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The Vedas (Sanskrit  véda, means "knowledge") are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. In Hindu tradition, the creation of Vedas is credited to Brahma.The Vedic texts or ?ruti are organized around four canonical collections of metrical material known as Sa?hit?s, of which the first three are related to the performance of yajna (sacrifice) in historical Vedic religion:

The Rigveda, containing hymns to be recited by the hotar, or presiding priest;

The Yajurveda, containing formulas to be recited by the adhvaryu or officiating priest;

The Samaveda, containing formulas to be sung by the udgatar or priest that chants;

The Atharvaveda, a collection of spells and incantations, apotropaic charms and speculative hymns.