How many books compose the collection of the Vedas?

The Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism, comprise a collection of four main texts. These four Vedas are the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each of these texts serves a unique purpose and contributes to various aspects of ritual, philosophy, and spiritual knowledge within the Hindu tradition.

The structure of the Vedas is not just limited to these four texts; each Veda is further divided into different sections, including Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (ritual instructions), Aranyakas (theological discussions), and Upanishads (philosophical teachings). However, when referring to the total number of main texts that constitute the collection, it is primarily recognized as four.

This foundational understanding of the Vedas is crucial for studying Hindu scriptures and religious practices, as they provide insight into the earliest traditions and beliefs of one of the world's major religions.