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== content in word doc sent by prji ==
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Pani (Samskrit : पणिकः पणिः) is basically a community of tradesmen often travelling to distant lands for international trade referred to in vedic literature. Ample references in the vedic literature are available about trade for profit in distant lands by travelling over the seas. Merchants in the vedic period prayed and offered oblations to seek divine grace for success in trade.  These commercial people believed in a materialistic philosophy of life.  Mostly these traders and merchants were the Asuras or Dasyus and for trade moved in all directions including foreign countries. The international trade was confined to a certain section of Dasyu society called the Panis.
  
== PANIS( ENEMIES OF INDRA) ==
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Pani ||पणिकः is referred to as a tradesman of extremely miserly nature. They are deplored in many mantras of the Rig veda (RV 6.53.02 to 07).  They are the rich and enterprising merchant class solely devoted to the cause of gain either through trade or usury.  They have been designated as Bekanatas or usurers. These panis can be classified as the ancestors of Vanika of later times who formed the Vaisya caste in Aryan conception.<ref name=":1">Prasad, Prakash Charan. (1977) ''[https://books.google.co.in/books?id=RSW8az3Q_dEC&lpg=PA7&pg=PA21#v=onepage&q&f=false Foreign Trade and Commerce in Ancient India.]'' New Delhi : Abhinav Publications </ref> They have enmity with Indra, Soma, Agni, Brihaspathi and Angiras. They are called इन्द्रशत्रृ || Indra Sathru or enemies of Indra headed by Panis named Vala and Bala.<ref name=":0">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref> 
Panis are basically the enemies of Indra, Soma, Agni, Brihaspathi and Angiras and their residential place is the Vayu Mandal. If you accept as truth that the Vedas descriptions of the dogs, then why is the Vedic description of the Panis residential place seen as untruth? Why this selective acceptance of truth? Here “Pani” word can be used as a miserly, tight-fisted person. They are called “Indra Sathru” enemies of Indra: vala, bala. If we accept cows as defined in the previous chapter, then it could be said that Panis are the powers that can stop the progress of knowledge. The suktas  we can understand that the panis are the “jnana apaharaka Shakti (the robbers of knowledge). This indicates the struggle to acquire the knowledge. The dog that comes here is nothing but devaduthi (agent of the devatas) or the chitta (consciousness) which is always conscious in every living entity. The dog of the devathas is always alert and awake and has the power to know everything. She symbolically represents finding out the inner difficulties of living entities.
 
  
== Who are the Panis? ==
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== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
Where do the Panis reside and what do they do? If seen from a symbolic perspective, many concepts are unravelled by the Vedas. Yaska maharshi explains that Pani means people with a mentality of business mindedness, “panims ca vani ja ha”(Niruktha 6.26). The Vedas also talks of ‘beka natas’ who are known to be shrewd money lenders who focus on doubling their money by getting more interest. The ‘beka natas’ are supposedly able to see only in the day, and when night arrives, they would argue that such things that were seen in sun light, doesn’t exist. Therefore they are considered to be ||nasthika (atheists) Charvaka philosophers. To reaffirm this, Yaska maharshi quotes Rk Samhita (8.66.10)
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Here the term Pani || पणिः refers to a miserly, tight-fisted person.  
  
||kadu mahirdrishta asatvishaha kadu vruthagno askritham, indrovishvan beka natam ahardrisha utha krithva panikam rabhihi||
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*Maharshi Yaska describes that panis are वर्तकः || varthaka (business people) who sell things for profits.
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<blockquote>पणिः वणिक् भवति ।पणिः पणनात् । वणिक् पण्यं नेनेक्ति । (Nirukti 2.17)<ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Panis are vaniks or tradesmen. 
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* According to Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80 Page 4/523])</ref>, बणिकः११ पणिकः १२ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ in the meaning of "वैश्यः" or tradesman. 
  
Here the word “ahardrisha” has been explained in detail by Sayana Acarya
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* Sayanaacharya explains in his commentary for the Rig mantra as follows<ref name=":0" />  <blockquote>kincha panayaha vyaya ahisnavaha vanijaha panihi vanika bhvathi thi yaskaha panayaha iti lubdakaha abhi yuddavanaha yugadinam akurvanaha adanashilaha asmat shatravaha (Commentary for Rig. Veda. 1.12.4 – 10)</blockquote>Panis were wealthy people who hoarded money with a very miserly business attitude, lacking in intellectual stability and had very little regard for any Vedic ritual.
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*Maharshi Yaska also refers to 'Panis' as business minded people or tradesmen.  The Vedas also talk of बेकनाटा || bekanatas who are known to be shrewd money lenders who impose heavy interest for their profits. These ‘bekanatas’ supposedly can see only during the day and when night befalls they argue that those visible things do not exist. Therefore they are considered to be नास्तिक || nasthika or atheists like the Charvaka philosophers. To reaffirm this, Yaska maharshi quotes the following Rig mantra
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<blockquote>कदू महीरधृष्टा अस्य तविषीः कदु वृत्रघ्नो अस्तृतम् । इन्द्रो विश्वान्बेकनाटाँ अहर्दृश उत क्रत्वा पणीँरभि ॥१०॥  (Rig. Veda. 8.66.10)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AE.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AC Mandala 8 Sukta 66])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>Here the word अहर्द्र्श || ahardrisha has been explained in detail by Sayanaacharya as follows<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>''nanu sarve suryam pasyanthi ko atra tishaya iti ucyathe ihaiva janmani suryam pasyanthina janmanthare lubdaka ayushtarondhe tamasimajansthi athva laukika neva ahani pasyanthi na para laukikanthyath drishtani dishta pradanahini nastikaha''</blockquote>Meaning : A question arises that if everyone can see the Sun why panis are called ahardrihaha. It is said that panis see the Sun only in this lifetime and because of their miserliness and disengagement in Yajna, they attain the land of ‘andha tamasa’ or complete darkness in their future births. Panis view the world with a materialistic or physical light and do not experience the light of adhyatmikity or the higher realms. Thus they remain in the land of ‘andha tamasa’ or in complete darkness for their understanding is that of the atheists who only believe in what they see with their eyes.
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== इन्द्रेण सह वैरम् ॥ Enmity with Indra  ==
  
||nanu sarve suryam pasyanthi ko atra tishaya iti ucyathe ihaiva janmani suryam pasyanthina janmanthare lubdaka ayushtarondhe tamasimajansthi athva laukika neva ahani pasyanthi na para laukikanthyath drishtani dishta pradanahini nastikaha||
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In this section<ref name=":1" /> we see how Panis who were wealthy tradesmen  developed enmity with Indra, the chief caretaker of the society. Panis referred to as Dasyus, held a prominent place in the society, accumulated fabulous wealth through extensive international trade and commerce. These Panis were also the ship builders traveling over the seas in search of trade centers, and materials for construction of ships navigated externsively along the Indian coasts and rivers. In the vedic economy, commercial production was in the hands of rest of the society and exchange was controlled by Panis, Dasyus, and Asuras who traded them.  <blockquote>वधीर्हि दस्युं धनिनं घनेनँ एकश्चरन्नुपशाकेभिरिन्द्र । धनोरधि विषुणक्ते व्यायन्नयज्वानः सनकाः प्रेतिमीयुः ॥४॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.33.4)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-033/ Mandala 1 Sukta 33])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''vadhīrhi dasyuṁ dhaninaṁ ghanenam̐ ekaścarannupaśākebhirindra । dhanoradhi viṣuṇakte vyāyannayajvānaḥ sanakāḥ pretimīyuḥ ॥4॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.33.4)''</blockquote>Meaning : Oh Indra ! accompanied by powerful and mighty people yet single-handed you have killed the wealthy thief, the Dasyu named Vrtra with your powerful vajrayudha. Vrtra's followers who are yajna-shatru even though armed with weapons, ultimately met with their end.<ref>Pt. Sripada Damodar Satvalekar (1985) ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/Rigveda_Subodh_Bhasya_Vol_I/#book/81 Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1.]'' Parady : Svadhyaya Mandal</ref> 
  
It is explained beautifully by raising the question, that if everyone can see the Sun why for panis called “ahardrihaha” it is exaggeration? It is explained that panis can see the Sun only in this lifetime. However, in the next lifetime, because of their murderous mentality, miserliness and not engaged in Yajna, they will fall into the land of ‘andha tamasa’. (complete darkness). Thus in future, the Panis will only experience darkness as they only see the material or physical light. As they are unable to see the light of spirituality or the land beyond this world, their understanding is that of atheists who only believe what they see with their eyes. Indra’s army is indicated as very powerful, always alert and unconquerable. Indra, who defeated Vrithra can face any enemy. Therefore, Lord Indra with his invincible army can destroy the panis, who see only in the day time and he can destroy those who are into bekanata and other people who are cheating in their propensity. That is the essence of this verse. Yaska in another nirukti (2.17 “ panihi vanika bhavathi panihi pananatha vanika panyam nenakthi” says that  panis are varthaka (business people) who sells things for money. Sayana acarya further explains “kincha panayaha vyaya ahisnavaha vanijaha panihi vanika bhvathi thi yaskaha panayaha iti lubdakaha abhi yuddavanaha yugadinam akurvanaha adanashilaha asmat shatravaha “ Rk Samhita 1.12.4 – 10. In that he explains the commentary. Panis are the one who do not like to see money getting exhausted. Having a very stingy business mentality. People without intellectual stability. Having a desire to understand intellectually, not performing any Vedic ritual. This same kind of sukta also comes during the description of Usha Devi. When the air which is offered to Usha Devi from the Vedas, who is the personification of the sukta abhimani devatha.
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Material dissatisfaction brought about conflict between these two sections of the society or Ganas. Materially Indra believed in social control over the production and promoted distribution of wealth back to the community. Society or the Gana participated in Yajna, and offerings and oblations were made by the individuals in the name of their respective leaders so that the vigour and strength of the Gana may be well maintained. Wealth thus during the vedic times was a social asset rather than personal possession.  
  
In the above Sukta the word “pani” has mentioned prayers are offered to Usha Devi (deity for the Suktas). “Hey Devi, you are magnanimous one who gives whatever we ask, and what do we ask? We only ask you for the ingredients to perform the Yajna. We appeal to to make the performers of yajnas, especially, those who are generous—make them broader in their intelligence. Similarly the Panis who are our enemies, who are cheaters, greedy and bereft of intelligence, please make them go to sleep. He Devi, those who are charitable, the initiators of yajnas, please give them all the benefits. Ye Devi, of the compassionate eyes, and have the power to give old age those who perform yajnas with all the stotras, you offer them unlimited happiness and prosperity”. In this word (which) Pani is explained in similar fashion. Panis are demonic. And in this word panis is used in plural, the panis who are indicated here are still existing in the present society also. This pani does not indicate the community which was existing previously alone. But these are the people or they indicate certain action: wherever there are positive activities which are meant for enhancing dharma or favoring the devathas that “go samuha” herd of the cows. So they steal cows and create obstacles in the progress of the devathas and society, which neither benefits them nor the society. They have only materialistic aspirations and do not understand the value of spiritual knowledge. They steal  the knowledge or imprison the Brahma Nishtas to ensure that the knowledge is not spread. When our spiritual knowledge is kept in darkness it gives rise to wrongful transactions and ||nasthik (atheism). In the Srimad Bhagavatham, the ministers of Kamsa are shown to have the same mentality of the Panis as they want to control the devatas and the Lord. So they give the message of the Panis to Kamsa. They gave this strategy. From Srimad Bhagavatham (10.4.39-42)
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Yajna is offered to Indra and Vishnu under conditions of mutual contract that they would return it with wealth. (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1) Yajna and material prosperity go together as seen in in the mantra  <blockquote>सं वां कर्मणा समिषा हिनोमीन्द्राविष्णू अपसस्पारे अस्य । जुषेथां यज्ञं द्रविणं च धत्तमरिष्टैर्नः पथिभि: पारयन्ता ॥१॥ (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1)</blockquote><blockquote>''saṁ vāṁ karmaṇā samiṣā hinomīndrāviṣṇū apasaspāre asya । juṣethāṁ yajñaṁ draviṇaṁ ca dhattamariṣṭairnaḥ pathibhi: pārayantā ॥1॥ (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1)''</blockquote>On the other hand, Panis, Asuras, Dasyus believed in completely different principles of economics. They were individualistic in their economic approach, powerful and never united with the society in any matter. Being on the higher strata of the society they did everything in their own interest, never offering any part of their income to the community. They never believed in Yajna and were famous for their greed. As a result these two factions of the society had different economic policies, leading to enmity. The refusal of Panis to contribute Dana and Dakshina for Yajna brought about enmity between them. Wealth in those days was mainly the strength of cattle and property. All sections of the Gana united against Panis, while they took away the cattle wealth of the Angirasas. Indra as their leader defeated the Panis and brought back the wealth (Page no 22 of Reference 1<ref name=":1" />).  
  
||mūlaṁ hi viṣṇur devānāṁ yatra dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ tasya ca
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Indra’s army is indicated as very powerful, always alert and unconquerable as he who defeated Vrttra can face any enemy. Therefore, Indra with his invincible army destroyed the Panis or the bekanatas.
  
brahma-go-viprās tapo yajñāḥ sa-dakṣiṇāḥ
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== गोग्रहणम् ॥ Stealing of Cows ==
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In light of the foregoing discussion, Panis were often referred to as demonic and used here in plural as 'panis' indicating not just one person but many such who existed during the vedic period.  From the [[Sarama Pani Samvada (सरमापणिसंवादः)|Sarama and Pani samvada]] or discussion if one accepts cows symbolically as Vedas or knowledge, then Panis are the powers that hinder the progress or spread of knowledge. Thus from the Rig veda suktas we can understand that the panis are the jnana apaharaka shakti (ज्ञानापहारकाः । the thieves of knowledge).
  
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It can be understood that they are people who create obstacles in community welfare activities meant for promoting dharma or favouring the devathas who revere the herd of the cows. By stealing the cows they interfere with the dharmic process of the society, which benefits neither parties. Consumed with only materialistic aspirations thereby engaged in hoarding wealth they lack the adhyatmik interest. They steal the knowledge or imprison the Brahma-nishtas to ensure that the knowledge is not spread.  Angirasa who was knowledgeable about the characteristics of cows rescues them from the caves where they were hidden by the Panis.<ref name=":0" />
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In Srimad Bhagavatham, the ministers of Kamsa are shown to have the same characteristics of the Panis as they want to control the devatas. (Bhag. Pura 10.4.39-42).''
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== संवादः || Discussion ==
  
tasmāt sarvātmanā rājan brāhmaṇān brahma-vādinaḥ
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Applicable to the present day situation, we see panis are materialistic people and enemies of wisdom who envy the jnanis or dharmic systems. Aspiring only for the materialistic world, hoarding wealth through illegal means of trade, trying to exploit the society for personal gains, going in the name of socialism -- these are asuric and destructive energies. Many mantras of the Rig veda prove that Panis were the original residents of Bharatavarsha.<ref name=":0" />
  
tapasvino yajña-śīlān gāś ca hanmo havir-dughāḥ
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The society or the world is generally filled with materialistic ideologies — those who are like Panis or Dasyus. Dasyus are traders like Pani, comes from the root word: Dus those who have business as their goal. 
  
viprā gāvaś ca vedāś ca tapaḥ satyaṁ damaḥ śamaḥ
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The point is that business and farming or transactions is required for the growth of the society and may not be viewed in negative sense. But the purely materialistic attitude with business only for personal profits, without connection to the jnana of the other world (para) is not a Vedic practice. Therefore Panis who hinder the advancement of Consciousness in Spiritual realm, are viewed with contempt as seen in Rig Veda mantras. Thus, vedas rather than speaking only from a historical perspective establish an eternal truth. And this indicates that since times immemorial jnana shakti is constantly in war with ajananis (unintelligent people). Panis could be from any kula or race or any civilization, but that is a secondary consideration for Vedas.
  
śraddhā dayā titikṣā ca kratavaś ca hares tanūḥ
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Sadly, Panis exist in the present society also. Panis do not indicate just the community, but are the miserly intentions of people or their actions and behaviour. When our adhyatmik knowledge is kept in darkness it gives rise to wrongful transactions and ||nasthik (atheism).<ref name=":0" />
  
sa hi sarva-suradhyakso hy asura-dvid guha-sayah tan-mula devatah sarvah
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== References ==
  
sesvarah sa-catur-mukhah ayam vai tad-vadhopayo yad rsinam vihimsanam||
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[[Category:Asuras]]
 
 
Translation: “The foundation of all the devatas is Lord Viṣhṇu, who resides wherever there are dharmic principles, culture, the Vedas, cows, brāhmaṇas, austerities and sacrifices with proper remuneration.
 
 
 
O King, we, who are your adherents in all respects, shall therefore kill the Vedic brahmanas, the persons engaged in offering sacrifices and austerities, and the cows that supply milk, from which clarified butter is obtained for the ingredients of sacrifice.”
 
 
 
The panis are the enemies of wisdom. They take their main occupation as envy of the jnanis. Be living in the visible world, trying to exploit the society, going in the name of socialism--these are asuric and destructive energies--Conscious efforts were made to say that they were original residence of Bharata, the panis, and the Aryas chased them away. This is illogical and has a wrong motivation. Panis could have been born in Aryan culture, they might have been the relatives of Aryans. Now also they could be Aryas. Nobody needs to say that. The society or the world is generally filled with Anaryas—those who are like Panis or Dasyues. If we see in that sense, Dasyue also has similar understanding like Pani. It comes from the root word: “Dus” those who take business as their goal. The alternative word given by Yaska in Nirukti is: “dasaha dassyathe upadasayathi “of course that doesn’t mean that the business and farming or transaction is useless. No. But wherever there is no connection to the jnana of the other world : “para” but only for the sake of earning money and consciously being envious of the wisdom, and therefore those who minimize the consciousness of advancing in spiritual perfection, such people will see the panis and dasyues with a contempt. Therefore wherever we experience such qualities which is bereft of perfection, they are panis or dasyues. Therefore vedas rather than speaking an historical perspective alone, they are establishing an eternal truth. And this is indicating that the jnana shakti is constantly in war with such opposite elements, indicating that such ajananis or unintelligent people were exiting in large numbers in previous time also and therefore such people caused harm to the knowledge bank of Vedas and thus it could be historical perspective also. Therefore those ajanis or panis they could be from any kula or race. They could be from any civilization, but that is not an important consideration for the Vedas. What is important is that they were against the wisdom or knowledge and therefore if we are bereft of such vision then what is there to say in Vedas?
 
 
 
<nowiki>-----------</nowiki> prji content till here -------------
 
 
 
== Introduction ==
 
If seen from a symbolic perspective, many concepts are unravelled by the Vedas. Yaska maharshi explains that Pani means people with a mentality of business mindedness, “panims ca vani ja ha”(Niruktha 6.26). The Vedas also talks of ‘beka natas’ who are known to be shrewd money lenders who focus on doubling their money by getting more interest. The ‘beka natas’ are supposedly able to see only in the day, and when night arrives, they would argue that such things that were seen in sun light, doesn’t exist. Therefore they are considered to be ||nasthika (atheists) Charvaka philosophers. To reaffirm this, Yaska maharshi quotes Rk Samhita (8.66.10)
 
 
 
||kadu mahirdrishta asatvishaha kadu vruthagno askritham, indrovishvan beka natam ahardrisha utha krithva panikam rabhihi||
 
 
 
Here the word “ahardrisha” has been explained in detail by Sayana Acarya
 
 
 
||nanu sarve suryam pasyanthi ko atra tishaya iti ucyathe ihaiva janmani suryam pasyanthina janmanthare lubdaka ayushtarondhe tamasimajansthi athva laukika neva ahani pasyanthi na para laukikanthyath drishtani dishta pradanahini nastikaha||
 
 
 
It is explained beautifully by raising the question, that if everyone can see the Sun why for panis called “ahardrihaha” it is exaggeration? It is explained that panis can see the Sun only in this lifetime. However, in the next lifetime, because of their murderous mentality, miserliness and not engaged in Yajna, they will fall into the land of ‘andha tamasa’. (complete darkness). Thus in future, the Panis will only experience darkness as they only see the material or physical light. As they are unable to see the light of spirituality or the land beyond this world, their understanding is that of atheists who only believe what they see with their eyes. Indra’s army is indicated as very powerful, always alert and unconquerable. Indra, who defeated Vrithra can face any enemy. Therefore, Lord Indra with his invincible army can destroy the panis, who see only in the day time and he can destroy those who are into bekanata and other people who are cheating in their propensity. That is the essence of this verse. Yaska in another nirukti (2.17 “ panihi vanika bhavathi panihi pananatha vanika panyam nenakthi” says that  panis are varthaka (business people) who sells things for money. Sayana acarya further explains “kincha panayaha vyaya ahisnavaha vanijaha panihi vanika bhvathi thi yaskaha panayaha iti lubdakaha abhi yuddavanaha yugadinam akurvanaha adanashilaha asmat shatravaha “ Rk Samhita 1.12.4 – 10. In that he explains the commentary. Panis are the one who do not like to see money getting exhausted. Having a very stingy business mentality. People without intellectual stability. Having a desire to understand intellectually, not performing any Vedic ritual. This same kind of sukta also comes during the description of Usha Devi. When the air which is offered to Usha Devi from the Vedas, who is the personification of the sukta abhimani devatha.
 
 
 
Till here 
 
 
 
Volume 3 Chapter 1B part 7
 
 
 
In the above Sukta the word “pani” has mentioned prayers are offered to Usha Devi (deity for the Suktas). “Hey Devi, you are magnanimous one who gives whatever we ask, and what do we ask? We only ask you for the ingredients to perform the Yajna. We appeal to to make the performers of yajnas, especially, those who are generous—make them broader in their intelligence. Similarly the Panis who are our enemies, who are cheaters, greedy and bereft of intelligence, please make them go to sleep. He Devi, those who are charitable, the initiators of yajnas, please give them all the benefits. Ye Devi, of the compassionate eyes, and have the power to give old age those who perform yajnas with all the stotras, you offer them unlimited happiness and prosperity”. In this word (which) Pani is explained in similar fashion. Panis are demonic. And in this word panis is used in plural, the panis who are indicated here are still existing in the present society also. This pani does not indicate the community which was existing previously alone. But these are the people or they indicate certain action: wherever there are positive activities which are meant for enhancing dharma or favoring the devathas that “go samuha” herd of the cows. So they steal cows and create obstacles in the progress of the devathas and society, which neither benefits them nor the society. They have only materialistic aspirations and do not understand the value of spiritual knowledge. They steal  the knowledge or imprison the Brahma Nishtas to ensure that the knowledge is not spread. When our spiritual knowledge is kept in darkness it gives rise to wrongful transactions and ||nasthik (atheism). In the Srimad Bhagavatham, the ministers of Kamsa are shown to have the same mentality of the Panis as they want to control the devatas and the Lord. So they give the message of the Panis to Kamsa. They gave this strategy. From Srimad Bhagavatham (10.4.39-42)
 
 
 
||mūlaṁ hi viṣṇur devānāṁ yatra dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ tasya ca
 
 
 
brahma-go-viprās tapo yajñāḥ sa-dakṣiṇāḥ
 
 
 
tasmāt sarvātmanā rājan brāhmaṇān brahma-vādinaḥ
 
 
 
tapasvino yajña-śīlān gāś ca hanmo havir-dughāḥ
 
 
 
viprā gāvaś ca vedāś ca tapaḥ satyaṁ damaḥ śamaḥ
 
 
 
śraddhā dayā titikṣā ca kratavaś ca hares tanūḥ
 
 
 
sa hi sarva-suradhyakso hy asura-dvid guha-sayah tan-mula devatah sarvah
 
 
 
sesvarah sa-catur-mukhah ayam vai tad-vadhopayo yad rsinam vihimsanam||
 
 
 
Translation: “The foundation of all the devatas is Lord Viṣhṇu, who resides wherever there are dharmic principles, culture, the Vedas, cows, brāhmaṇas, austerities and sacrifices with proper remuneration.
 
 
 
O King, we, who are your adherents in all respects, shall therefore kill the Vedic brahmanas, the persons engaged in offering sacrifices and austerities, and the cows that supply milk, from which clarified butter is obtained for the ingredients of sacrifice.”
 
 
 
The panis are the enemies of wisdom. They take their main occupation as envy of the jnanis. Be living in the visible world, trying to exploit the society, going in the name of socialism--these are asuric and destructive energies--Conscious efforts were made to say that they were original residence of Bharata, the panis, and the Aryas chased them away. This is illogical and has a wrong motivation. Panis could have been born in Aryan culture, they might have been the relatives of Aryans. Now also they could be Aryas. Nobody needs to say that. The society or the world is generally filled with Anaryas—those who are like Panis or Dasyues. If we see in that sense, Dasyue also has similar understanding like Pani. It comes from the root word: “Dus” those who take business as their goal. The alternative word given by Yaska in Nirukti is: “dasaha dassyathe upadasayathi “of course that doesn’t mean that the business and farming or transaction is useless. No. But wherever there is no connection to the jnana of the other world : “para” but only for the sake of earning money and consciously being envious of the wisdom, and therefore those who minimize the consciousness of advancing in spiritual perfection, such people will see the panis and dasyues with a contempt. Therefore wherever we experience such qualities which is bereft of perfection, they are panis or dasyues. Therefore vedas rather than speaking an historical perspective alone, they are establishing an eternal truth. And this is indicating that the jnana shakti is constantly in war with such opposite elements, indicating that such ajananis or unintelligent people were exiting in large numbers in previous time also and therefore such people caused harm to the knowledge bank of Vedas and thus it could be historical perspective also. Therefore those ajanis or panis they could be from any kula or race. They could be from any civilization, but that is not an important consideration for the Vedas. What is important is that they were against the wisdom or knowledge and therefore if we are bereft of such vision then what is there to say in Vedas?
 

Latest revision as of 22:35, 12 March 2020

Pani (Samskrit : पणिकः पणिः) is basically a community of tradesmen often travelling to distant lands for international trade referred to in vedic literature. Ample references in the vedic literature are available about trade for profit in distant lands by travelling over the seas. Merchants in the vedic period prayed and offered oblations to seek divine grace for success in trade. These commercial people believed in a materialistic philosophy of life. Mostly these traders and merchants were the Asuras or Dasyus and for trade moved in all directions including foreign countries. The international trade was confined to a certain section of Dasyu society called the Panis.

Pani ||पणिकः is referred to as a tradesman of extremely miserly nature. They are deplored in many mantras of the Rig veda (RV 6.53.02 to 07). They are the rich and enterprising merchant class solely devoted to the cause of gain either through trade or usury. They have been designated as Bekanatas or usurers. These panis can be classified as the ancestors of Vanika of later times who formed the Vaisya caste in Aryan conception.[1] They have enmity with Indra, Soma, Agni, Brihaspathi and Angiras. They are called इन्द्रशत्रृ || Indra Sathru or enemies of Indra headed by Panis named Vala and Bala.[2]

व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology

Here the term Pani || पणिः refers to a miserly, tight-fisted person.

  • Maharshi Yaska describes that panis are वर्तकः || varthaka (business people) who sell things for profits.

पणिः वणिक् भवति ।पणिः पणनात् । वणिक् पण्यं नेनेक्ति । (Nirukti 2.17)[3]

Meaning : Panis are vaniks or tradesmen.

  • According to Shabdakalpadruma[4], बणिकः११ पणिकः १२ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ in the meaning of "वैश्यः" or tradesman.
  • Sayanaacharya explains in his commentary for the Rig mantra as follows[2]

    kincha panayaha vyaya ahisnavaha vanijaha panihi vanika bhvathi thi yaskaha panayaha iti lubdakaha abhi yuddavanaha yugadinam akurvanaha adanashilaha asmat shatravaha (Commentary for Rig. Veda. 1.12.4 – 10)

    Panis were wealthy people who hoarded money with a very miserly business attitude, lacking in intellectual stability and had very little regard for any Vedic ritual.
  • Maharshi Yaska also refers to 'Panis' as business minded people or tradesmen. The Vedas also talk of बेकनाटा || bekanatas who are known to be shrewd money lenders who impose heavy interest for their profits. These ‘bekanatas’ supposedly can see only during the day and when night befalls they argue that those visible things do not exist. Therefore they are considered to be नास्तिक || nasthika or atheists like the Charvaka philosophers. To reaffirm this, Yaska maharshi quotes the following Rig mantra

कदू महीरधृष्टा अस्य तविषीः कदु वृत्रघ्नो अस्तृतम् । इन्द्रो विश्वान्बेकनाटाँ अहर्दृश उत क्रत्वा पणीँरभि ॥१०॥  (Rig. Veda. 8.66.10)[5]

Here the word अहर्द्र्श || ahardrisha has been explained in detail by Sayanaacharya as follows[2]

nanu sarve suryam pasyanthi ko atra tishaya iti ucyathe ihaiva janmani suryam pasyanthina janmanthare lubdaka ayushtarondhe tamasimajansthi athva laukika neva ahani pasyanthi na para laukikanthyath drishtani dishta pradanahini nastikaha

Meaning : A question arises that if everyone can see the Sun why panis are called ahardrihaha. It is said that panis see the Sun only in this lifetime and because of their miserliness and disengagement in Yajna, they attain the land of ‘andha tamasa’ or complete darkness in their future births. Panis view the world with a materialistic or physical light and do not experience the light of adhyatmikity or the higher realms. Thus they remain in the land of ‘andha tamasa’ or in complete darkness for their understanding is that of the atheists who only believe in what they see with their eyes.

इन्द्रेण सह वैरम् ॥ Enmity with Indra

In this section[1] we see how Panis who were wealthy tradesmen developed enmity with Indra, the chief caretaker of the society. Panis referred to as Dasyus, held a prominent place in the society, accumulated fabulous wealth through extensive international trade and commerce. These Panis were also the ship builders traveling over the seas in search of trade centers, and materials for construction of ships navigated externsively along the Indian coasts and rivers. In the vedic economy, commercial production was in the hands of rest of the society and exchange was controlled by Panis, Dasyus, and Asuras who traded them.

वधीर्हि दस्युं धनिनं घनेनँ एकश्चरन्नुपशाकेभिरिन्द्र । धनोरधि विषुणक्ते व्यायन्नयज्वानः सनकाः प्रेतिमीयुः ॥४॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.33.4)[6]

vadhīrhi dasyuṁ dhaninaṁ ghanenam̐ ekaścarannupaśākebhirindra । dhanoradhi viṣuṇakte vyāyannayajvānaḥ sanakāḥ pretimīyuḥ ॥4॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.33.4)

Meaning : Oh Indra ! accompanied by powerful and mighty people yet single-handed you have killed the wealthy thief, the Dasyu named Vrtra with your powerful vajrayudha. Vrtra's followers who are yajna-shatru even though armed with weapons, ultimately met with their end.[7]

Material dissatisfaction brought about conflict between these two sections of the society or Ganas. Materially Indra believed in social control over the production and promoted distribution of wealth back to the community. Society or the Gana participated in Yajna, and offerings and oblations were made by the individuals in the name of their respective leaders so that the vigour and strength of the Gana may be well maintained. Wealth thus during the vedic times was a social asset rather than personal possession.

Yajna is offered to Indra and Vishnu under conditions of mutual contract that they would return it with wealth. (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1) Yajna and material prosperity go together as seen in in the mantra

सं वां कर्मणा समिषा हिनोमीन्द्राविष्णू अपसस्पारे अस्य । जुषेथां यज्ञं द्रविणं च धत्तमरिष्टैर्नः पथिभि: पारयन्ता ॥१॥ (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1)

saṁ vāṁ karmaṇā samiṣā hinomīndrāviṣṇū apasaspāre asya । juṣethāṁ yajñaṁ draviṇaṁ ca dhattamariṣṭairnaḥ pathibhi: pārayantā ॥1॥ (Rig. Veda. 6.69.1)

On the other hand, Panis, Asuras, Dasyus believed in completely different principles of economics. They were individualistic in their economic approach, powerful and never united with the society in any matter. Being on the higher strata of the society they did everything in their own interest, never offering any part of their income to the community. They never believed in Yajna and were famous for their greed. As a result these two factions of the society had different economic policies, leading to enmity. The refusal of Panis to contribute Dana and Dakshina for Yajna brought about enmity between them. Wealth in those days was mainly the strength of cattle and property. All sections of the Gana united against Panis, while they took away the cattle wealth of the Angirasas. Indra as their leader defeated the Panis and brought back the wealth (Page no 22 of Reference 1[1]).

Indra’s army is indicated as very powerful, always alert and unconquerable as he who defeated Vrttra can face any enemy. Therefore, Indra with his invincible army destroyed the Panis or the bekanatas.

गोग्रहणम् ॥ Stealing of Cows

In light of the foregoing discussion, Panis were often referred to as demonic and used here in plural as 'panis' indicating not just one person but many such who existed during the vedic period. From the Sarama and Pani samvada or discussion if one accepts cows symbolically as Vedas or knowledge, then Panis are the powers that hinder the progress or spread of knowledge. Thus from the Rig veda suktas we can understand that the panis are the jnana apaharaka shakti (ज्ञानापहारकाः । the thieves of knowledge).

It can be understood that they are people who create obstacles in community welfare activities meant for promoting dharma or favouring the devathas who revere the herd of the cows. By stealing the cows they interfere with the dharmic process of the society, which benefits neither parties. Consumed with only materialistic aspirations thereby engaged in hoarding wealth they lack the adhyatmik interest. They steal the knowledge or imprison the Brahma-nishtas to ensure that the knowledge is not spread. Angirasa who was knowledgeable about the characteristics of cows rescues them from the caves where they were hidden by the Panis.[2]

In Srimad Bhagavatham, the ministers of Kamsa are shown to have the same characteristics of the Panis as they want to control the devatas. (Bhag. Pura 10.4.39-42).

संवादः || Discussion

Applicable to the present day situation, we see panis are materialistic people and enemies of wisdom who envy the jnanis or dharmic systems. Aspiring only for the materialistic world, hoarding wealth through illegal means of trade, trying to exploit the society for personal gains, going in the name of socialism -- these are asuric and destructive energies. Many mantras of the Rig veda prove that Panis were the original residents of Bharatavarsha.[2]

The society or the world is generally filled with materialistic ideologies — those who are like Panis or Dasyus. Dasyus are traders like Pani, comes from the root word: Dus those who have business as their goal.

The point is that business and farming or transactions is required for the growth of the society and may not be viewed in negative sense. But the purely materialistic attitude with business only for personal profits, without connection to the jnana of the other world (para) is not a Vedic practice. Therefore Panis who hinder the advancement of Consciousness in Spiritual realm, are viewed with contempt as seen in Rig Veda mantras. Thus, vedas rather than speaking only from a historical perspective establish an eternal truth. And this indicates that since times immemorial jnana shakti is constantly in war with ajananis (unintelligent people). Panis could be from any kula or race or any civilization, but that is a secondary consideration for Vedas.

Sadly, Panis exist in the present society also. Panis do not indicate just the community, but are the miserly intentions of people or their actions and behaviour. When our adhyatmik knowledge is kept in darkness it gives rise to wrongful transactions and ||nasthik (atheism).[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Prasad, Prakash Charan. (1977) Foreign Trade and Commerce in Ancient India. New Delhi : Abhinav Publications
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.
  3. Nirukta (Adhyaya 2)
  4. Shabdakalpadruma (Page 4/523)
  5. Rig Veda (Mandala 8 Sukta 66)
  6. Rig Veda (Mandala 1 Sukta 33)
  7. Pt. Sripada Damodar Satvalekar (1985) Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1. Parady : Svadhyaya Mandal