Aitareya Aranyaka

Aitareya Aranyaka belongs to the Shakala recension of the Rigveda and it is divided into five major segments, known as Aranyakas.

The first Aranyaka deals with Mahavrata, second Aranyaka about significance of the Ukthas and the Upanishadic text, third Aranyaka about spiritual meaning of various interpretation of the Samhitas including padapatha, kramapatha etc. for recitation of the Vedamantras along with the Svaras), fourth Aranyaka about collection of Mahanamni verses and the fifth Aranyaka deals about mystic Shastras.The Aranyaka signifies symbolic meaning of the Vedic sacrifices.

The fourth, fifth and sixth chapter of the Second Aranyaka is known as Aitareya Upanishad. The speculative thoughts, homogeneous body of doctrines and deeply absorbing concepts are established in this Aranyaka by Mahidasa Aitareya. Out of the five Aranyakas, first, second and third Aranyaka are attributed to Mahidasa Aitareya, fourth Aranyaka to Ashvalayana and fifth Aranyaka to sage Shaunaka.

Aitareya Aranyaka presents highest level of spiritual thoughts and explains about universality.