Contrary to the popular belief that ' Brahmana' are people belonging to the Vedic clan, the real meaning of the term is the Vedic literature in prosaic form explaining the meaning of the Veda mantram as also, ritualistic. The Brahmana give the scientific, metaphysical and the spiritual meaning of the Veda mantra. The importance of the Brahmana lie in the deep and vast extent of knowledge involved, starting from the origin of the alphabets, seed syllables (bijakhara) and the root words, phrases. Similarly, 'Aranyaka' are believed to be the Veda recited or studied by the Vedic people residing in forests and performing Vedic rituals. This belief was based on Sayana who said, aranyaadhyayanad etat aranyakam itiryate | It is also said that there is no mention of Aranyaka anywhere in the Aranyaka verses! Many scholars have treated 'Aranya' as vana, forest, but, the meaning of Arana is based on the root syllable 'Ru' meaning knowledge. "brahmana udaranamasi" (Tai. Aran. 1. 12). Hence, Aranyaka is jnyanaprada, knowledge-oriented! This was most likely taught in secluded places as sacred and secret Vedic doctrines! In fact, both Brahmana and the Aranyaka are better known as the Upanishad versions of the Vedic doctrines. It is the Veda mantra of certain Metres, Chhandas, like trivishtap, gayatri, anushtubh, rather, a poetic form of the Verses. The Brahmana and the Aranyaka are better known as the Upanishads!
The Upanishads belonging to the Brahmana class of Veda are: Shatapatha Br., Gopatha Br., Aitiriya Br.,Koushithaki Br., Shankayana Br.,- all from Rk veda. the Brahmana from Samaveda are: Tandya belonging to tandi shakha; Shadvimsha, Samavidhana, Arsheya, Daivata, upanishad-brahmana, Samhitopanishad-brahmana, Vamsha, Jaiminiya. The Brahmana of Yajurveda are Taittiriya and Shatapatha. The Brahmana of Atharva Veda is Gopatha Br. as already mentioned/
The Aranyaka Upanishads are mainly Taittiriya (incl. the Purushasukta), Aitareya, Shankhyana, Brihadaranyaka (incl Atma tattva), Maitrayani, Talavakara,
In fact, there are 108 Upanishads and, most of them deal with the Creation and the Creator, Sustenanc and the Forces, Shakti, that sustain all that is created, dissolution and the final merger. Most of the Upanishads stress the need for realization of the self, emancipation and means of emancipation such as yoga, mantra japa, dhyana, etc.
These may seem a little repetitive, and mention of some Upanishads like the Ishavasya of the Yajurveda, even omitted here, but it is very important and useful to understand how the Vedic knowledge has penetrated deep into our Indian ethos, rituals and customs as a cultural tradition. One need not be a Brahmin to know all the secrets disclosed in these scriptures. There are many interesting accounts of great sages, their contributions regarding the origin of the universe, creation, sustenance, dissolution, and merger of the jiva in paramatman! It is said that the very sounds of these verses heard with rapt attention will bring immense solace! The farmers hearing the Vedic chants coming from temples early morning have reported their joy and say that even the crops yield better! The Veda is for all!
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