Yajurveda
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The Veda of ritual formulas, used by the adhvaryu priest who performs the actions of a Vedic sacrifice. It has two branches, Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black).
| Tradition | Hindu (Vedic) |
|---|---|
| Type | Veda |
| Language | Vedic Sanskrit |
| Period | c. 1200–800 BCE (scholarly estimate) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally regarded as apaurusheya (not of human authorship) |
What it contains
- Prose formulas (yajus) and verses recited during rituals.
- Shukla Yajurveda: the Vajasaneyi Samhita, with the Shatapatha Brahmana.
- Krishna Yajurveda: the Taittiriya, Maitrayani, Kathaka and Kapishthala Samhitas, which mix verses with explanation.
- The Shri Rudram (from the Taittiriya Samhita), widely chanted in Shiva worship.
- Associated Upanishads include the Isha, Brihadaranyaka, Katha, Taittiriya and Shvetashvatara.
Significance
The Yajurveda gives the order and words of Vedic rituals. Many prayers used at Hindu ceremonies today come from it.