Gandharva Veda - An Influential Part Of The Upavedas

Vedas are basically scriptures written in the Sanskrit language. They are centuries old and consist of lessons, creations and spiritual knowledge on Hinduism. Vedas and Upavedas are categorised based on their application in real life. The Vedas are to be heard where upavedas are to be remembered.

According to the old saying, Vyasa is the compiler of Vedas and he arranged the Vedic Hymns into four different collectables known as Vedas.

What Are The Four Different Types Of Vedas?

1. Rigveda
2. Yajurveda
3. Samaveda
4. Atharvaveda

1. Rigveda: Rigveda is a collection of 1028 Sanskrit hymns. They are spiritual prayers about various Hindu Gods.
2. Samaveda: Samaveda is related to chanting mantras and hymns. They are spiritual prayers offered during a sacrifice or in praise of God.
3. Yajurveda: Yajurveda offers detailed ideas about the various conditions at the time of sacrifice and sacred rituals and ceremonies.
4. Atharvaveda: Atharvaveda will bring in the details of everyday life for you

Each Veda is classified further into four major texts depending upon the knowledge they share and their delivery of context.

Samhitas

This is a collection of mantras or hymns that are put together in context to prayer just for the recitals. They are sung with or without literal meaning.

Aranyaka

This discusses the rituals we need to do in daily life. Apart from this, the knowledge about various ceremonies and sacrifices is discussed here.

Brahmans

Here the commentaries on rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices are provided, that can help you understand the context better.

Upanishads

The text provided in Upanishad explains the importance and process of meditation, philosophy and spiritual context in terms of studies and everyday life.

Now that we have understood what the Upvedas are, Let us try to understand what is Upaveda and how it differs for Vedas, and the classification of the same.

What is An Upaveda?

Translated into the literal meaning, Upaveda means knowledge of applied studies. There are certain technical works available in this form of scriptures and thus, their class differs from other Vedas. There are four main categories of Upavedas depending on the source and place of application of knowledge.

What are the Four Types Of Upavedas?

• • Dhanurveda
  • Sthapatya Veda
  • Gandharva Veda
  • Ayurveda

Dhanurveda (Archery)

The study of Dhanurveda is associated with Yajurveda. Archery is denoted as one of the noblest defence forms since ancient times. It has been mentioned many times in the Indian Cultural Heritage. Amongst the Kshatriyas, it is mentioned as the most dignified and applauded form of weapon. Some of the epic characters through centuries were Marcel in the art of archery. The most known examples of such Kshatriyas are Lord Rama, Arjuna, Karna, Bhishma, Eklavya and many more.

Dhanurveda is an ancient science of physical activity. It practices the art of handling bow and arrow, which relates to training for the war and thus, initiates various rules of engagement with the enemy during the war. The scripture includes martial arts in terms of physical training that includes warriors, cavalry, charioteers, etc. There are different rules followed during a war in terms of archery and how it is followed during the war.

Sthapatya Veda

Sthapatya Veda is associated with Architecture. It basically explains the construction and space management of a Hindu temple. Hindu temple architecture has many varieties of style and space design. The architecture in a Hindu temple reflects the formation of art, beliefs and spiritual values of Hinduism. A temple is a place for pilgrimage, the forms used in the making of a Hindu temple interior are spiritual elements. They showcase the link between man and the divine. They help us to join the pathway to liberation through knowledge and truth.

The architectural principles are shown in Vastu shastra. Hindu Vedas and scriptures encourage the independence of thought and figurative descriptions in the temples they build. They have maintained a considerable expression in maintaining perfect geometry while constructing a mandir. The cosmic elements that celebrate life itself are present in Hindu Temples.

Gandharva Veda

Originally associated with Dance, Poetry and Classical Musical, Gandharva Veda is an applied study of music and dance. This form of art gives you a temporary form of salvation. There are basically two musical genres, including in the oldest form of art. The first one in Gandharva includes formal, compose and ceremonial music, whereas the Second onesies Gana, which includes informal, improvised and entertainment music. Gandharva Veda also includes the details of implied celestial and divine associations.

Gandharva Veda is one of the divine structuring points of Rig Veda. It focuses on harmonizing different qualities in you that helps in structuring your life and your thoughts as well. It helps you provide a structure to the silence, sufficiency and referral. Moreover, it adds to the full consciousness of your soul.

Gandharva Veda is a detailed account concerning music, for the creation and positive impact of music on the body and mind. It gives an insight into different sounds and rhythms with species on the earth. Gandharva Veda is used effectively during meditation and it helps your soul search and look into your innermost level.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the study of the science of health and science. It is associated with Atharvaveda. There are several diseases mentioned in Atharvaveda and its treatment. It is an Indian system of health and medicine and this can help you analyze and see in-depth about the science of ancient india. Every time you read Atharvaveda, you will realise it gives you a fresh approach towards finding a new look to put in towards the science of medicine.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means the science of life. with around 5000 years of knowledge, it stems from ancient Vedic literature. In Ayurveda, body, mind and consciousness work together and thus, a balance has to be maintained between these three constituents of the body. However, the basic difference between western medicine and Ayurveda is the use of drugs and surgery to heal the body. Where Ayurveda ensures life must be supported by energy in balance and enhance the body’s natural defence system to fight against various diseases.

Gandharva Veda And Its Relationship With Natya Shastra As An Art Form

Natya Shastra is a Sanskrit scripture that helps you understand the concept of performing arts. The first compilation dated back to 200 BCE. The scripture consists of 36 chapters with different verses describing performing arts. The subjects included in these compositions are dramatic and play around the construction of stage and performance. It generally focuses on body movements, makeup and costumes; they also include the integration of music and musical instruments in the performance.

Natyashastra is a notable performance treatise. It includes the study of the influence of dance and music on literary traditions. It enhances the desired effect of performance hearts, but the primary goal of the performance is to transport an individual to an alternate reality that is showcased in the performance.

Gandharva Veda is one of the four main Upvedas and is attached to the Sama Veda. Gandharva was named after the semi-divine beings named after Gandharvas. This Upveda is the origin of the Sangeet. Ancient Indian music is generally referred to as Gandharva Veda. The hymns and verses of the Sama Veda are sung and thereby take the origins of Sangeeta back to the Gandharva Veda itself.

There are different Vedas and their importance to providing you with spiritual knowledge is extraordinary. Focus on your mental peace and enhance your spiritual energy with the help of more knowledge about all the Sanskrit scriptures available through the years.