Gopatha Brāhmaṇa

The Gopatha Brāhmaṇa is the only Brāhmaṇa of Atharvaveda. It is part of both the Śākhās of Atharvaveda i.e. Śaunaka and Pippalada Śākhā. This Brāhmaṇa is divided into two parts: Pūrva Brāhmaṇa or Pūrva Bhāga and Uttara Brāhmaṇa or Uttara Bhāga, having five and six Prapāṭhakas respectively. Each one of these Prapāṭhakas is again divided into Khaṇḍikas: 135 Khaṇḍikas for Pūrva Brāhmaṇa and 123 Khaṇḍikas for Uttara Brāhmaṇa. The concept of creation and the meaning of OM are very beautifully expounded on and an explanation of Vedic rituals such as Agnihotra, Darśapūṇamasa, Caturmasya, Pasubandha and Somayajñayaga etc. is given.