The Vedas are the most ancient scriptures of India and are regarded by the orthodox as the direct revelation and supreme authority in all religious matters.

There are four Vedas:the Rik, Sama, Yajur and Atharva. Each consists of a ritual or "work" portion and a philosophical or "knowledge" portion. Each ritual portion is comprised of Samhitas, which are a collection of mantras or hymns, most of which are addressed to different deities. The knowledge portion is called the Upanishads. ----Brief Dictionary of Hinduism