The difference between Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas

Vedas

Ritualistic, hymns, chants

Upnishad

Philosophical teachings

Historical stories, legends, historical narratives

Puranas

Nature

Vedas

Rituals, prayers, sacrificial rites

Upnishad

Spiritual and metaphysical exploration

Preservation of myths, genealogies, cosmology, moral teachings

Puranas

Purpose

Vedas

Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads

Upnishad

Philosophical teachings (part of the Vedas)

Stories of gods, creation myths, genealogies, legends

Puranas

Content

Vedas

External rituals

Upnishad

Inner spiritual knowledge

History, cosmology

Puranas

Focus

Vedas

Four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda

Upnishad

Numerous Upanishads (over 100)

18 major Puranas, including Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana

Puranas

Number

Vedas

Older (date back to around 1500-1200 BCE)

Upnishad

Later than Vedas, developed around 800-200 BCE

Developed over a broad period, with later compositions

Puranas

Chronology

Vedas

Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (rituals), Aranyakas (meditations), Upanishads (philosophical teachings)

Upnishad

Philosophical teachings (usually found at the end of each Veda)

Various sections, including Samhitas, Upa-puranas, and Upakhyanas

Puranas

Sections

Vedas

External practices

Upnishad

Inner spiritual experience, meditation

Narrative storytelling, moral teachings

Puranas

Emphasis

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