❓ How are the Vedas structured and what do they contain?

The Vedas are structured into four main collections: Rig Veda (hymns), Sama Veda (musical arrangements), Yajur Veda (ritual procedures), and Atharva Veda (practical applications). Each Veda contains three main sections:

• Samhitas: Primary collection of mantras and hymns
• Brahmanas: Detailed explanations of rituals
• Aranyakas & Upanishads: Philosophical teachings

The Rig Veda, the oldest text, contains 1,028 hymns organized into ten books (mandalas). These texts cover various subjects including cosmology, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and social duties, forming the foundation of Hindu thought and practice.