The Upavedas are the “supplementary Vedas” or secondary texts that are associated with the four primary Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda).
- Ayurveda (Associated with the Rigveda)
- Subject: Health, Medicine, and Well-being
- Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of health and medicine, focusing on the balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
- It offers teachings on maintaining health, healing diseases, the importance of diet and lifestyle, and the use of natural herbs and therapies.
- Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.
- Sthapatya Veda (Associated with the Yajurveda)
- Subject: Architecture and Construction
- Sthapatya Veda deals with architecture, construction, and the design of buildings and cities.
- It covers the principles of designing structures in harmony with the environment, including temples, homes, and palaces.
- The focus is on creating spaces that foster spiritual well-being and prosperity, often applying principles of vastu shastra (the Indian science of architecture and spatial arrangement).
- Gandharva Veda (Associated with the Samaveda)
- Subject: Music, Arts, and Performance
- Gandharva Veda is concerned with the study of music, arts, and performance.
- It outlines the principles of classical music, singing, dance, and other forms of artistic expression.
- It also includes the study of sound vibrations and their effects on the mind and body, forming the foundation for Indian classical music traditions.
- Dhanurveda (Associated with the Atharvaveda)
- Subject: Warfare, Military Arts, and Archery
- Dhanurveda is the ancient science of warfare and archery.
- It discusses the techniques of battle, military strategy, and the use of various weapons, including the bow and arrow.
- Dhanurveda also includes guidelines for training soldiers, managing armies, and principles of ethics and leadership during warfare.