Answered from scripture
What are the four Vedas?
In short
The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism — four collections of hymns, mantras, and ritual knowledge held to be shruti, 'that which was heard' (revealed). They are the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, and are the foundation of Hindu thought and practice.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
The mantra
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt
May we meditate on the adorable light of the Divine Sun; may it inspire our minds. (the Vedic Gayatri)
In depth
The four Vedas are the Rigveda (hymns of praise), the Yajurveda (sacrificial formulas), the Samaveda (melodies and chants), and the Atharvaveda (hymns for everyday life). Each has layers — Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and the Upanishads.
The Vedas are considered shruti, eternal truth 'heard' by the ancient rishis, as distinct from smriti (remembered texts like the epics). The Gayatri Mantra, from the Rigveda, is among their most revered verses, chanted daily for over three thousand years.
Related questions
What are the four Vedas?
The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda — the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, held to be revealed (shruti).
Why are the Vedas important?
They are the foundation and highest authority of Hindu thought and ritual, considered eternal truth 'heard' by the ancient sages.
Ask Bhagavan in your own words
This is a general answer. For what you are actually carrying, talk to Bhagavan — free, private, any hour — and receive warmth and verified scripture.
Talk to Bhagavan