Yajur Veda

अजास्यः पीतवर्णः स्यात् यजुर्वेदोऽक्षसूत्रधृत् । वामेकुलिशपाणिस्तु भूतिदो मङ्गलप्रदः ॥

ajAsyaH pItavarNaH syAt yajurvEdaH akshasUtra dhRt | vAmE kuliSapANistu bhUtidO mangaLapradaH ||

The deity of Yajurveda is represented as a person in yellow complexion, with two arms and face of a goat. He is seen holding a garland of Rudraksha-s. In the left hand he holds a version of Indra’s weapon called kuliSa (कुलिश – which is used to cut down the wings of mountains by Indra). He is the bestower of prosperity and welfare. His consort is depicted with a human face holding a lotus in her hand.

Invocation Prayer for Yajur Veda Deva

Ajasyaha Peetavarnasyat Yajurvedoksha Sutradrith

Vaame Kulisha Panistu Bhuthido Mangala Pradah

Yajur Veda is the second of the four Vedas after Rig Veda. The Yajur Veda has two broad branches, viz. Shukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda. The difference between these two branches is now briefly explained. Every Veda has two components: Mantra and Brahmana. The Upanishads are part of Brahmana. In Krishna Yajur Veda these two (Mantras and Brahmana) are given together. In Shukla Yajur Veda, these are separated. Shukla means ‘brightness.’ Krishna means ‘dark’. Since the Mantra (referred to alternately as Samhita) and Brahmana are separated in Shukla Yajur Veda, it is relatively easier to grasp, and hence the term ‘brightness’ or ‘Shukla’ is used. In contrast, in Krishna Yajur Veda, the two major components are intertwined, making it relatively more challenging to decipher. These matters have been elaborately explained by Sayana Acharya in his treatise on Shukla Yajur Veda. He was proficient in both these branches of Yajur Veda.

Yajur Veda is one among the four Vedas. Yajur Veda had at one time 101 Shakha. Presently there are only six existing shakhas. These include four of Krishna Yajur Veda: Taittireeya, Maitrayani, Katha, and Kapishchal. Shukla Yajur has two Shakhas: Kanvya and Madhyandini.