Samhita

1 9.9

A collection of ancient Hindu hymns and ritual texts

noun
/sɑːmˈhiːtə/

Literature

: Samhita

Sita's Ramayana. Samhita Arni, Illus. by Moyna Chitrakar. Groundwood/House of Anansi, 2011. 9781554981458.

Examples

The Samhita consists of ancient hymns that are recited during Hindu rituals.
Many students study the Samhita to better understand Vedic philosophy and spirituality.
The Samhita is an essential part of the Hindu sacred texts, providing insights into early religious practices.

Synonyms

Rigveda

vsSamhita

Literature

1 9.9

A collection of ancient Sanskrit hymns used in Hindu worship

is the broad name for any one of these early sacred collections

Rig-Veda

vsSamhita

Literature

1 9.9

A very old Hindu book of hymns and poems in Sanskrit

is the generic category that includes this oldest collection among others

Atharva-Veda

vsSamhita

1 9.9

An ancient Hindu book of songs, spells, and prayers used for healing and protection in ceremonies

serves as the umbrella term for any of the four collections

Atharvaveda

vsSamhita

1 9.9

A sacred Hindu book that has hymns and spells people use in rituals and for healing

is the general name that includes this kind of Vedic collection

Sama-Veda

vsSamhita

9.9

One of the four Hindu Vedas, a collection of sacred songs and chants used in rituals

is the general label for any of the four ancient Vedic collections

Samaveda

vsSamhita

Literature

9.9

One of the four holy Hindu books of songs and chants used in ancient rituals

is the broader term covering any of these ritual collections

Surface Forms

Samhita singular

Samhitas plural

Etymology

The word Samhita comes from the Sanskrit saṃhitā, made of saṃ 'together' and hita 'placed'. So a Samhita literally means 'placed together' and refers to a collection of hymns and mantras used in rituals.