The Texts of the White Yajurveda: Translated with a Popular Commentary

The Texts of the White Yajurveda, translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith, presents one of the key Vedic scriptures, renowned for its focus on ritual and sacrifice. The White Yajurveda, also known as the Shukla Yajurveda, is primarily a manual for performing yajnas (sacrificial rituals), containing detailed instructions, mantras, and invocations essential for Vedic ceremonies. It emphasizes the harmony between ritual precision and spiritual intention, reflecting the early Vedic understanding of cosmic order (ṛta). Griffith’s translation makes this intricate text accessible, capturing its profound spiritual and practical dimensions. The mantras of the White Yajurveda address deities such as Agni, Indra, and Varuna while outlining rituals that bridge the material and divine realms. As a guide for ancient Vedic priests, it reveals the centrality of sacrifice in fostering spiritual connection and universal balance. Griffith’s work is invaluable for those seeking to understand the roots of Hindu ritualistic traditions and philosophy. Ralph T.H. Griffith was a renowned British Indologist and Sanskrit scholar. He is best known for translating the four Vedas—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—into English, making these foundational texts of Hinduism accessible to a global audience. His works remain influential in the study of Vedic literature and culture.