he Śuklayajurveda Samhitā is also known as the Vājasaneya Samhitā. This Śā́khā is attributed to sage Yājñavalkya. Some students of sage Yajñavalkhya are also mentioned in this Saṃhitā, especially Kānva, Mādhyandina, Baijavāpa, Jābāla, Baudheya, Śāpeya, Tapaniya, Kapola, Paundravatsa, Avati, Paramavatika, Pārāśara, Vaineya, Vaidheya, Katyayana, Vaijayava, etc.

The two recensions still now in existence are those named after the first and second of these students, ie Vājasaneya Kānva and Vājasaneya Mādhyandina; the other recensions went lost altogether. The Vājasaneya Kānva śākhā has 2086 mantras in 40 adhyāyas. The Vājasaneya Mādhyandina śākhā also has 40 chapters.

 

Yājñavalkya was the student of Vaiśampāyana. As a difference of opinion arose between them, Yājñavalkya was asked to give back the knowledge he had received—corresponding to the Krishna Yajurveda. Yājñavalkya, after having vomited this knowledge, made prayers to Āditya (the Sun God); after some time, the Sun God appeared to him and taught him the same knowledge; this explains that Śuklayajurveda is also known as Ādityasampradāya, or taught by Āditya.

 

In the Śukla Yajurveda Saṃhitā, there are Mantras and Arthavādas (statement of meaning or explanation of the meaning of a precept or sentences of commendation and condemnation); the Brāhmaṇa is clearly separated. In other words, the structure of this Saṃhitā is perfectly clear, and neatly ordered, which explains the name Śukla (white or clear) Yajurveda.

 

Śukla Yajurveda Saṃhitā has got two versions: Vājasaneya Mādhyandinapāṭha and Vājasaneya Kāṇvapāṭha.