Question

Which of the following is an Upanishad belonging to the Rigveda?

• A. Ishavasyopanishad
• B. Mundakopanishad
• C. Chandogyopanishad
• D. Aitareyopanishad

Hint:

Associate 'Aitareya' and 'Shankhayana' with the Rigveda across all categories—Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. If you see the name 'Aitareya', it is 100% linked to the Rigveda.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Each of the four Vedas has its own set of Upanishads, which form the 'Jnana-kanda' or philosophical conclusion of the text. Identifying the Veda to which a particular 'Mukhya' (primary) Upanishad belongs is a fundamental task in Vedic studies. The Rigveda is traditionally associated with two primary Upanishads: the Aitareya and the Kaushitaki.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The primary Upanishads are associated with the Brahmanas and Aranyakas of their respective Vedas.

1. Aitareya Upanishad (Rigveda): This Upanishad is part of the Aitareya Aranyaka, which in turn follows the Aitareya Brahmana. It consists of three chapters. It focuses on the nature of the Atman, the creation of the universe by the Primal Being, and the three births of the soul. Its most famous declaration is the 'Mahavakya'—"Prajnanam Brahma" (Consciousness is Brahman).

2. Analysis of other options:
- Ishavasyopanishad: This is the 40th and final chapter of the Shukla Yajurveda (Vajasaneyi Samhita). It is the only Upanishad that is part of a Samhita.
- Mundakopanishad: This belongs to the Atharvaveda. It is famous for the motto "Satyameva Jayate" and its description of the 'two birds' on one tree.
- Chandogyopanishad: This belongs to the Samaveda. It is one of the largest Upanishads and contains the Mahavakya "Tat Tvam Asi".

3. Rigvedic Context: The Rigveda's philosophy is rooted in the transition from many deities (Devas) to the one ultimate reality. The Aitareya Upanishad formalizes this transition by identifying the 'Self' (Atman) as the source of all existence. For the NTA exam, you must memorize the Veda-Upanishad mapping: Rig (Aitareya), Yajur (Katha/Isha/Taittiriya/Brihadaranyaka), Sama (Chandogya/Kena), Atharva (Mundaka/Mandukya/Prashna).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Aitareya Upanishad belongs to the Rigveda. Thus, option (4) is correct.