Samhitas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collection of ancient texts of Hindu scriptures
2. A compilation of ritualistic and philosophical writings in Vedic literature
3. Manuscripts that form the foundational components of the four Vedas and encompass hymns and chants

Etymology: "Samhitas" is the plural of "samhita," a term that English borrowed from Sanskrit, where "saṃhitā" meant a methodically arranged collection of verses. The Sanskrit word comes from "saṃhita," meaning "joined" or "collected," which traces back to the verb "saṃdhā," to put together or place in order. The core idea is therefore one of deliberate assembly: a body of verses arranged into a systematic whole rather than a loose heap of texts. In that sense, the English term carries the original meaning of its source with little alteration. Each samhita is a compiled collection, and the plural form simply refers to several such collections, the ancient Vedic texts being the best-known examples of the category.

Synonyms: vedic samhitas