More on the Vedas

The derivation of the names of the Vedas, their functions and propag

Dec 2, 2006 Harsh Nevatia

The names of the Riga, Sama and Yajur Veda were derived from their content. The name of the Atharva Veda is derived differently.

The word Veda means knowledge. Its root is “vid”, which means “to know”. As the name suggests, the Vedas are books of knowledge.

The name Riga is derived from the word “rik”, which translates as incantation. The Riga Veda consists largely of incantations to the various deities. The name Sama is derived from the word “sama”, which translates as sweet hymn. The Sama Veda consists largely of hymns that were sung during sacrifices. The name Yajur is derived from the word “yaj”, which means sacrifice. The Yajur Veda, like the Sama Veda, is associated with sacrifices. The names of the first three Vedas are linked to the nature of their contents.

The Atharva Veda derives its name from Atharvan, who is credited with the discovery of fire. There is a reference to this in Verse 13 of Book 6 Hymn XVI of the Riga Veda. Legend has it that the Atharva Veda was first revealed to Atharvan. Hence the Veda is named Atharva.

The four Vedas have differing functions in major sacrifices. Such sacrifices are conducted by four classes of priests. The officiating priests are known as “hotri”. It is their function to invoke the gods, sanctify the ground and pour the libations. These priests chanted the hymns from the Riga Veda. Then were the “adhyaru” who actually carried out the rites. The hymns they recited were from the Yajur Veda. While the sacrifice was being conducted another set of priests, known as “udgatri”, chanted hymns separately. These hymns were taken from the Sama Veda. Finally were the priests who were involved in the logistics of the sacrifice. They recited hymns from the Atharva Veda in their work.

In the article “The Structure of the Vedas” it was stated that Veda Vyasa classified the Vedic hymns into the four Vedas. He also taught each Veda to one disciple. Paila learnt the Riga Veda, Vaishampayana the Yajur Veda, Jaimini the Sama Veda and Sumantu the Atharva Veda. These disciples then further propagated the Veda they had specialized in.

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