What are Veda ?

Veda is a word of Sanskrit language. It means knowledge. These and associated books contain knowledge on philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, navigation, music, dance, drama...

Since time unknown they had been only in verbal form in India. Then some-body compiled them in writing. These are the oldest books of the world (These were compiled at least 6000 BC). These are mainly on devotion and philosophy. Like all great Indian compilers the compiler did not like to mention his/her name, however people attribute it to sage Veda-Vyasa.

They are compiled in complex meters and filled with various sophisticated plays on the sounds of words. They are compiled in a language (Sanskrit) which is filled with synonyms indicating a long and rich development. Above all it has an entire mysticism of sound, mantra and the Divine Word

They have been in the hearts of Indians since then. Though is not fair to confine them under a tag, but if we have to do that than they are, what is called Hindu philosophy.

Veda are four in numbers. Every Veda has three sections namely Mantra section, Brahman section and Gyana section. The Mantra section is also called Samhita (which means collection) section. Samhita section gets its name from the fact that it is collection of Mantras.

Mantra section contains prayers of cosmic powers as Manifestation of Brahm (GOD). Brahman sections are also referred to as Karm Kaand and Gyan section is referred to as Upanishad. Brahman section deals with the use of the mantras in the performance of non-violent rituals in yagya. Upanishads (Vedanta) deal with the philosophical knowledge and worship of Un-manifest Brahm (GOD).

Who are Vedic gods ?

The Vedic gods to whom Mantra section is devoted are nothing else but the worship of "manifested characteristics" of Nirakaar Brahm and it is the first stage of devotion towards the Brahm.

But this is just the beginning. This devotion should grow and broaden and ultimately end into the devotion towards a Nirakaar Brahm. Who is the one who is in everything or who is every see able and un-see able entity?

The Upanishads discuss the Nirakaar Brahm. The one who is beyond time, death and everything. Everything is in Him. Every see able and un-see able entity is in Him. Then the Veda say "Na Iti, Na Iti" meaning this is not the end of the description of Brahm. How can we describe completely the one who is beyond our senses? We can only indicate. Upanishads accept the limitation of human body as it is. But with the continuous effort and meditation upon Him one can realize Him without any illusion.

Thus though the Veda start with indirect worship of Brahm they end up with the worship of Brahm in totality.