Are Vedas five? Is Pranava Veda included in Vedas?

Q: Viswakarma or Viswabrahmins says that vedas are five including pranava veda. wats ur opinion?By: Prajith.V, Kerala

A: Though the re-discovery of Pranava Veda has made a little influence on our society, the path of a Hindu has not changed much. 

Even though there are innumerable sects in Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta is the backbone of Sanathan Dharma. Since the revival of Dharma by Adi Shankaracharya, it stands on his contributions. And it is based on Prasthanathraya - which comprises the primary Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahmasutras(which are in turn the core of Vedas). Removal of ajnAna is the goal of all human beings. And in whatever way it is achieved, it is fine.

But, whether Vedas are one, four or five, it is better to stick with the parampara; and that is our way to truth. Our rishis have designed a perfect system for aiding one to his goal. 

There are three important things to be considered:

1. Pranava Veda doesn't(/may not) have the authenticity of such a parampara.
2. Study of Pranava Veda is not a "necessary" condition in aquiring Brahma Vidya. 

3. The current system(parampara) of knowledge is "sufficient" in guiding a person to his goal.

Still, study of Pranava Veda on a person's interest is not wrong. It is desirable too as knowledge should be gathered from all sources. But it neither has a higher priority, nor anything extra to offer.