Previous Year Question

The Yajurveda is broadly divided into two branches—the Shukla Yajurveda and the Krishna Yajurveda. The principal distinction is that in the Shukla Yajurveda the mantra material is arranged relatively separately, whereas in the Samhitas of the Krishna Yajurveda the mantras are intermingled with explanatory material.

The Shukla Yajurveda is also known as the Vajasaneyi Yajurveda. Its Samhita is called the Vajasaneyi Samhita. Two principal recensions of it survive today—the Madhyandina Samhita and the Kanva Samhita.

According to Vedic tradition, after separating from his teacher Vaishampayana, Yajnavalkya worshipped the Sun. The Sun imparted the Yajus to him in the form of a horse, or Vaji. The name Vajasaneyi is traditionally associated with this account.

In contrast, the Taittiriya Samhita, Maitrayani Samhita and Kathaka Samhita belong to the Krishna Yajurveda. Another important Samhita of the Krishna Yajurveda is the Kapisthala-Katha Samhita.

The Vajasaneyi Samhita contains numerous mantras associated with sacrifices. Its final, or 40th chapter, is also known as the Ishavasya Upanishad, demonstrating the close connection between the Vedic and Upanishadic traditions of the Shukla Yajurveda.