3 results for “Samaveda”
Vedic literature extends beyond the four Vedas. The Samhitas contain hymns and mantras, the Brahmanas explain sacrifice and ritual, the Aranyakas explore deeper symbolic meanings of ritual, and the Upanishads increasingly focus on philosophical questions concerning the self, ultimate reality, karma, rebirth and liberation.
Vedic religion centred on hymns, sacrifice and deities associated with natural, social and cosmic forces. Indra, Agni, Varuna and Soma were especially prominent in the Rigvedic period, while Later Vedic ritual became more elaborate and royal sacrifices gained political importance.
During the Later Vedic period, the centre of Vedic culture expanded eastward into the Ganga-Yamuna region. Agriculture, iron use, territorial political units, stronger kingship, elaborate sacrifices and clearer social differentiation became increasingly important.
