The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, places great importance on the study and propagation of Vedic knowledge.
The following are some of the significant Vedic texts that are considered authoritative and revered within the Arya Samaj:
Rigveda:
The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the four Vedas. It is a collection of hymns and prayers addressed to various deities and contains insights into the rituals, philosophy, and spiritual practices of ancient India.
Yajurveda:
The Yajurveda consists of prose and verse formulas used in Vedic rituals and sacrifices. It provides instructions for performing rituals and contains prayers and hymns related to the sacrificial ceremonies.
Samaveda:
The Samaveda is a collection of melodies and chants used during the performance of rituals. It is closely associated with the musical aspects of Vedic rituals and is considered the "Veda of melodies."
Atharvaveda:
The Atharvaveda contains hymns, spells, and incantations addressing various aspects of life, such as healing, protection, prosperity, and marriage. It is often considered a more practical and accessible Veda, focusing on the day-to-day concerns of individuals.
Vedangas:
The Vedangas are auxiliary texts associated with the Vedas that provide guidelines and knowledge related to Vedic rituals, phonetics, grammar, etymology, astronomy, and meter. They include works such as Shiksha (phonetics), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Jyotisha (astronomy), and Chandas (meter).
Apart from these core Vedic texts, the Arya Samaj also values the works of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, who authored several influential books elucidating Vedic philosophy and principles. Some notable books written by Swami Dayananda Saraswati include:
Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth):
This book is considered the magnum opus of Swami Dayananda Saraswati. It presents a comprehensive exposition of Vedic philosophy, highlighting monotheism, rationality, and the rejection of superstitions.
Rigveda Bhashya Bhumika (Introduction to the Commentary on the Rigveda):
In this work, Swami Dayananda Saraswati provides an introduction to his commentary on the Rigveda, explaining its importance, interpretation, and relevance to contemporary times.
Sanskar Vidhi (The Science of Rituals):
This book focuses on the correct performance of Vedic rituals, providing guidelines and explanations for various sacraments, ceremonies, and practices prescribed in the Vedas.
These texts, both the original Vedic scriptures and the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, serve as important sources of knowledge and inspiration for the followers of the Arya Samaj, guiding them in their pursuit of Vedic teachings, spiritual growth, and social reform.
