Aranyakas

Aranyak text are found in the last of Brahaman literature and these text have been written by writer of Brahaman literatures by same rishis. Infact aranyak text are explanations to Gyan Margs (Knowledge Patthway) as guided by Sanhitas while explanation to sacrificial rituals is found in Brahaman literatures.

Aranyak text were written in the post period of composition of vedic texts according to many historians all aranyaks were written between 800 BC-600 BC.

Aranyak word has been point from the sanskrit word the Aranya which means forest. Thus Aranyak are these text which were written on peaceful environment in the forest. Therefore its study and thinking should be done in the peaceful environment in the forest.

Aranyank text were associated with the popular aashram system of aryan. these text were written for the persons suffering through vanprasth ashram. Who used to recide in isolated way in the rorest leaving there family. They used to spend there time and life in teaching and study.

Prabably questions were began to arise regarding utility of vedic yagays of 8th century. Vanprasth people analysed these yagayas and stated them reght throught he medium of these aranyakas.

Rigvedas sanlhita has two Brahamanas which are found with these names in the end of Aitreya and Kaushiki. Yagurveda associated three arnayakas are – Brihadaranyak, Taitryae – Aranyak and Maitraiyhe aranyak, like wise samvida also has two aranayaks – Gemini and Chchandog were as Athar-vavedas has none aranyak associated with it.

These text were written in poetry style. the language and content are like the language and containts of its associated Brahaman text. The most important aranyak, Aitraye arnyank is considered as most significant which was written by Mahidas aitraye. Few scholars considered aranyakas as appendix to Brahaman text.

In arnayak text, logical explanation has been made to the symbols and titles mentioned in Sanhitas. In therse more imphasis has been given on the subjects like force, Brahama Vidya (Education) and Mysticism.

Early proof of philosphical discussion of India could be seen in these aranyakas description have been made on yoga. vidya and darshan at several places in these. The emphasis has been given on meditation than wordly life.

According to many historians vedic rituals were increased and became more dominant on post period of vedas. Yagya had became very expansive and priests had occupied had important role in common life as such many more questions are were asked regarding yagyas and other practices.

The most important features of aranyak text is spiritual thinking. Thoughts of high standards related with soul Rebirth, meditation, world, Brahama in it. Probably common people was eager to know about these.

Brihadarynayak is the largest of all aranyakas discussion had been made on Brahama, Soul and god etc. in it Taitrayea aranyak is considered the oldest which is a part of taitraye Brahaman.

Aranyak text could be seen as connecting link between early religious of aryans and local religion Rigvedic religion was absolutely based on utility and practical results. it has been recognised in aranyakas however imphasis is put on sacrifice and meditation.