The Ригведа is one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, composed in ancient Sanskrit. It is a collection of hymns dedicated to various deities, reflecting the spiritual and cultural practices of the early Indo-Aryans. The text is divided into ten books, known as Mandalas, and contains over a thousand hymns that explore themes of creation, nature, and the divine. As a foundational scripture, the Ригведа plays a crucial role in the development of Vedic literature and the Vedic religion. It provides insights into the rituals, beliefs, and social structures of ancient Indian society, influencing later texts and traditions within Hinduism.