Brahmana

1636 CE Samaveda, Sadvimsha Brahmana (Pañcaviṃśabrāhmaṇa supplement), Benares Sanskrit college, Edward Cowell collection, sample i, Sanskrit, Devanagari

Yajna1

1827 CE manuscript copy, Vedic era Aitareya Brahmana, Schoyen Collection Norway

Tools used for Yajna

1636 CE Samaveda, Sadvimsha Brahmana (Pañcaviṃśabrāhmaṇa supplement), Benares Sanskrit college, Edward Cowell collection, sample i, Sanskrit, Devanagari

12th-century Samaveda samhita and brahmanam, Aranyaganam Prapathaka 1-6, page 1 front, Raghunath temple archives, Jammu

Brahmana refers to a class of prose texts that are part of the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Vedas. Brahmanas are primarily concerned with the rituals and ceremonies associated with Vedic religion, providing instructions and explanations for the rituals described in the Samhitas, which are the mantra portions of the Vedas. They also contain early exegesis of the Vedas, theological discussions, and philosophical doctrines. The Brahmanas are considered to be a critical source for understanding the development of Indian religious practices and thought.

Origins and Development

The Brahmanas were composed in Sanskrit during the late Vedic period, which spans from about 1000 to 500 BCE. Each of the four Vedas—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—has its own set of Brahmanas. The composition of these texts reflects a transition from a nomadic pastoralist society to a more settled agrarian society, which necessitated a more complex ritualistic practice.

Content and Structure

The content of the Brahmanas is diverse, but they are primarily concerned with the details of Vedic rituals. They explain the purpose and significance of the rituals, the precise manner in which they are to be performed, and the mythology and theology underlying them. This includes descriptions of the materials to be used in sacrifices, the specific chants and mantras to be recited, and the duties of the various priests involved.

In addition to ritual instructions, the Brahmanas contain myths and stories that aim to illustrate moral and philosophical points, often through the use of allegory. These narratives are crucial for understanding the Vedic worldview and the conceptual foundations of later Hindu philosophy.

Major Brahmanas

Each Veda has several Brahmanas associated with it. Some of the most important include: - The Aitareya Brahmana and Kaushitaki Brahmana of the Rigveda - The Tandya Mahabrahmana (or Panchavimsha Brahmana), Sadvimsha Brahmana, and Jaiminiya Brahmana of the Samaveda - The Taittiriya Brahmana and Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajurveda - The Gopatha Brahmana of the Atharvaveda

Significance

The Brahmanas are invaluable for the study of ancient Indian history, religion, and culture. They provide insight into the evolution of Hindu rituals and the early development of Hindu philosophy. The Brahmanas also reflect the social and political organization of Vedic society, including the roles of the priestly class and the significance of sacrificial ceremonies in maintaining social order.

Criticism and Interpretation

Over the centuries, the Brahmanas have been subject to various interpretations and criticisms. Some scholars view them as purely ritualistic texts with little philosophical depth. Others, however, argue that the philosophical and theological discussions found in the Brahmanas lay the groundwork for later developments in Hindu thought, such as the Upanishads.

See Also

- Vedas - Upanishads - Vedic religion - Hindu philosophy