Aranyak

Aranyak is one of the divisions of Ved. This portion of the Ved, composed in Sanskrit around 700 BC, is called by this name because it contains the secret rites to be studied and performed by a hermit or a pupil living in forest.

Each of a set of this Hindu sacred treatises is called Aranyak. These are based on the Brahmanas. Aranyakas are intended only for initiates.

These are noted for explications of esoteric rites, ie, they explain the secret meaning of rituals and emphasizes on meditative meaning of Yagya or sacrifice. The texts are mystical and philosophical.