The Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, are a collection of sacred texts that form the foundation of Hindu religious and philosophical thought. The Vedas are considered the oldest religious texts in the world and are revered as the divine revelations heard by ancient seers known as rishis. The Vedas consist of a set of four primary texts, each with its own distinct characteristics, known as the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

Rigveda:
The Rigveda is the oldest and most prominent of the four Vedas. It is composed of a collection of hymns (suktas) that are dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The Rigveda consists of 10 books, known as Mandalas, and contains a total of 1,028 hymns. These hymns are primarily in praise of deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Soma. The Rigveda also includes philosophical hymns that contemplate the nature of existence and the ultimate reality.

Yajurveda:
The Yajurveda focuses on the rituals and sacrificial ceremonies performed by priests during the Vedic period. It is divided into two main sections: the Krishna Yajurveda and the Shukla Yajurveda. The Krishna Yajurveda contains prose and verse formulas used during rituals, while the Shukla Yajurveda primarily consists of poetic verses. The Yajurveda provides detailed instructions for performing yajnas (sacrifices) and elucidates the significance and symbolism behind each ritual.

Samaveda:
The Samaveda is a collection of melodies (saman) that are derived from the hymns of the Rigveda. It is primarily a liturgical text used by priests to chant during rituals. The Samaveda focuses on the musical aspect of the Vedas and provides melodies and chants for the recitation of Rigvedic hymns. It is organized into two main sections: the Purvarchika (containing hymns from the Rigveda) and the Uttararchika (containing additional hymns).

Atharvaveda:
The Atharvaveda is a compilation of hymns, spells, incantations, and rituals associated with everyday life and practical aspects of human existence. It addresses topics such as healing, protection, marriage, prosperity, and the mitigation of negative forces. The Atharvaveda reflects a more diverse range of subjects compared to the other Vedas, incorporating elements of folk beliefs and practices. It contains hymns dedicated to both gods and goddesses, as well as incantations and charms for various purposes.

These four Vedas together form the core scriptures of Hinduism, encompassing a vast array of hymns, rituals, philosophical insights, and social principles. Each Veda serves a specific purpose within the Vedic tradition and provides a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of spiritual, ritualistic, and societal life.