Veda is a Sanskrit word from the root, vid, meaning “to know." Thus, veda means "knowledge" or "wisdom".
The Vedas are the most ancient Hindu and yogic texts. Written in Sanskrit, they are considered to have no author. Rather, it is believed that the texts were revealed to the ancient sages who passed them on orally for many years until they were written down on palm leaves around 500 BCE.
The four Vedas are:
1. Rig Veda - The most important Veda. It contains mantras and hymns for happiness, health and wisdom, including the famous Gayatri mantra.
2. Sama Veda - A collection of musical hymns and mantras that form the basis for kirtan, the devotional chanting of Bhakti yoga.
3. Yajur Veda - The instructional handbook for the technical aspects of ceremonies, sacrificial acts and worship of the deities. This is used by Vedic priests.
4. Atharva Veda - A collection of magical rites and spells to dispel demons and disease, as well as hymns for marriage and cremation.
