Samhita is a Sanskrit word meaning "a collection" or "a compendium". It is often used to describe ancient Indian texts that contain hymns, prayers, and rituals. Synonyms for Samhita include "sutra", which refers to a concise and aphoristic statement, and "stotra" which refers to a hymn or ode. Other synonyms include "grantha", which means "book" or "treatise", and "pustaka", meaning "scripture" or "sacred text". In modern times, the word "samhita" can also refer to a compilation of laws, rules, or procedures for a specific field such as medicine, music, or architecture.