Along with the Ṛgveda, Sāmaveda, and Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas, the most ancient Sanskrit religious literature of India. It is primarily comprised of instructions and arrangements for Vedic rites.

An important textual collection of the brahmanical tradition, mainly consisting of prose formulas that are recited in Vedic ritual by specialized priests.

Along with the Ṛg Veda, Sāma Veda, and Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas, the most ancient Sanskrit religious literature of India.