PSC Exams
Latest Exam Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Books
Government Schemes
Topics
Bilateral Ties
Vedas and Upanishads - Differences, Meaning With Examples And More
IMPORTANT LINKS
The Difference between the Vedas and Upanishads is that the Vedas were written to preserve knowledge about religious customs, traditions, and philosophical concepts. Still, the Upanishads are about the philosophical thoughts of men and women that focus primarily on the enlightenment of spirits.
The Difference between Vedas and Upanishads is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the History subject in the General Studies Paper-1 syllabus and UPSC Prelims Syllabus General Studies Paper-1. In this article, we will provide you with all features and necessary information on the Difference between Vedas and Upanishads.
You can also register for the Testbook’s flagship optional history coaching for UPSC and kick-start your UPSC IAS preparation journey today.
Download Ancient History UPSC Notes with the linked article!
Difference Between Vedas and Upanishads
Upanishads and Vedas are key terms that are frequently used interchangeably. For that matter, they are two distinct subjects. In reality, the Vedas include the Upanishads. The table below compares the differences between the Vedas and the Upanishads.
|
Difference between Vedas and Upanishads |
||
|
Point of Difference |
Vedas |
Upanishads |
|
Meaning |
In Sanskrit, Vedas means “knowledge.” |
Upanishads refer to sitting at the teacher’s feet. |
|
Period of Composition |
1200 and 400 B.C.E. |
700 and 400 B.C.E. |
|
Essence |
The ideas concentrate on philosophical and ceremonial practices. |
The Upanishads discuss philosophical issues and the individual’s role in the cosmos. |
|
General Description |
In their physical shape, the Vedas differ from one another. |
The Upanishads are a subsection of Veda that is included in the final portion of Veda. |
|
Concerned with |
The Vedas are primarily concerned with rites, customs, and applications. |
The Upanishads are primarily concerned with spiritual enlightenment. |
|
Main Focus |
The Vedas address ceremonies, conventions, and applications. |
Spiritual enlightenment is the focus of the Upanishads. |
|
Types |
There are four types of Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. |
Katha, Kena, Isa, Mundaka, Prasna, Taittiriya, Chhandogya, Brihadaranyaka, Mandukya, Aitareya, Kaushitaki, Svetasvatara, and Maitrayani are the 14 most popular Upanishads. |
|
Purpose |
The Vedas were created to record the specifics of many traditions, sacrifice procedures, ceremonial acts, rites, and philosophical ideas. It was intended to be taught and referred to in external practices. |
Upanishads are written philosophical opinions from a range of men and women, focusing primarily on spiritual enlightenment and rejecting the individual’s association with the physical body. |
Also, check out the Difference between Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas here.
What are Vedas?
The Vedas are foundational spiritual texts in ancient Hinduism, highly revered and considered sacred. The Sanskrit term "Veda" translates to "knowledge conveyed." These texts provide essential insights into life's fundamentals and our responses. Being the oldest texts, the Vedas offer deep historical significance. The term "Vedas" originates from the Sanskrit root "Veda," meaning "to know."They are also referred to as scriptures, encompassing divine essence. This distinguishes them from other religious writings. Unlike individual thoughts at a certain time, the Vedas have an enduring existence. They were initially transmitted orally through generations of sages. Teachers passed this knowledge to disciples, emphasizing precise pronunciation. Over time, the disciples began to write down the teachings, preserving the Vedas.
There are four main types of Vedas:
- Rigveda
- Samveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
Also, read about the Vedic Literature - Shruti, Smriti, Vedas and Its Classification here!
What is Upanishads
The Upanishads are sacred texts that delve into the core principles of Hinduism, especially its philosophical concepts. They consist of dialogues between teachers and students. These conversations occur with the teacher seated near the student (hence the term "Upanishad," meaning "sit down close"), explaining the illusory nature of the external universe and guiding individuals towards spiritual enlightenment, liberation from earthly attachments, and understanding their inner selves. The name "Upanishad" originates from Sanskrit, emphasizing the student's proximity to the teacher while receiving profound teachings.
Study in detail about Sangam Literature with this link!
Conclusion
The Vedas are Sanskrit literature’s earliest holy writings. The Upanishads are a subset of the Vedas. The Vedas are ancient writings that provide information about Hinduism. The term “Veda” is taken from the Sanskrit word for knowledge. The Vedas provide foundational information about the origins of existence and how to respond to it. The Upanishads are Hindu philosophical, religious texts that mean “sit down attentively,” meaning that the student must pay serious attention to the teacher.
Vedic Literature – Classification of Smriti & Shruti Vedas & Other Important Facts!
Check out the test series for UPSC IAS Exam here.
We hope all your doubts regarding the Difference between Vedas and Upanishads are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App! Register for UPSC Online Classes at an affordable price through the UPSC CSE Coaching platform to boost your IAS preparation.
Difference Between Vedas and Upanishads - FAQs
What do Vedas and Upanishads mean in Sanskrit?
Vedas denotes "knowledge" in Sanskrit, but Upanishads means "sitting near the feet of the instructor."
Which of the four Vedas is the oldest?
Rig Veda, according to experts and sages, is one of the oldest and most confusing works of literature ever produced.
When were the Vedas and Upanishads composed?
The Vedas were composed between 1200 and 400 BCE, whereas the Upanishads were composed between 700 and 400 BCE.
How many Vedas are there ?
Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda are the four Vedas.
What is the difference between Vedas and Upanishads?
The Vedas were composed between 1200 and 400 BCE, and the Upanishads between 700 and 400 BCE.