Hindu traditions · Vedic literature

The four Vedas

Four distinct collections, preserved in different recensions and used in different ritual settings. Choose a collection to begin reading.

Rig Veda

Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1896).

The oldest Vedic collection, preserving hymns to deities and cosmic powers used in early Indo-Aryan ritual and poetic speculation.

Ralph T.H. Griffith, English Translation

A liturgical Veda arranging verses—mostly drawn from the Rig Veda—for melodic performance in Soma sacrifice.

Taittiriya Samhita; translated by Arthur Berriedale Keith (1914).

Collections of sacrificial formulas and explanatory prose used by officiating priests to perform and interpret Vedic ritual.

Maurice Bloomfield (1897), Sacred Books of the East 42; selected hymns

A diverse Vedic collection of hymns, prayers, charms, royal rites, healing formulas, and speculative poetry.