Apastamba defines Brahmanas as ‘Karmacodana Brahmanani’ meaning Brahmanas are injunctions for the performance of sacrificial rites. According to him, these texts deal with the following six topics:Vidhi Arthavada , Ninda, Prashansha , Purakalpa and Parakriti.
- Vidhi means injunctions for the performance of particular rites.
- Arthavada comprises the numerous explanatory remarks on the meaning of Mantras and particular rites.
- Ninda or censure consists in criticism and, refutation of the opponents’ views.
- Prashansha means eulogy, recommendation.
- Purakalpa refers to the performance of sacrificial rites in former times.
- Parakriti means the achievements of others.
- Hetu – reasons
- Nirvacana – etymology
- Ninda – censure ,condemn
- Prashansha – eulogy, praise
- Sanshaya – doubt,uncertainty
- Vidhi – injunction,sanction
- Parakriya – feats/deeds of others
- Purakalpa – legendary background
- Vyavadharana– Kalpana – managerial application
- Upamana – illustration.