Purusharth.

Bhagvad Gita: Though Bhagvad Gita is a part of the great epic, Mahabharata, its significance is of immense values and it stands out tall as a Scripture itself. Bhagvad Gita provides immense knowledge and one can find all the answers to the problems which seems to be impossible to be answered. Bhagvad Gita is such an ocean of the knowledge and is a gift to the mankind and no one can be gifted more than Bhagvad Gita and no one on this planet can get more than what Bhagvad Gita offers.

Essence of the Vedas can be found in the Upanishads, while the essence of the Upanishads can be found in the Bhagvad Gita.

Darshans: The word ‘Darshan’ implies to the observation and a detailed examination. The word Darshan originated by Lord Shiva who explained Darshans on various topics to several Maharishis These teachings of Darshans help mankind to find its ultimate goal of self realization. The teachings on the various topics have been categorized broadly in the six Darshans. The six Darshans and their authors are:

NYAYA - Gautam Rishi , VAISHESHIKA - Kanad Rishi, SAMKHYA - Kapil Rishi, YOGA - Patanjali Rishi, MIMANSA - Jaimini Rishi, VEDANTA - Vyasa Rishi