Significance of Samhita

Samhita, according to various traditions, generally refers to a collection or compilation of hymns, verses, or texts that are integral to sacred literature. In Vaishnavism, it is recognized as a type of Sanskrit text often linked with hymns meant for glorification. In Ayurvedic texts, Samhita signifies classical compilations that encapsulate essential knowledge about health, diseases, and treatment protocols, forming the foundation of Ayurvedic practice. Thus, Samhita serves a pivotal role in both spiritual and medicinal contexts within ancient Indian traditions.1
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Synonyms: Compilation, Collection, Anthology, Text, Scripture, Manuscript

In Dutch: Samhita; In German: Samhita; In Finnish: Samhita; In Spanish: Samhita; In Swedish: Samhita; In Malay: Samhita

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Samhita'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Samhita refers to collections of sacred texts, including hymns, mantras, and prayers, essential for spiritual practices and ritualistic traditions, forming foundational elements of Vedic literature and contributing to spiritual rewards and knowledge.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A term that may refer to a collection of prayers and legends derived from a Purana, suggesting a different nature from an original text.[1] (2) A term generally understood as a 'collection' or 'compilation,' referring to the structured texts of hymns and prayers.[2] (3) Fragments or sections of the Skanda Purana, considered as its components.[3] (4) Collections of hymns or chants, specifically referring to the textual segments of the Veda.[4]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) A term that refers to collections of hymns, prayers, and chants that are part of the Vedic literature.[5] (2) Collections of hymns or texts, which are part of Dharma Sastras, contributing to the body of Hindu law and philosophy.[6]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Collections of hymns and texts in ancient Indian scriptures, which were recited by the Brahmana to gratify the deity.[7]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Collection of verses or texts which illustrate grammatical rules and the usage of language.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) A specific set of texts or scriptures that are the focus of meditation, believed to bring about numerous benefits.[9] (2) The collection of letters that are combined to form the prior and posterior forms.[10]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Collections of hymns, prayers, and incantations that form the foundational texts of the Vedas.[11]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra

(1) Collections of hymns and verses from the Vedic texts that form a significant part of Hindu scripture and ritualistic tradition.[12]

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) Collections of Vedic hymns that are recited in a specific manner before a formula.[13]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A text or recitation that is identified as both a cause and a sign of rain.[14]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A type of Sanskrit text, often pertaining to collections of hymns or verses that are glorified.[15]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of Samhita in local and regional sources

History Books

Samhita encompasses astrology, compilations of diverse texts in Sanskrit, and collections within jyotihshastra, being key to Vedic literature through hymns, prayers, and rituals in early Hindu culture.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Samhita is a term that refers to a compilation of different sources in different languages, brought together in a Sanskrit compendium, and is a type of text.[16] (2) Samhita is a category of jyotihshastra that deals with a collection of natural astrology and divinatory practices, and it is one of the three categories of jyotihshastra.[17] (3) This is a term related to astrology, from which astrologers interpret phenomena of the sky and cosmos, according to the provided text.[18]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The foundational texts of Vedic literature that contain hymns, prayers, and rituals in early Hindu culture.[19]

Plural form: De Samhita.