Samhita

Samhita (IAST: Saṃhitā) literally means "put together, joined, union",[1] a "collection",[2] and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".[1] Saṃhitā also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the Vedas, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers, litanies and benedictions.[3]

Parts of Vedic Samhitas constitute the oldest living part of Hindu tradition.[3]

  1. ^ a b saMhita, Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, page 1123
  2. ^ Gavin D. Flood (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. pp. 37. ISBN 978-0-521-43878-0.
  3. ^ a b Lochtefeld, James G. "Samhita" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 2: N-Z, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, page 587