Changes

<blockquote>छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्मात् |<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 10, [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%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 90].</ref> ''chandāṁsi jajñire tasmāt |'' (10.90.9). </blockquote>Furthermore, in sukta 130<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 10, [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%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 130].</ref>, metres such as Gayatri are mentioned.

<blockquote>छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्मात् |<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 10, [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%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 90].</ref> ''chandāṁsi jajñire tasmāt |'' (10.90.9). </blockquote>Furthermore, in sukta 130<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 10, [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%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 130].</ref>, metres such as Gayatri are mentioned.

* Sayanacharya has stated that the Chandas derives its name because of its act of enveloping the papa (wrong deeds) of people.  

* Sayanacharya has stated that the Chandas derives its name because of its act of enveloping the papa (wrong deeds) of people.  

<blockquote>पुरुषस्य पापसम्बन्धं वारयितुमाच्छादकत्वात् छन्द इत्युच्यते । Rgveda Sayanabhashya, Preface, p.32.</blockquote><blockquote>''puruṣasya pāpasambandhaṁ vārayitumācchādakatvāt chanda ityucyate ।''</blockquote>

<blockquote>पुरुषस्य पापसम्बन्धं वारयितुमाच्छादकत्वात् छन्द इत्युच्यते । Rgveda Sayanabhashya, Preface, p.32.</blockquote><blockquote>''puruṣasya pāpasambandhaṁ vārayitumācchādakatvāt chanda ityucyate ।''</blockquote>Sayanacharya also quotes three Shrutivakyas to uphold the etymological meaning of the word Chandas.

* Sayanacharya also quotes three Shrutivakyas to uphold the etymological meaning of the word Chandas.

 

** The Aitareya Brahmana (2.5) notes that Chandas protect from getting involved in the Papa karma.  

The Aitareya Brahmana (2.5) notes that Chandas protect from getting involved in the Papa karma.<blockquote>छादयन्ति हि वा एवं छन्दांसि पापात् कर्मण: । ''chādayanti hi vā evaṁ chandāṁsi pāpāt karmaṇa: ।''</blockquote>According to the Taittiriya Samhita (5.6.6), once, all the deities wanted to meet Prajapati Brahma. However, his body was surrounded by a raging fire. Hence, to reach Brahma, all the deities covered their bodies with Chandas.<blockquote>प्रजापतिरग्निमचिनुत,स क्षुरपविर्भूत्वाऽतिष्ठत्तं देवा बिभ्यतो नोपायन् ते छन्दोभिरात्मानं छादयित्वोपायन् तच्छन्दसां छन्दस्त्वम् ।  </blockquote><blockquote>''prajāpatiragnimacinuta,sa kṣurapavirbhūtvā'tiṣṭhattaṁ devā bibhyato nopāyan te chandobhirātmānaṁ chādayitvopāyan tacchandasāṁ chandastvam ।''</blockquote>The shield of Chandas can also protect the performer of the yajna from the heat of fire. Hence, it is said,<blockquote>चीयमानाग्निसन्तापस्याच्छादकत्वाच्छन्द: । ''cīyamānāgnisantāpasyācchādakatvācchanda: ।''</blockquote>The Chandogya Upanishad (14.2) quotes that when the deities were afraid of death, they entered and hid in the three Vedas. At that time, they were covered by the Chandas.<blockquote>देवा वै मृत्योर्बिभ्यतस्त्रयीं विद्यां प्राविशँस्ते छन्दोभिरात्मानमाच्छादयन् यदेभिरच्छादयँस्तच्छन्दसां छन्दस्त्वम् । </blockquote><blockquote>''devā vai mr̥tyorbibhyatastrayīṁ vidyāṁ prāviśam̐ste chandobhirātmānamācchādayan yadebhiracchādayam̐stacchandasāṁ chandastvam ।''  </blockquote>Thus, the Chandas serve as a protective shield from untimely death. <blockquote>अपमृत्युं वारयितुमाच्छादयतीति छन्द: । ''apamr̥tyuṁ vārayitumācchādayatīti chanda: ।''</blockquote>

<blockquote>छादयन्ति हि वा एवं छन्दांसि पापात् कर्मण: । ''chādayanti hi vā evaṁ chandāṁsi pāpāt karmaṇa: ।''</blockquote>

** According to the Taittiriya Samhita (5.6.6), once, all the deities wanted to meet Prajapati Brahma. However, his body was surrounded by a raging fire. Hence, to reach Brahma, all the deities covered their bodies with Chandas.  

<blockquote>प्रजापतिरग्निमचिनुत,स क्षुरपविर्भूत्वाऽतिष्ठत्तं देवा बिभ्यतो नोपायन् ते छन्दोभिरात्मानं छादयित्वोपायन् तच्छन्दसां छन्दस्त्वम् ।  </blockquote><blockquote>''prajāpatiragnimacinuta,sa kṣurapavirbhūtvā'tiṣṭhattaṁ devā bibhyato nopāyan te chandobhirātmānaṁ chādayitvopāyan tacchandasāṁ chandastvam ।''</blockquote>The shield of Chandas can also protect the sacrificer from the heat of fire. Hence, it is said,<blockquote>चीयमानाग्निसन्तापस्याच्छादकत्वाच्छन्द: । ''cīyamānāgnisantāpasyācchādakatvācchanda: ।''</blockquote>

** The Chandogya Upanishad (14.2) quotes that when the deities were afraid of death, they entered and hid in the three Vedas. At that time, they were covered by the Chandas.

<blockquote>देवा वै मृत्योर्बिभ्यतस्त्रयीं विद्यां प्राविशँस्ते छन्दोभिरात्मानमाच्छादयन् यदेभिरच्छादयँस्तच्छन्दसां छन्दस्त्वम् । </blockquote><blockquote>''devā vai mr̥tyorbibhyatastrayīṁ vidyāṁ prāviśam̐ste chandobhirātmānamācchādayan yadebhiracchādayam̐stacchandasāṁ chandastvam ।''  </blockquote>Thus, the Chandas serve as a protective shield from untimely death. <blockquote>अपमृत्युं वारयितुमाच्छादयतीति छन्द: । ''apamr̥tyuṁ vārayitumācchādayatīti chanda: ।''</blockquote>

* Yaskacharya accepts the meaning of Chandas as ‘to cover’ by quoting छन्दांसि छादनात् । ''chandāṁsi chādanāt ।''

* Yaskacharya accepts the meaning of Chandas as ‘to cover’ by quoting छन्दांसि छादनात् । ''chandāṁsi chādanāt ।''

* Bhanuji Dikshita in the commentary on Amarakosha called Ramashrami explains that  

* Bhanuji Dikshita in the commentary on Amarakosha called Ramashrami explains that  

<blockquote>चन्दते । चदि आह्लादने दीप्तौ च (भ्वा.आ.से.) । चन्देरादेश्श्च छ: (उणादि 4.220) इत्यसुन् ।</blockquote><blockquote>''candate । cadi āhlādane dīptau ca (bhvā.ā.se.) । canderādeśśca cha: (uṇādi 4.220) ityasun ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The word ‘Chandas’ is derived from the root ‘Cadi Ālhādane Diptau ca’, which is used in the sense of ‘gladdening’ or ‘pleasing’ by adding the Unadi suffix ‘Asun’.  

<blockquote>चन्दते । चदि आह्लादने दीप्तौ च (भ्वा.आ.से.) । चन्देरादेश्श्च छ: (उणादि 4.220) इत्यसुन् ।</blockquote><blockquote>''candate । cadi āhlādane dīptau ca (bhvā.ā.se.) । canderādeśśca cha: (uṇādi 4.220) ityasun ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The word ‘Chandas’ is derived from the root ‘Cadi Ālhādane Diptau ca’, which is used in the sense of ‘gladdening’ or ‘pleasing’ by adding the Unadi suffix ‘Asun’.  

Svami Dayananda Sarasvati also quotes the same in his commentary on UnaK. as <blockquote>चन्देरादेश्श्च छ:।। 4.220 ।। चन्दति हृष्यति येन दीप्यते वा तत् छन्द: । </blockquote><blockquote>''canderādeśśca cha:।। 4.220 ।। candati hr̥ṣyati yena dīpyate vā tat chanda: ।''</blockquote>

Svami Dayananda Sarasvati also quotes the same in his commentary on UnaK. as <blockquote>चन्देरादेश्श्च छ:।। 4.220 ।। चन्दति हृष्यति येन दीप्यते वा तत् छन्द: । </blockquote><blockquote>''canderādeśśca cha:।। 4.220 ।। candati hr̥ṣyati yena dīpyate vā tat chanda: ।''</blockquote>

*<blockquote>Panini uses the word ‘Chandas’ as a synonym for the word Veda. In the etymology of the word ‘Ṛtviyaḥ’, the word ‘Chandasi’ in the Sutra ‘Chandasi Ghas 5.1.105’ refers to the Veda. The reason for using the word ‘Chandas’ in the context with the Veda can be obtained with the help of aforementioned root ‘Cadi Ālhādane Diptau ca’.</blockquote>

* Panini uses the word ‘Chandas’ as a synonym for the word Veda. In the etymology of the word ‘Ṛtviyaḥ’, the word ‘Chandasi’ in the Sutra ‘Chandasi Ghas 5.1.105’ refers to the Veda. The reason for using the word ‘Chandas’ in the context with the Veda can be obtained with the help of aforementioned root ‘Cadi Ālhādane Diptau ca’.

Svami Dayananda Sarasvati in the Rgveda Bhashya Bhumika opines that,<blockquote>येन छन्दसा छन्दोभिर्वा सर्वा विद्या: संवृता: आवृता: सम्यक् स्वीकृता भवन्ति, तस्माच्छन्दांसि वेदा: । वेदाध्ययनेन सर्वविद्याप्राप्तेर्मनुष्य आह्लादी भवति, सर्वार्थज्ञाता चातश्छन्दो वेद: । </blockquote><blockquote>''yena chandasā chandobhirvā sarvā vidyā: saṁvr̥tā: āvr̥tā: samyak svīkr̥tā bhavanti, tasmācchandāṁsi vedā: । vedādhyayanena sarvavidyāprāptermanuṣya āhlādī bhavati, sarvārthajñātā cātaśchando veda: ।''</blockquote>Meaning: With a thorough knowledge of the Vedas, man masters all the branches of knowledge and becomes happy; hence, the term Chandas indicates the Vedas.

Svami Dayananda Sarasvati in the Rgveda Bhashya Bhumika opines that,<blockquote>येन छन्दसा छन्दोभिर्वा सर्वा विद्या: संवृता: आवृता: सम्यक् स्वीकृता भवन्ति, तस्माच्छन्दांसि वेदा: । वेदाध्ययनेन सर्वविद्याप्राप्तेर्मनुष्य आह्लादी भवति, सर्वार्थज्ञाता चातश्छन्दो वेद: । </blockquote><blockquote>''yena chandasā chandobhirvā sarvā vidyā: saṁvr̥tā: āvr̥tā: samyak svīkr̥tā bhavanti, tasmācchandāṁsi vedā: । vedādhyayanena sarvavidyāprāptermanuṣya āhlādī bhavati, sarvārthajñātā cātaśchando veda: ।''</blockquote>Meaning: With a thorough knowledge of the Vedas, man masters all the branches of knowledge and becomes happy; hence, the term Chandas indicates the Vedas.

* Different meanings of the word Chandas are provided by the Amarakosha (3.2.20).

* Different meanings of the word Chandas are provided by the Amarakosha (3.2.20).

== छन्दसः महत्त्वम् ॥ Significance of Chandas in Vedic Literature ==

== छन्दसः महत्त्वम् ॥ Significance of Chandas in Vedic Literature ==

Chandas, as one of the six auxiliary disciplines or Vedangas, has an important role in the study of Vedic literature. These six Vedangas are Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (ritual), Vyakaraṇa (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chandas (prosody) and Jyotish (astronomy). In the Vedas, the Chandas represents the feet of the Veda-purusha. It is the foundation of the Vedas. It plays a crucial role during the chanting of suktas. By the study of the Vedas with the Vedangas, a disciple attains greatness in the Brahmaloka. Knowledge of Chandas facilitates the attainment of svarga, fame and long life. It is meritorious. It brings prosperity and is auspicious. The one who knows the use of Chandas becomes united with the Chandas and attains eternal prosperity after being free from body i.e. death. On the other hand, if anyone chants or imparts a Mantra with insufficient knowledge of the Rshi, metre, the deity and the application of the Mantra, he becomes a papi. Such a person is called a Mantrakantaka by Shadgurushishya in his commentary Vedarthadipika on the SarvaAnu., I.2.

Chandas, as one of the six auxiliary disciplines or Vedangas, has an important role in the study of Vedic literature. These six Vedangas are Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (ritual), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chandas (prosody) and Jyotish (astronomy). In the Vedas, the Chandas represents the feet of the Veda-purusha. It is the foundation of the Vedas. It plays a crucial role during the chanting of suktas. By the study of the Vedas with the Vedangas, a disciple attains greatness in the Brahmaloka. Knowledge of Chandas facilitates the attainment of svarga, fame and long life. It is meritorious. It brings prosperity and is auspicious. The one who knows the use of Chandas becomes united with the Chandas and attains eternal prosperity after being free from body i.e. death. On the other hand, if anyone chants or imparts a Mantra with insufficient knowledge of the Rshi, metre, the deity and the application of the Mantra, he becomes a papi. Such a person is called a Mantrakantaka by Shadgurushishya in his commentary Vedarthadipika on the SarvaAnu., I.2.

In Vedic Literature, many stories have been woven to indicate the significance of Chandas.  

In Vedic Literature, many stories have been woven to indicate the significance of Chandas.  

<blockquote>गायत्रेण छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । त्रैष्टुभेन छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । जागतेन छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । </blockquote><blockquote>''gāyatreṇa chandasā tvā chādayāmi । traiṣṭubhena chandasā tvā chādayāmi । jāgatena chandasā tvā chādayāmi ।''</blockquote>As per another reference, the story is as follows: Lord Brahma created this world and became free of the fear of death. At that time, he was very hungry. All the deities offered him food in the form of Chandas and he was content with that food. In this way, deities were satisfied by Chandas and Chandas by the deities.  <blockquote>तद् यत्र छन्दांसि देवान् समतर्पयन्नथ छन्दांसि देवा: समतर्पयन् । (Shatapatha Brahmana, 4.4.3.1.)</blockquote><blockquote>''tad yatra chandāṁsi devān samatarpayannatha chandāṁsi devā: samatarpayan ।''</blockquote>

<blockquote>गायत्रेण छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । त्रैष्टुभेन छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । जागतेन छन्दसा त्वा छादयामि । </blockquote><blockquote>''gāyatreṇa chandasā tvā chādayāmi । traiṣṭubhena chandasā tvā chādayāmi । jāgatena chandasā tvā chādayāmi ।''</blockquote>As per another reference, the story is as follows: Lord Brahma created this world and became free of the fear of death. At that time, he was very hungry. All the deities offered him food in the form of Chandas and he was content with that food. In this way, deities were satisfied by Chandas and Chandas by the deities.  <blockquote>तद् यत्र छन्दांसि देवान् समतर्पयन्नथ छन्दांसि देवा: समतर्पयन् । (Shatapatha Brahmana, 4.4.3.1.)</blockquote><blockquote>''tad yatra chandāṁsi devān samatarpayannatha chandāṁsi devā: samatarpayan ।''</blockquote>

* Chandas are even called the animals of deities. They carry yajnas to the deities.   

* Chandas are even called the animals of deities. They carry yajnas to the deities.   

<blockquote>पशवो वै देवानां छन्दांसि । तद् यथेदं पशवो युक्ता मनुष्येभ्यो वहन्ति । एवं छन्दांसि युक्तानि देवेभ्यो यज्ञं  वहन्ति । (Shatapatha Brahmana 1.8.2.8)</blockquote>These are seven in number. They are in the form of seven domestic and seven wild animals. All were created by Prajapati.  <blockquote>छन्दांसि गच्छ स्वाहेति । सप्त वै छन्दांसि सप्त ग्राम्या: पशव: सप्तारण्यास्तानेवैतदुभयान्प्रजनयति । (Shatapatha Brahmana,1.1.6.16)</blockquote>

<blockquote>पशवो वै देवानां छन्दांसि । तद् यथेदं पशवो युक्ता मनुष्येभ्यो वहन्ति । एवं छन्दांसि युक्तानि देवेभ्यो यज्ञं  वहन्ति । (Shatapatha Brahmana 1.8.2.8)</blockquote><blockquote>''paśavo vai devānāṁ chandāṁsi । tad yathedaṁ paśavo yuktā manuṣyebhyo vahanti । evaṁ chandāṁsi yuktāni devebhyo yajñaṁ vahanti ।''</blockquote>These are seven in number. They are in the form of seven domestic and seven wild animals. All were created by Prajapati.  <blockquote>छन्दांसि गच्छ स्वाहेति । सप्त वै छन्दांसि सप्त ग्राम्या: पशव: सप्तारण्यास्तानेवैतदुभयान्प्रजनयति । (Shatapatha Brahmana,1.1.6.16)</blockquote><blockquote>''chandāṁsi gaccha svāheti । sapta vai chandāṁsi sapta grāmyā: paśava: saptāraṇyāstānevaitadubhayānprajanayati ।''</blockquote>

* In the Shatapatha Brahmana, Chandas are also called rasas.  

* In the Shatapatha Brahmana, Chandas are also called rasas.  

<blockquote>रसो वै छन्दांसि । 7.3.7.37</blockquote>

<blockquote>रसो वै छन्दांसि । 7.3.7.37 ''raso vai chandāṁsi ।''</blockquote>

* According to the Kaushitaki Brahmana, the Angirasas asked all the Adityas, “Where are you? Where should we carry the offering to you from the Sadas?” The Adityas replied, “In Chandas.” Accordingly, the Angirasas offered the offerings for Adityas in Gayatri, Trishtubh and Jagati.

* According to the Kaushitaki Brahmana, the Angirasas asked all the Adityas, “Where are you? Where should we carry the offering to you from the Sadas?” The Adityas replied, “In Chandas.” Accordingly, the Angirasas offered the offerings for Adityas in Gayatri, Trishtubh and Jagati.

<blockquote>तेऽब्रुवन्नङ्गिरस आदित्यान् । क्व स्थ क्व व: सद्भ्यो हव्यं वक्ष्याम इति । छन्द:सु इत्यब्रुवन् । गायत्र्यां त्रिष्टुभि जगत्यामिति तस्माच्छन्दस्सु सद्भ्य आदित्येभ्य आङ्गिरसा प्रजा हव्यं वहन्ति । (7-9.11.8.172) </blockquote>

<blockquote>तेऽब्रुवन्नङ्गिरस आदित्यान् । क्व स्थ क्व व: सद्भ्यो हव्यं वक्ष्याम इति । छन्द:सु इत्यब्रुवन् । गायत्र्यां त्रिष्टुभि जगत्यामिति तस्माच्छन्दस्सु सद्भ्य आदित्येभ्य आङ्गिरसा प्रजा हव्यं वहन्ति । (7-9.11.8.172) </blockquote><blockquote>''te'bruvannaṅgirasa ādityān । kva stha kva va: sadbhyo havyaṁ vakṣyāma iti । chanda:su ityabruvan । gāyatryāṁ triṣṭubhi jagatyāmiti tasmācchandassu sadbhya ādityebhya āṅgirasā prajā havyaṁ vahanti ।''</blockquote>

* The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana states that the seven metres Gayatri, Ushik, Anushtubh, Brhati, Pankti, Trishtubh and Jagati are the seven horses of the Sun. (III Khanda, 97.12.)  

* The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana states that the seven metres Gayatri, Ushik, Anushtubh, Brhati, Pankti, Trishtubh and Jagati are the seven horses of the Sun. (III Khanda, 97.12)  

* In the Bhagvad Gita, Chandas are called leaves of the eternal Ashvattha tree. This indicates that the Chandas are innumerable.  

* In the Bhagvad Gita, Chandas are called leaves of the eternal Ashvattha tree. This indicates that the Chandas are innumerable.  

<blockquote>ऊर्ध्वमूलमध:शाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् । छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् ।। Bhagavad Gita.15.1.</blockquote>From the above references, Chandas are remarkably significant in the Vedic Literature. Moreover, Katyayana states that the entire Sanskrit Literature is in the form of Chandas. <blockquote>छन्दोमूलमिदं सर्वं वाङ्मयम्  । Chandonushasana Appendix 5.</blockquote>The Natya Shastra states that not a single word can exist without Chandas, and no Chandas can exist without words. <blockquote>छन्दोहीनो न शब्दोऽस्ति न छन्द: शब्दवर्जितम् ।Natya Shastra,14.47.</blockquote>Even speech is speechless without Chandas, states Yaskacharya. <blockquote>नाच्छन्दसि वागुच्चरति इति । Nirukta 7.2.</blockquote>Therefore, Chandas is indispensable in Sanskrit poetry.

<blockquote>ऊर्ध्वमूलमध:शाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् । छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् ।। Bhagavad Gita.15.1.</blockquote><blockquote>''ūrdhvamūlamadha:śākhamaśvatthaṁ prāhuravyayam । chandāṁsi yasya parṇāni yastaṁ veda sa vedavit ।।''</blockquote>From the above references, Chandas are remarkably significant in the Vedic Literature. Moreover, Katyayana states that the entire Sanskrit Literature is in the form of Chandas. <blockquote>छन्दोमूलमिदं सर्वं वाङ्मयम्  । Chandonushasana Appendix 5. ''chandomūlamidaṁ sarvaṁ vāṅmayam ।''</blockquote>The Natya Shastra states that not a single word can exist without Chandas, and no Chandas can exist without words. <blockquote>छन्दोहीनो न शब्दोऽस्ति न छन्द: शब्दवर्जितम् । Natya Shastra,14.47. ''chandohīno na śabdo'sti na chanda: śabdavarjitam ।''</blockquote>Even speech is speechless without Chandas, states Yaskacharya. <blockquote>नाच्छन्दसि वागुच्चरति इति । Nirukta 7.2. ''nācchandasi vāguccarati iti ।''</blockquote>Therefore, Chandas is indispensable in Sanskrit poetry.

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Vedangas]]

[[Category:Vedangas]]

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