ARANYAKAS
The Aranyakas ("Forest Books") discuss rites deemed not suitable for
the village (thus the name "forest"); it constitutes the philosophy
behind ritual sacrifice texted in the Vedas. The major contents of the
Aranyakas are theosophy (Brahmavidya), meditation (Upasana) and knowledge of
breath (Pranavidya). They describe the secret meaning of the sacrifice and the
concept of Brahma as well. The creation of the universe, the power of the
Almighty, Om, the soul and the cycle of birth and death are explained in
Brihadaranyaka in a simple manner. In the Aranyakas we find certain important
geographical, historical, social and cultural points also. All this makes their
study more significant.
The Brahmanas advocating Yajna and
other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead the life
of house-holders (Grihastha). But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals
are intended to confer not only material benefits but also mental purity by
constant discipline. Aranyakas containing explanations of the
rituals and allegorical speculations thereon are meant for non-materialistic
seakers. This may be the reason why these texts were propounded by the Rishis
who resided in the forests and thought upon the secrets of the Yajnas.
Aranyakas describe the actions of life and also acquisition of knowledge. These
works form the basis of the Rahasya or secrets discussed in the
Upanishads, therefore, another name of the Aranyakas was ‘Rahasya‘ as well.
This name is mentioned in the Gopatha Brahmana and Manusmriti.
Aranyakas is to bridge the gap
between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the more philosophical Upanishads.
Aranyakas are non-homogeneous in content and structure. In the immense Vedic
literature, there is no absolute universally true distinction between Aranyakas and Brahmanas,
as some Upanishads are incorporated inside a few Aranyakas.
Aranyakas, along with Brahmanas, represent the emerging transitions
in later Vedic religious practices. The transition completes with the
blossoming of ancient Indian philosophy from external sacrificial rituals to
internalized philosophical treatise of Upanishads.
Aranyakas describe and discuss
rituals from various perspectives, but some include philosophical speculations.
For example, the Katha Aranyaka discusses rituals connected with the Pravargya
(ceremony introductory to the Agnishtoma (Soma sacrifice – devotion / worship / offering; to
any ritual done in front of a sacred fire, often with chanting
mantras), at which fresh milk is poured into a heated vessel called mahavira or gharma and offered
to the Ashvins (twin Vedic gods of medicine. They
are also described as divine twin horsemen in the Rigveda.
They are the sons of Surya (in his form as Vivasvant) and his
wife Saranyu, a goddess of the clouds)). The Aitareya Aranyaka
includes explanation of the Mahavrata ritual from ritualisitic to
symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view.
The
Aranyakas are associated with, and named for, individual Vedic shakhas.
· Rigveda
o Aitareya Aranyaka belongs to the Aitareya Shakha of
Rigveda
o Kaushitaki Aranyaka belongs to the Kaushitaki
and Shankhayana Shakhas of Rigveda
· Yajurveda
o Taittiriya Aranyaka belongs to the Taittiriya
Shakha of the Krishna Yajurveda
o Maitrayaniya Aranyaka belongs to the
Maitrayaniya Shakha of the Krishna Yajurveda
o Brihad Aranyaka in the Madhyandina and
the Kanva versions of the Shukla Yajurveda. The Madhyandina version has 9
sections, of which the last 6 are the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
· Samaveda
o Talavakara Aranyaka or Jaiminiya
Upanishad Brahmana belongs to the Talavakara or Jaiminiya Shakha of
the Samaveda
o Aranyaka Samhita is not a typical
Aranyaka text: rather the Purvarchika of the Samaveda Samhitas has a section of
mantras, called the 'Aranyaka Samhita', on which the Aranyagana Samans are
sung.
The
Atharvaveda has no surviving Aranyaka, though the Gopatha Brahmana is regarded
as its Aranyaka, a remnant of a larger, lost Atharva (Paippalada) Brahmana.
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