Yajur Veda means 'wisdom of sacrificial formula'. It is a liturgical collection and was composed to meet the requirements of ceremonial religion. It practically served as a guidebook to the priests who were to pronounce these prose and mantras at sacrificial ceremonies while performing manual part of the sacrifice. Prose was largely to be used for explaining different rituals and Yajnas using hymns of Rig-Veda.
There are two main branches of Yajur Veda named Krishna and Shukla. Each one of these has their own recensions. The recensions under Krishna Yajur Veda are named Taittiriya, Kathak, Maitrayani and Kapisthala. Similarly; the recensions under Shukla Yajur Veda are named Madhyadin, and Kanva.
Dated around BC 1200-1000, additional texts of Brahmanas add information on the interpretation and details of their performances at Yagnas. Main events, which are covered with specific mantras, dedicated and vidhi vidhan mentioned include Agnihotra, Rajasuya, Ashvamedha, Purushamedha Yajnas. The well-commented Isha Upanishad is also part of this Veda.
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