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TheBrahmanas (/ˈbrɑːmənəz/;Sanskrit:ब्राह्मणम्,IAST:Brāhmaṇam) areVedicśruti works attached to theSamhitas (hymns and mantras) of theRig,Sama,Yajur, andAtharva Vedas. They are a secondary layer or classification ofSanskrit texts embedded within each Veda, which explain and instruct on the performance ofVedic rituals (in which the related Samhitas are recited). In addition to explaining the symbolism and meaning of theSamhitas, Brahmana literature also expounds scientific knowledge of theVedic Period, includingobservational astronomy and, particularly in relation to altar construction,geometry. Divergent in nature, some Brahmanas also contain mystical and philosophical material that constitutesAranyakas andUpanishads.[1]
Each Veda has one or more of its own Brahmanas, and each Brahmana is generally associated with a particularShakha or Vedic school. Less than twenty Brahmanas are currently extant, as most have been lost or destroyed. Dating of the final codification of theBrahmanas and associated Vedic texts is controversial, as they were likely recorded after several centuries of oral transmission.[2] The oldest Brahmana is dated to about 900BCE, while the most recent are dated to around 700 BCE.[3][4]
Brahmana (orBrāhmaṇam,Sanskrit: ब्राह्मणम्) can be loosely translated as 'explanations of sacred knowledge ordoctrine' or 'Brahmanical explanation'.[5] According to theMonier-Williams Sanskrit dictionary, 'Brahmana' means:[6]
M. Haug states thatetymologically, 'the word ['Brahmana' or 'Brahmanam'] is derived frombrahman which properly signifies theBrahma priest who must know allVedas, and understand the whole course and meaning of thesacrifice... thedictum of such a Brahma priest who passed as a great authority, was called a Brahmanam'.[7]
S. Shrava states thatsynonyms of the word 'Brahmana' include:[8]
R. Dalal states that the 'Brahmanas are texts attached to theSamhitas [hymns] –Rig,Sama,Yajur andAtharva Vedas – and provide explanations of these and guidance for the priests insacrificial rituals'.[13] S. Shri elaborates, stating 'Brahmanas explain the hymns of theSamhitas and are in both prose and verse form... The Brahmanas are divided into Vidhi and Arthavada. Vidhi are commands in the performance of Vedicsacrifices, and Arthavada praises the rituals, the glory of theDevas and so on. The belief inreincarnation and transmigration of soul started with [the] Brahmanas... [The] Brahmana period ends around 500 BC[E] with the emergence ofBuddhism and it overlaps the period ofAranyakas,Sutras,Smritis and the firstUpanishads'.[14]
M. Haug states that the 'Veda, or scripture of the Brahmans, consists, according to the opinion of the most eminent divines ofHindustan, of two principal parts, viz. Mantra [Samhita] and Brahmanam... Each of the four Vedas (Rik,Yajus,Saman, andAtharvan) has a Mantra, as well as a Brahmana portion. The difference between both may be briefly stated as follows: That part which contains the sacred prayers, the invocations of the different deities, the sacred verses for chanting at thesacrifices, the sacrificial formulas [is] calledMantra... The Brahmanam [part] always presupposes the Mantra; for without the latter it would have no meaning... [they contain] speculations on the meaning of the mantras, gives precepts for their application, relates stories of their origin... and explains the secret meaning of the latter'.[7]
J. Eggeling states that 'While the Brâhmanas are thus our oldest sources from which a comprehensive view of thesacrificial ceremonial can be obtained, they also throw a great deal of light on the earliestmetaphysical andlinguistic speculations of theHindus. Another, even more interesting feature of these works, consists in the numerouslegends scattered through them. From the archaic style in which thesemythological tales are generally composed, as well as from the fact that not a few of them are found in Brâhmanas of differentschools andVedas, though often with considerable variations, it is pretty evident that the ground-work of many of them goes back to times preceding the composition of the Brâhmanas'.[15]
TheIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) states that while 'the Upanishads speculate on the nature of the universe, and the relationship of the one and the many, the immanent and transcendental, the Brahmanas make concrete the world-view and the concepts through a highly developed system of ritual-yajna. This functions as a strategy for a continuous reminder of the inter-relatedness of man and nature, the five elements and the sources of energy'.[16]
The Brahmanas are particularly noted for their instructions on the proper performance of rituals, as well as explanations on the symbolic importance of sacred words and ritual actions.[17] Academics such as P. Alper,K. Klostermaier andF.M, Muller state that these instructions insist on exact pronunciation (accent),[18]chhandas (छन्दः, meters), precise pitch, with coordinated movement of hand and fingers – that is, perfect delivery.[19][20] Klostermaier adds that theSatapatha Brahamana, for example, states that verbal perfection made a mantra infallible, while one mistake made it powerless.[19] Scholars suggest that thisorthological perfection preserved Vedas in an age when writing technology was not in vogue, and the voluminous collection of Vedic knowledge were taught to and memorized by dedicated students throughSvādhyāya, then remembered and verbally transmitted from one generation to the next.[19][21] It seems breaking silence too early in at least one ritual is permissible in the Satapatha (1.1.4.9), where 'in that case mutter some Rik [Rigveda] or Yagus-text [Yajurveda] addressed toVishnu; for Vishnu is the sacrifice, so that he thereby regains obtains a hold on thesacrifice, and penance is there by done by him'.[22]
Recorded by thegrammarianYaska, theNirukta, one of the sixVedangas or 'limbs of the Vedas' concerned with correctetymology and interpretation of theVedas, references several Brahmanas to do so. These are (grouped by Veda):[23]
| Veda | Brahmana | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Aitareya and Kausitaki | |
| Samaveda | Sadvimsa, Mantra, and Daivata | The Mantra Brahmana is from the first two chapters of the Chandogya Brahmana. |
| Yajurveda | Shatapatha | There are two versions or recensions by differentShakhas:Madhyandina andKanva. Both apply to theŚukla (White) Yajurveda. |
| Taittiriya | Applies to theKrishna (Black) Yajurveda | |
| Atharvaveda | Gopatha | The only surviving (i.e. extant) Brahmana of thisVeda. |
The14th CenturySanskrit scholarSayana composed numerous commentaries onVedic literature, including theSamhitas, Brahmanas,Aranyakas, andUpanishads. B.R. Modak states that 'kingBukka [1356–1377 CE] requested his preceptor and minister Madhavacharya to write a commentary on the Vedas, so that even common people would be able to understand the meaning of the Vedic Mantras. Madhavacharya told him that his younger brother Sayana was a learned person and hence he should be entrusted with the task'.[24] Modak also lists the Brahmanas commented upon by Sayana (with the exception of the Gopatha):[24]
| Veda | Brahmana | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Aitareya | |
| Samaveda | Panchavimsha,Sadvimsa, Samavidhana, Arsheya, Daivata, Chandogya, Samhitopanishad, Vamsha | All 8 Brahmanas are of the KauthumaShakha. |
| Yajurveda | Taittirita, Shatapatha (Mâdhyandinarecension) | |
| Atharvaveda | Gopatha | See the main article on the Gopatha Brahmana. |
| Note: It seems only a few commentaries of Sayana have been translated into English. | ||
For ease of reference, academics often use commonabbreviations to refer to particular Brahmanas and other Vedic, post-Vedic (e.g.Puranas), andSanskrit literature. Additionally, particular Brahmanas linked to particular Vedas are also linked to (i.e. recorded by) particularShakhas or schools of those Vedas as well. Based on the abbreviations and Shakhas provided by works cited in this article (and other texts byBloomfield,Keith,W. D, Whitney, and H.W. Tull),[25][26][27][28]extant Brahmanas have been listed below, grouped byVeda andShakha. Note that:
| Rigveda | Samaveda | YajurVedaa | Atharvaveda | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Abbreviation | Shakha | Name | Abbreviation | Shakha | Name | Abbreviation | Shakha | Name | Abbreviation | Shakha |
| Aitareya | AB, AiB | Shakala | Panchavimshac | PB | Kuthuma-Ranayaniya / Tandin | Shatapathaf | SB, CB | Mâdhyandina | Gopatha | GB | Paippalada andShaunaka |
| Kausitaki / Samkhyanab | KB | Baskala | Tandyac | TMB, PB | Shatapathaf | SBM, MSB, CB | |||||
| Sadvimsac | SB, SadvB | Kauthuma | Shatapathaf | SBK, CBK | Kanva | ||||||
| Adbhutac | AdB | Taittiriya | TB | Taittiriya | |||||||
| Samavidhana | Svidh, SVB | Taittiriya Chardi | – | ||||||||
| Pravargyag | |||||||||||
| Daivatad | DB | Vadhula – Anvakhyanah | VadhAnva | Vadhula | |||||||
| Samhitopanishad | Samhitopanisad.B | ||||||||||
| Arsheya | -- | ||||||||||
| Vamsha | VB | ||||||||||
| Chandogyae | – | ||||||||||
| Mantrae | MB, SMB | ||||||||||
| Jaiminiya | JB, Jaim. Br. | Jaiminiya | |||||||||
| Jaiminiya Arsheya | -- | ||||||||||
| a: TheŚukla (White) Yajurveda referred to by the Shatapatha Brahmana is theVajasaneyi Samhita (Mâdhyandinarecension: VS, Vag. S.; Kanva recension: VSK). TheKrishna (Black) Yajurveda referred to by the Taittiriya Brahmana is theTaittiriya Samhita (TS). b: The Kausitaki and Samkhyana are generally considered to be the same Brahmana. Also called the Cankhayana Brahmana.[27] c: The Panchavismsha and Tandya are the same Brahmana. The Sadvimsa Brahmana is considered to be an appendix to the Panchavismsha / Tandya Brahmana. The Adbhuta Brahmana is from the last part of the Sadvimsa Brahmana and deals with 'omens and supernatural things'.[29] Attributed by Caland to the Kuthuma-Ranayaniya Shakha,[30] but by Macdonell to the TandinShakha.[31] d: Also called the Devatadhyaya Brahmana. e: The Mantra Brahmana (also called the Samaveda-Mantrabrahmana, SMB) is from the first two chapters of the Chandogya Brahmana (also called the Chandogyaopanishad and the Upanishad Brahmana); the remaining chapters of the Chandogya Brahmana form theChandogya Upanishad. f: Also called the Catapatha Brahmana (CB; this abbreviation also denotes the Mâdhyandinarecension) g: Part of theTaittiriyaAranyaka; explains the Pravargya rite. Generally not considered a Brahmana-proper, although it has been published as one.[32] h: Linked with the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda, it is 'actually part of the Vadhula Shrauta Sutra'.[13] | |||||||||||
S. Sharva states that in 'the brahmana literature this word ['brahmana'] has been commonly used as detailing the ritualism related to the different sacrifices oryajnas... The knownrecensions [i.e. schools orShakhas] of theVedas, all had separate brahmanas. Most of these brahmanas arenot extant.... [Panini] differentiates between the old and the new brahmanas... [he asked] Was it whenKrishna Dvaipayana Vyasa had propounded the Vedic recensions? The brahmanas which had been propounded prior to the exposition of recensions by [Vyasa] were called as old brahmanas and those which had been expounded by his disciples were known as new brahmanas'.[8]
TheAitareya, Kausitaki, andSamkhyana Brahmanas are the two (or three) known extant Brahmanas of theRigveda.A.B. Keith, a translator of the Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas, states that it is 'almost certainly the case that these two[Kausitaki and Samkhyana] Brahmanas represent for us the development of a single tradition, and that there must have been a time when there existed a single... text [from which they were developed and diverged]'.[33] Although S. Shrava considers the Kausitaki and Samkhyana Brahmanas to be separate although very similar works,[8] M. Haug considers them to be the same work referred to by different names.[7]
Thesun does never set nor rise. When people think the sun is setting (it is not so). For, after having arrived at the end of the day, it makes itself produce two opposite effects, making night to what is below and day to what is on the other side...Having reached the end of the night, it makes itself produce two opposite effects, making day to what is below and night to what is on the other side. In fact, the sun never sets. Nor does it set for him who has such a knowledge. Such a one becomes united with the sun, assumes its form, and enters its place.
— Aitareya Brahmanam of the RigVeda, translated by Martin Haug (1922), Book 3, Chapter 4, Section 44[34]
As detailed in the main article, theAitareya Brahmana (AB) is ascribed to the sage Mahidasa Aitareya of theShakala Shakha (Shakala school) of theRigveda, and is estimated to have been recorded around 600-400BCE.[33] It is also linked with the Ashvalayana Shakha.[13] The text itself consists of eightpañcikās (books), each containing fiveadhyayas (chapters), totaling forty in all. C. Majumdar states that 'it deals principally with the greatSoma sacrifices and the different ceremonies of royal inauguration'.[29]
Haug states that the legend about this Brahmana, as told bySayana, is that the 'name "Aitareya" is by Indian tradition traced toItara... An ancientRisi had among his many wives one who was calledItara. She had a sonMahidasa by name [i.e. Mahidasa Aitareya]... The Risi preferred the sons of his other wives to Mahidasa, and went even so far as to insult him once by placing all his other children in his lap to his exclusion. His mother, grieved at this ill-treatment of her son, prayed to her family deity (Kuladevata), [and] the Earth (Bhumi), who appeared in her celestial form in the midst of the assembly, placed him on a throne (simhasana), and gave him as a token of honour for his surpassing all other children in learning a boon (vara) which had the appearance of a Brahmana [i.e. the Aitareya]'.[7] P. Deussen agrees, relating the same story.[35] Notably, The story itself is remarkably similar to the legend of aVaishnava boy calledDhruva in thePuranas (e.g.Bhagavata Purana, Canto 4, Chapter 8-12).[36]
Thegods and theAsuras were in conflict over these worlds. From themAgni departed, and entered the seasons. The gods, having been victorious and having slain the Asuras, sought for him;Yama andVaruna discerned him. Him (the gods) invited, him they instructed, to him they offered a boon. He chose this as a boon, '(Give) me the fore-offering and the after-offerings for my own, and theghee of the waters and make of plants.' Therefore they say 'Agni's are the fore-offerings and the after-offerings; Agni's is the butter.' Then indeed did the gods prosper, the Asuras were defeated. He prospers himself, his foe is defeated, who knows thus.
— Rigveda Brahmanas: The Aitareya And Kausitaki Brahmanas Of TheRigveda, translated byArthur Berriedale Keith (1920), Kausitaki Brahmana, Adhyaya I, Verse 2[33]
TheIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) states that the 'Kaushitaki Brahmana [is] associated with BaskalaShakha of [the]Rigveda and [is] also called Sankhyayana Brahmana. It is divided into thirty chapters [adhyayas] and 226 Khanda[s]. The first six chapters dealing with food sacrifice and the remaining toSoma sacrifice. This work is ascribed toSankhyayana or Kaushitaki'.[37] S. Shrava disagrees, stating that it 'was once considered that [the] Kaushitaki or Samkhayana was the name of the same brahmana... [but the Samkhayana] differs, though slightly, from the Kaushitaki Brahmana'.[8] C. Majumdar states that it 'deals not only with theSoma, but also other sacrifices'.[29]
Keith estimates that the Kaushîtaki-brâhmana was recorded around 600–400 BCE, adding that it is more 'scientific' and 'logical' than the Aitareya Brahmana, although much 'of the material of the Kausitaki, and especially the legends, has been taken over by the Brahmana from a source common to it and the Aitareya, but the whole has been worked up into a harmonious unity which presents no such irregularities as are found in the Aitareya. It is clearly a redaction of the tradition of the school made deliberately after the redaction of the Aitareya'.[33]
Max Müller states that theKaushitaki Upanishad – also called theKaushitaki Brahmana Upanishad (KBU) – 'does not form part of the Kaushîtaki-brâhmana in 30 adhyâyas which we possess, and we must therefore account for its name by admitting that theÂranyaka, of which it formed a portion, could be reckoned as part of the Brâhmana literature of theRig-veda (see Aitareya-âranyaka, Introduction, p. xcii), and that hence theUpanishad might be called the Upanishad of the Brâhmana of the Kaushîtakins'.[38]
W. Caland states that of theSamaveda, threeShakhas (schools or branches) 'are to be distinguished; that of the Kauthumas, that of the Ranayaniyas, and that of the Jaiminiyas'.[39]
Visnu is thesacrifice; what here (on this day) is not brought about, that he brings about through Vishnu (who is) the sacrifice.
— Pancavimsa Brahmana, translated by W. Caland (1931), Prapathaka XIII (13), Adhyaya 5, Verse 5[40]
Caland states that thePanchavimsha / Tandya Brahmana of the KauthumaShakha consists of 25 prapathakas (books or chapters).[39] C. Majumdar states that it 'is one of the oldest and most important of Brahmanas. It contains many old legends, and includes theVratyastoma, a ceremony by which people of non-Aryan stock could be admitted into the Aryan family'.[29]
The Sadvimsa Brahmana is also of the Kauthuma Shakha, and consists of 5 adhyayas (lessons or chapters). Caland states it is 'a kind of appendix to the [Panchavimsha Brahmana], reckoned as its 26th book [or chapter]... The text clearly intends to supplement the Pancavimsabrahmana, hence its desultory character. It treats of theSubrahmanya formula, of the one-day-rites that are destined to injure (abhicara) and other matters. This brahmana, at least partly, is presupposed by the Arseyakalpa and the Sutrakaras'.[39]
Caland states that the Adbhuta Brahmana, also of the Kauthuma Shakha, is the 'latest part [i.e. 5th adhyaya of the Sadvimsa Brahmana], that which treats of Omina and Portenta [Omens andDivination]'.[39] Majumdar agrees.[29]
Caland states that the Samavidhana Brahmana of the Kauthuma Shakha is 'in 3 prapathakas [books or chapters]... its aim is to explain how by chanting various samans [hymns of theSamaveda][41] some end may be attained. It is probably older than one of the oldest dharmasastras, that of Gautama'.[39] M. S. Bhat states that it is not properly a Brāhmaṇa text, but belongs to theVidhāna literature.[42]
Caland states that the Daivata Brahmana of the Kauthuma Shakha is 'in 3 prapathakas [books or chapters]... It deals with the deities to which the samans are addressed'.[39] Dalal adds that the 'first part of the Devatadhyaya is the most important as it provides rules to determine the deities to whom the samans are dedicated. Another section ascribes colours to different verses, probably as aids to memory or for meditation... [It] includes some very late passages such as references to the four yugas or ages'.[13]
Caland states that the Samhitopanishad Brahmana of the Kauthuma Shakha is 'in 5 khandas [books]... It treats of the effects of recitation, the relation of the saman [hymns of theSamaveda] and the words on which it is chanted, thedaksinas to be given to the religious teacher'.[39] Dalal agrees, stating that it 'describes the nature of the chants and their effects, and how the riks or Rig Vedic verses were converted into samans. Thus it reveals some of the hidden aspects of theSama Veda'.[13]
Caland states that the Arsheya Brahmana of the Kauthuma Shakha is ''in 3 prapathakas [books or chapters]... This quasi-brahmana is, on the whole, nothing more than an anukramanika, a mere list of the names of the samans [hymns of theSamaveda] occurring in the first two ganas [of the Kauthumas, i.e. the Gramegeya-gana / Veya-gana and the Aramyegeya-gana / Aranya-gana]'.[39] The nature of the ganas noted are discussed in the same text. As illustrated below, this Brahmana is virtually identical to the Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana of the JaiminiyaShakha.
Caland states that the Vamsha Brahmana of the Kauthuma Shakha is 'in 3 khandas [books]... it contains the lists of teachers of the Samaveda'.[39] Notably, Dalal adds that of the 53 teachers listed, the 'earliest teacher,Kashyapa, is said to have received the teaching from the god,Agni'.[13]
He should proceed thus: Having taken a water-pot or a water-jar he should go pouring it out from the garhapatya to the ahavaniya with the verse: "HereVisnu strode". Therc [RigVeda verse, e.g. 1.22.17] is a divine purification, water is a divine purification. Whatever here is unappeased of thesacrifice and whatever is impure, for all that, water forms the means of appeasing. So by water they appease it.
— Jaiminya Brahmana, translated by Hendrik Bodewitz (1973), Book 1, Section 52 ('Vehicles or animals pass between the fires')[43][44]
It seems that this Brahmana has not been fully translated to date, or at least a full translation has not been made available.
S. Shrava states that the Jaiminiya Brahmana of the Jaiminiya Shakha, also called the Talavakara Brahmana, 'is divided into 1348 khandas [verses]... Many of the sentences of this brahmana are similar to those found in Tamdya, Sadavimsam,Satapatha [Brahmanas] and [the]Taittirya Samhita [Krishna/BlackYajurveda]. Many of the hymns are found for the first time in it. Their composition is different from that available in Vedic literature. Most of the subjects described in it are completely new and are not found in other bramanas like Tamdya, etc... In the beginning khandas, details of daily oblation to the sacrificial fire are described... This brahmana was compiled by Jaimini a famous preceptor ofSamaveda and the worthy disciple ofKrishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa and his disciple Talavakara'.[8]
Dalal states that the Jaiminiya Arsheya Brahmana of the Jaiminiya Shakha 'is similar to the Arsheya Brahmana of the Kauthuma school but for the fact that the names of therishis in the two are different. Unlike the Kauthuma texts, this lists only one rishi per saman'.[13]
As detailed in the main article, also called theTalavakara Upanishad Brahmana andJaiminiyopanishad Brahmana, it is considered anAranyaka – not a Brahmana – and forms part of theKena Upanishad.
Now that light which shines above this heaven, higher than all, higher than everything, in the highest world, beyond which there are no other worlds, that is the same light which is within man.
— Chandogya Upanishad, edited by F.M. Muller (1879), Prapathaka 3 (Prapathaka 5 of the Chandogya Brahmana), Khanda 13, Verse 7[46]
TheIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) states that the Chandogya Brahmana, also called thechanddogyopanishad Brahmana, 'is divided into ten prapathakas (chapters). Its first two prapathakas (chapters) form the Mantra Brahmana (MB) and each of them is divided into eight khandas (sections). Prapathakas 3–10 form theChandogya Upanishad'.[47] K.G. Witz states it is of the Kauthuma Shakha (see below).[48]
ad etad dhridayam tava tad astu hridayam mama,
Yad idam hridayam mama tad astu hridayam tava
That heart of thine shall be mine,
and this heart of mine shall be thine.
K. G. Witz states that the Mantra Brahmana is 'a text in two chapters which mostly give Vedic Mantras which should be used in rites such as for birth and marriage. The combined text [with 8 chapters forming theChandogya Upanishad] is [also] called [the] Upanishad Brahmana and is one of the eight canonical Brahmanas of the Kauthumas. The fact that the Upanishad was combined with the Mantra Brahmana into a single text is significant. Just as everyone in society is blessed and made part of the overall divine societal, social and world order by the household rites in the Mantra Brahmana, so everyone can direct his life toward the Infinite Reality by the numerous upasanas and vidyas of the Chandogya Upanishad.'[48]
R. Mitra is quoted as stating that of 'the two portions differ greatly, and judged by them they appear to be productions of very different ages, though both are evidently relics of pretty remote antiquity. Of the two chapters of the Khandogya-Brahmana [Chandogya Brahmana, forming the Mantra Brahmana], the first includes eight suktas [hymns] on the ceremony of marriage and the rites necessary to be observed at the birth of a child. The first Sukta is intended to be recited when offering an oblation toAgni on the occasion of a marriage, and its object is to pray for prosperity [on] behalf of the married couple. The second prays for a long life, kind relatives, and a numerous progeny [i.e. children]. The third is the marriage pledge by which the [couple] bind themselves to each other. Its spirit may be guessed from a single verse. In talking of the unanimity with which they will dwell, the bridegroom addresses his bride, "That heart of thine shall be mine, and this heart of mine shall be thine" [as quoted above]'.[50]
tarhi videgho māthava āsa | sarasvatyāṃ sa tata eva prāṅdahannabhīyāyemām pṛthivīṃ taṃ gotamaśca rāhūgaṇo videghaśca māthavaḥ paścāddahantamanvīyatuḥ sa imāḥ sarvā nadīratidadāha sadānīretyuttarādgirernirghāvati tāṃ haiva nātidadāha tāṃ ha sma tām purā brāhmaṇā na tarantyanatidagdhāgninā vaiśvānareṇeti
Mâthava, the Videgha, was at that time on the (river) Sarasvatî. He (Agni) thence went burning along this earth towards the east; and Gotama Râhûgana and the Videgha Mâthava followed after him as he was burning along. He burnt over (dried up) all these rivers. Now that (river), which is called 'Sadânîrâ,' flows from the northern (Himâlaya) mountain: that one he did not burn over. That one the Brâhmans did not cross in former times, thinking, 'it has not been burnt over by Agni Vaisvânara.'
The 'final form' of the Satapatha Brahmana is estimated to have been recorded around 1000–800 BCE, although it refers toastronomical phenomena dated to 2100 BCE, and, as quoted above, historical events such as the drying up of theSarasvati river, which is believed to have occurred around 1900 BCE.[53] It providesscientific knowledge ofgeometry andobservational astronomy from theVedic period, and is considered significant in the development ofVaishnavism as the possible origin of severalPuranic legends andavatars of theRigVedic godVishnu, all of which (Matsya,Kurma,Varaha,Narasimha, andVamana) are listed in theDashavatara.
M. Winternitz states that this Brahmana is 'the best known, the most extensive, and doubtless, also on account of its contents, the most important of all the Brahmanas'.[1] Eggeling states that 'The Brâhmana of the Vâgasaneyins bears the name ofSatapatha, that is, the Brâhmana 'of a hundred paths,' because it consists of a hundred lectures (adhyâyas). Both theVâgasaneyi-samhitâ [Yajurveda] and theSatapatha-brâhmana have come down to us in two differentrecensions, those of theMâdhyandina and theKânva schools':[15]
When the completion ofyajna does not happen in a year (samvatsara) then everything is not stable. Then one has to seek the grace ofVishnu (Vamana) by performing a special rite on theekadashi day. Yajna means Vishnu (worshipping Vishnu). They perform yajna only for stabilising. They depend onIndra andAgni. Indra and Agni give the abode for Gods (devas). Devas only seek shelter in them and only depend on them.
— Taittiriya Brahmana, translated by R.L. Kashyap (2017), Ashtaka 1, Prapathaka 2, Anuvaka 5, Verses 1–7[54]
Ascribed to the sage Tittiri (or Taittiri), the Taittiriya Brahmana of theTaittiriya Shakha consists of threeAshtakas (books or parts) of commentaries on the performance ofVedicsacrificial rituals,astronomy, and information about the gods. It is stated by theIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to be 'mixed ofmantras and Brahmans... composed in poetic and prose manner'.[55]
M. Winternitz adds that the "Taittiriya-Brahmana of the BlackYajurveda is nothing but a continuation of the Taittiriya-Samhita, for the Brahmanas were already included in the Samhitas of the Black Yajurveda. The Taittiriya-Brahmana, therefore, contains only later additions to the Samhita."[1]
According to theMonier-WilliamsSanskrit Dictionary, Taittiri was a disciple ofYaska (300–400 BCE),[56] although according to theVishnu Purana (Book 3, Chapter 5), Taittiri and Yaska were disciples ofVaiśampáyana (500–600 BCE).[57] According toH.H. Wilson, in theAnukramańí (index of the black Yajurveda), it 'is there said that Vaiśampáyana taught it to Yaska, who taught it to Tittiri, who also became a teacher; whence the term Taittiríya, for a grammatical rule explains it to mean, 'The Taittiríyas are those who read what was said or repeated by Tittiri'.'[58]
Although the Taittiriya Chardi Brahmana is mentioned (i.e. listed) by academics such as S. Shri[14] and S.N. Nair,[59] no further information could be found.
The Taittiriya Pravargya is a commentary on the Pravargya ritual, contained in theTaittiriya Aranyaka. This is not listed or referred to as a Brahmana in the works cited.
Dalal states that the Vadhula (or Anvakhyana) Brahmana of the VadhulaShakha is 'a Brahmana type of text, though it is actually part of the Vadhula Shrauta Sutra'.[13] However, B.B. Chaubey states that about 'the nature of the text there has been confusion whetherVadhAnva [Vadhula Anvakhyana Brahmana] is a Brahmana, or an Anubrahmana ['work resembling a brahmana' or 'according to the brahmana'],[60] or an Anvakhyana ['explanation keeping close to the text' or 'minute account or statement'].[61] When Caland found some newly discovered MSS [manuscript] of the Vadhula School he was not sure about the nature of the text. Because of the composite nature of the MS [manuscript] he took the text as part of the Srautasurta of the Vadhulas. However, he was not unaware of the Brahmanic character of the text... according to Caland, the word Anvakhyana was given as a specific name to the Brahmanas, or Brahmana-like passages of the Vadhulasutra'.[62]
According toM. Bloomfield, the 9shakhas – schools or branches – of theAtharvaveda are:[63]
These (waters) which having encircled the seed, the ocean, rested into (it); those (waters) flowed together towards the east, south, west, and north. In that those (waters) flowed together (towards it), therefore, it is called samudra (ocean). Frightened they said to the lord, alone may we choose as King. And in that having encircled (the ocean), rested into (it), that became Varana. Him who is (really) Varana they call mysticallyVaruna. Gods are fond of mystical (presentation) as it were, and haters of direct (presentation).
— Gopatha Brahmana, translated by H.C. Patyal (1969), Prapathaka I.1.7[64]
Bloomfield states that theGopatha Brahmana 'does not favour us with a report of the name of its author or authors. it is divided into two parts, the purva-brahmana in five prapathakas (chapters), and the uttara-brahmana in six prapathakas. The purva shows considerable originality, especially when it is engaged in the glorification of theAtharvan and its priests; this is indeed its main purpose. Its materials are by no means all of the usual Brahmana-character; they broach frequently upon the domain ofUpanishad... The uttara has certainly some, though probably very few original sections'.[63]
S.S. Bahulkar states that the 'Gopatha Brahmana (GB.) is the only brahmana text of AV [Atharvaveda], belonging to both the recensions [Shakhas], viz. Saunaka and Paippalada'.[65] Dalal agrees, stating the 'aim of this Brahmana seems to be to incorporate the Atharva [Veda] in the Vedic ritual, and bring it in line with the other three Vedas. This Brahmana is the same for the Paippalada and Shaunaka shakhas, and is the only existing Brahmana of the Artharva Veda'.[13] C. Majumdar states that 'although classed as a Brahmana, [it] really belongs to theVedanga literature, and is a very late work'.[29]
M Haug states that there 'must have been, as we may learn fromPanini andPatanjali'sMahabhasya, a much larger number of Brahmanas belonging to eachVeda; and even Sayana, who lived only about four [now five] hundred years ago, was acquainted with more than we have now'.[7]
S. Shrava states that 'Innumerable manuscripts of the valuable [Vedic] literature have been lost due to atrocities of the rulers and invaders, ravages of time, and utter disregard and negligence. These factors contributed to the loss of hundreds of manuscripts. Once their number was more than a few hundred. Had these been available today the ambiguity in the interpretation ofVedic hymns could not have crept in'.[8] Based on references in other Sanskrit literature, Shrava lists many of these lost works:[8]
| Brahmana | Description |
|---|---|
| Paimgi, Paimgya, Paimgayani | Also referred to as 'Madhuka' by theBrhaddevata. Referenced in other Sanskrit texts such as theNidana Sutra, as well as the Kaushitaki,Shatapatha, andAitareya Brahmanas. |
| Bahvricha | Possibly a sub-division orrecension related to theMandukya Upanishad. Referenced in other Sanskrit texts such as theApastambaSrauta Sutra, and in commentaries such as by Devapala on theKathaka Grihya Sutra, and bySabara on theMimasa Darsana. |
| Asvalayana | Possibly considered the same as theAitareya Brahmana. Referenced by 'Raghunandana in theMalamasa Prakarana of his Smrititattva'. |
| Galava Brahmana | One of the fiveSakala recensions of the Rigveda. The sage Galava, who prepared the 'proper sequences of the readings from the Rigveda' was also known asBabhravya, and is mentioned in Sanskrit texts such as theRikpratisakhya,Nirukta, andBrihaddevata. |
| Brahmana | Description |
|---|---|
| Bhallavi | Recorded by the sage Bhallavi. 'Asruti of Bhallavi recension is available inSuresvara'sBrihadaranyaka Upanishad' (219). Also referred to inSamkara's commentary on theVedanta Sutra, amongst other Sanskrit works. |
| Kalabavi | Arecension of theSamaveda. Quoted in works such as the UpagranthaSutra. |
| Rauruki | Referred to in works such as Gobhila GrihyaSutra and the commentary ofSayana on theTamdya Brahmana (also known as the Panchavimsha Brahmana). |
| Satyayana | Referred to byJayadita. |
| Talavakara | Recorded by the sage Telavakara. Possibly arecension of theJaiminiya Brahmana or the same text named after a differentRishi. |
| Brahmana | Description |
|---|---|
| Charaka | Main Brahmana of theCharaka recension of the Yajurveda. Similar to theMaitrayaniya Upanishad, referred to in works such as the commentary of Devaraja Yajva on theNightantu. |
| Svetasvatara | This is 'a sub-division of theCharakas according toCharanvyuha'. TheShvetashvatara Upanishad is from theAranyaka of this Brahmana. |
| Kathaka | This is 'a sub-division of theCharaka recension of [the] Yajurveda. Kathas were northern Charakas'. Referred to in works such as theKathaka Samkalana. and portions have been published byCaland andSchroeder. |
| Maitrayani | Recorded by the sage Maitrayani. Referred to in works such as theBaudhayana Srauta Sutra. |
| Jabala | Recorded byAcharya Mahasala Satyakama Jabala, a disciple ofYajnavalkya (see alsoJabala Upanishad). |
| Khandikeya | A division of theTaittiriya school. Referenced by the BhashikaSutra. |
| Aukheya | Referred to in the BhashikaSutra. |
| Haridravika | Referred to in the commentary ofSayana on the Rigveda. |
| Tumburu | Recension of both the Yajurveda and Samaveda. Referred to in theMahabhashya byPatañjali. |
| Ahvaraka | This is 'a sub-division of the Charakas'. Referred to in works such as theSampradaya Paddhati. |
| Kankati | Referred to in theApastamba Srauta Sutra. |
| Baral | A division of theMudgal. Referred to in works such as the Manava and Bharadvaja Sutra |
|-|Chhagaleya|A division of theTaittiriya school. Referred to in works such as theBaudhayana Srauta Sutra.|}
The Brahmanas listed below are often only mentioned by name in other texts without any further information such as what Veda they are attached to.
| Brahmana | Description |
|---|---|
| Aruneya | Referred to in theTantraVarttika. |
| Saulabha | Possibly arecension of theRigveda. Referred to in the Samkhyana GrihyaSutra, Asvalayana Grihya Sutra, and Kaushitaki Brahmana. |
| Sailali | Referred to in theApastamba Srauta Sutra. |
| Parasara | Possibly arecension of theRigveda. Referred to in theMahabhasya. |
| Mashasaravi | Referred to in works such as theGanapatha byPāṇini |
| Kapeya | Referred to in theSatyashada SrautaSutra. |
| Rahasyamnaya | Referred to in theSmriti Ratnakara. |
| Nirukta | Referred to in theTaittiriya Upanishad (see also theNirukta). |
| Anvakhyana | Referred to byCaland, who published extracts in the fourth volume ofActa Orientalia in 1926. This is available in German.[66] |
| Bashkala | Referred to in a list of manuscripts in the library ofKavindracharya Saravati. |
| Mandukeya | |
| Trikharvva | Recensions mentioned bySayana. |
| Karadvisha |
| Brahmana | Sanskrit | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aitareya | archive.org:version 1,version 2 | TITUS (e-text) | archive.org (M. Haug) |
| Kausitaki / Samkhyana | Gretil (e-text) | archive.org (A.B. Keith; includes the Aitareya Brahmana) |
| Brahmana | Sanskrit | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatapatha (Mâdhyandina) | archive.org: PartOne,Two, andThree | Gretil (e-text): PartOne,Two,Three,FourFive,Six,Seven,Eight,Nine,Ten,Eleven, Twelve (N/A),Thirteen,Fourteen | Sacred-Texts.com (e-texts) |
| Vedavid.org (e-text) | Archive,org: PartOne,Two,Three,Four, andFive | ||
| Shatapatha (Kanva) | |||
| Taittiriya | archive.org:version 1,version 2 | TITUS (e-text) | SAKSHI:Volume 1,Volume 2 |
| Taittiriya Chardi | |||
| Vadhula – Anvakhyana | archive.org |
| Brahmana | Sanskrit | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gopatha | archive.org:version 1 (Complete Works of Jibananda Vidyasagara), version 2 (Rajendralala Mitra and Harachandra Vidyabhushana) | Gretil (e-text) | Shodhganga (C.G. Kashikar) |
| Brahmanas | English |
|---|---|
| Ahvaraka, Kaukati, Kalabavi, Caraka, Chagaleya, Jabali, Jaiminya, Pamgayanu, Bhallavi, Masasaravi, Maitrayaniya, Rauruki, Satyayana, Sailali, Svetasvatara, and Haridravika. | archive.org (B. Ghosh) |
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