Composed about 700-600 BC, Aranyakas (literally, 'books of the forests') are religious writings that give philosophical interpretations to Hindu rituals. These religious scriptures are considered to be part of either the
Brahmanas or the
Upanishads. They are intended for hermits and sages who have left the society to reside in the forest to acquire spiritual knowledge. These texts interpret the sacrificial rites and rituals explained in the Brahmanas in a metaphysical or philosophical context.
