The Brahmanas explain the hymns of the Vedas in an orthodox manner. They are written in prose and are ritualistic in nature. The various sacrifices and rituals have been elaborately discussed along with their mystic meanings.
Every Veda has several Brahmanas attached to it. The two Brahmanas appended to the Rigveda are Aitareya Brahmana and Kausitiki Brahmana.
These were composed by Hotri or Sankhyayana priests. The Samaveda has Jaiminiya Brahmana and Tandyamaha Brahmana also known as the Panchavimsa Brahmana. These were composed by Udgatri priests.
To the Sukla Yajurveda is attached Satapatha Brahmana which recommends ‘one hundred sacred paths’ (shatapatha). It is the most exhaustive and important of all the Brhamanas. It narrates the progress of culture from Kuru-Panchal to Videha. It was composed by Adhvaryu priests.
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We have two recension of Satapatha Brahmana namely Madhyandina and Kanva. The Taittiriya Brahmana is part of the Krisna Yajurveda. The Gopatha Brahmana is attached to the Atharavada. The Brahmanas, in fact, are elaborate commentaries on the various hymns in the Vedas to which they are appended. They are known as Liturgies.