Vedic Literature
Vedic literature consists of four classes of literary creations, viz. Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. The Vedas are hymns, prayers, charms, litanies, and sacrificial formulae. The term veda means "knowledge," and it is believed that they contain fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of, function of, and personal response to existence. Rigveda The literal meaning of the word rig is 'to praise'. It is a collection of hymns in praise of gods. It was compiled around 1500-1000 BC. It has been divided into ten volumes called Mandals , each of which contains 1,028 hymns and 10,600 verses. The oldest books are Mandal II through VII. They are also known as family books because they are attributed to rishi families. Mandal VIII and IX are from the middle ages. Mandals I and X are the most recently completed. Mandal III contains the Gayatri Mantra , which was written in honour of the sun god Savitri. Mandal IX is solely dedicated to Soma, the Lord