[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.557 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.557 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.557 - **Language:** English ### [c7.557](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.557) At first, the Veda was one. Vyāsa divided it into four. He based the division on the cāturhotra, performance of four hotṛs. He arranged the performance of Adhvaryu as Yajus, that of hotṛ as Ṛks, that of Udgātṛ as Sāmans and that of Brahmā as Atharvans. Then he separated the Ṛks to form Ṛgveda, Yajus to form Yajurveda and Sāmans to form Sāmaveda. He devoted Atharvaveda to specify the rites and duties of Kings and the deeds of Brahmā. Vedavyāsa thus split the single Veda tree into four and from there arose later a forest of Veda trees. - [Previous: c7.556](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.556) - [Next: c7.558](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.558) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.557](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.557) · Pramāṇa