Vedic period

The importance of the Veda (Veda, literally: knowledge) is very great in many directions of Hinduism. Many Hindu scriptures refer to it, also in the form of commentaries. The exact delineation of which texts belong to the Veda is debatable. Sometimes the later Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas or Agamas are also referred to as "Vedic literature". The Veda itself is regarded as knowledge "heard" by sages (Shruti) and enjoys the highest authority. The Vedas (in the narrower sense) are texts that were originally transmitted orally for centuries in Sanskrit in the form of songs and recitations, and only later recorded in writing from the 5th century AD. In the 19th century, Indologists such as Max Müller translated them into various European languages. These translations are not without controversy among orthodox Hindus, as the Veda is considered untranslatable. Because of the translations available in printed form, the Veda also became better known among Hindus in India than it ever was in earlier times.

In today's religious practice, not all parts of the Veda play an equally important role. In the older parts, especially in the Rigveda, many rituals or sacrifices are described that later lost importance - such as the horse sacrifice (ashvamedha) - or the worship of the deities Varuna and Agni and the drinking and worship of Soma. Other hymns found their way into the Hindu ritual world, where they are sung in pujas (devotions) along with hymns in the local language.

Vedic religion

Instead of Hinduism, the term "Vedic religion" is sometimes used today. This is on the one hand to be seen as a demarcation from "Puranic Hinduism" (cf. Purana). Since the term "Hinduism" originates from the English and is thus tainted with the stigma of colonialism, "Vedic religion" is also used alongside the Sanskrit term for Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma.

In Indology, however, "Vedic religion" refers exclusively to the religion during the Vedic period (1500 BC - 600 BC). In this phase there were neither temples nor image worship; the ideas typical of Hinduism such as karma, salvation (moksha), and the cycle of rebirths (samsara) were not yet developed.

Vedic tradition of the Nambudiris

The Nambudiri Brahmins in Kerala understand Vedic tradition as the transmission of Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Transmission still takes place within the family. Later texts are not considered to belong to the Vedic tradition.

Each Nambudiri family is a follower of one of the three Vedas, but not of the Atharvaveda. Of the Rigveda, two different recensions exist. Almost all Yajurveda families are followers of the black Yajurveda. However, the Rigveda is the most widespread. The oral transmission of the Veda from father to son is called Adhyananam (learning or recitation). For a long time, putting down the Veda in writing was considered impure or even offensive.

During a Vedic ritual, one or more priests recite Vedic passages. A Yaga is a long and elaborate Vedic ritual performed by chanting mantras and making offerings to Agni. Also of importance is the Somayaga.

The spread of Buddhism, Jainism and Islam in northern India meant that the Vedic traditions were preserved, especially in southern India. Shankara, the great innovator of Hinduism, also came from a family of the Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala.