Categorization of Vedic Scriptures

Vedic-scriptures are the authority to the people who profess Sana:thana-dharma in all spiritual matters. These Ve:dic-scriptures are broadly divided into six categories based on the nature of these scriptures. They are: -

1 ) SRUTHI - Sruthis are also called as Ve:das. The term Sruthi literally means that which is heard. These scriptures were initially revealed to Lord Brahma
at the beginning of the creation. It is said that the great sages perceived these scriptures as the result of their austere penance and passed it on to the posterity by the word of mouth, hence these scriptures are known Sruthis. Sruthis are considered to be the most authentic and authoritative scriptures.
There are 4 vedas.
-Rig
-Yajur
-Saama
-Adharvana

Vedas are divided into two parts, Poorva Bhagamu(Karma Bhaagamu), Uttara Bhaagamu(Jnana Bhagamu). Poorva Bhagamu is also called Samhita which describes how
you could attain happiness in this life and in OordhvaLokaalu. This part prescribes and describes how to perform Yagnas and Yaagas.

Uttara Bhagamu has upanishaths. It is said that this is the part that imparts Jnanamu. These upanishats answer questions like "What is Aatama? Whos is paramaatma?
What is relationship between these two? ". I will write about the categorization of upanishats in future. There is a good book by "HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami" on Isaavaasyopanishath. This would be an excellent starting point for diving in to the holy spiritual waters.

2 )SMRITHI - Smrithis are also called as DHARMA-SA:STHRAS. The term Smrithi means that, which is recollected. The great sages imparted the science of the Sruthis to their disciples. Few of those disciples recollected and reflected on those teachings and recorded them; hence those scriptures are known Smrithis.

3 )ITHIHA: SA -Ithiha: sas can be called as the recorded histories. Ithiha:sa literally means that which is recorded as it occurred (by the great sages who
witnessed them). There are only two Ithiha:sas namely SRI:RA:MA:YANA and MAHA:BHA:RATHA.

4 )PURA:NAS - The teachings of the great saints, which have the incidents of the past as their basis is recorded in the form of pura:nas. Though the details
of the described incidents vary from a Pura:na to Pura:na the moral values taught in the Pura:nas are applicable at all the times. There are only 18 primary
and 18 secondary recognized Pura:nas. I have already posted the list of 18 puranas earlier on this blog.

5 )A:GAMA:S - These scriptures deal with the science of the deity worship and the rituals connected with the deity worship. This is the science of temple
construction and making deities also.

6 )DIVYA-PRABANDHAMS - Many great saints have eulogized the deities they adored. These eulogies are known as Divyaprabandhams.

I have taken the excerpts from the "BhaktiNivedana Dec 2002 edition" for this categorization. I will add more information to these categories as I learn more about them in future. In the mean time, if you have any questions, mail me at Praveena.Jayanthi@gmail.com.

Jai SreeRam!