Difference between revisions of "Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा)"

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The subject of Vedic interpretation is highly technical requiring a specialized knowledge of not only the language of the Vedas but also the vast Vedic and post-Vedic literature together with a thorough grounding in the exegetical, grammatical, religious, cultural, philosophical, philological, lexicographical, mythological, and historical studies connected with them.
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The subject of Vedic interpretation is highly technical requiring a specialized knowledge of not only the language of the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] but also the vast Vedic and Post-[[Vaidika Vangmaya (वैदिकवाङ्मयम्)|vedic literature]] together with a thorough grounding in the exegetical, grammatical, religious, cultural, philosophical, philological, lexicographical, and historical studies connected with them.
  
 
Although there are numerous apparent similarities between vedic language and classical sanskrit, the difference between them in respect to grammar, vocabulary, style, matter and spirit are very conspicuous. <ref name=":0">Ram Gopal. (1983) ''The History and Principles of Vedic Interpretation.'' New Delhi : Concept Publishing Company</ref>
 
Although there are numerous apparent similarities between vedic language and classical sanskrit, the difference between them in respect to grammar, vocabulary, style, matter and spirit are very conspicuous. <ref name=":0">Ram Gopal. (1983) ''The History and Principles of Vedic Interpretation.'' New Delhi : Concept Publishing Company</ref>
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== परिचयः || Introduction ==
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When we presume that Samskrit is the language of Veda, we get into trouble in understanding the text. There is difficulty in understanding the meanings of words and sentences.<ref name=":1">Sri. Rayalu Viswanadha's  [https://vedaravindamu.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/vedic-language/ Article on Vedic Language]</ref> Even those words which appear to be common to both the languages denote different meanings in the earlier Vedic language and the later samskrit language.<ref name=":0" />
  
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== परिचयः || Introduction ==
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A few nuances of samskrit used in Vaidika bhasha (वैदिकभाषा) and Laukika bhasha (लौकिकभाषा) such as differences in syllables, words, meanings, sentences and thoughts worthy of note are placed in the reader's perspective.
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When we presume that Samskrit is the language of Veda, we get into trouble in understanding the text. There is difficulty in understanding the meanings of words and sentences.<ref name=":1">Rayalu Viswanadha's  [https://vedaravindamu.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/vedic-language/ Articles on Veda]</ref> Even those words which appear to be common to both the languages denote different meanings in the earlier Vedic language and the later sanskrit language.<ref name=":0" />
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== Vedic Language - A Few Nuances ==
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We bring forth in the following section the subtle differences in Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा) with examples, far different from the present day language, and the associated interesting points that are raised.
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=== अक्षरम् || Akshara (Alphabet) ===
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A single Akshara makes a difference in the meaning of the same word <!-- the table does not explain the difference the letter brings to the meaning --> and same rk (ऋक्), in different sections of Veda as seen below<ref name=":1" />
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{| class="wikitable"
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|इ'''ळा'''<nowiki>मग्ने |</nowiki><nowiki> iḷāmagnē | </nowiki><br>(Rig. Veda. 3.1.23)
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|इ'''डा'''<nowiki>मग्ने |</nowiki><nowiki> iḍāmagnē | </nowiki>
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(Tait. Samh. 4.2.4)
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|-
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|परीण'''सो'''<nowiki> |</nowiki><nowiki> parīṇasō | </nowiki>
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(Rig. Veda. 8.84.7)
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|परीण'''सि'''<nowiki> |</nowiki><nowiki> parīṇasi | </nowiki>
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(Sama. Samh. pūrv. arcika. 34)
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|-
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|प्र '''यं'''<nowiki> राये |</nowiki><nowiki> pra yaṁ rāyē | </nowiki>
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(Rig. Veda. 8.103.4)
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|प्र '''यो'''<nowiki> राये |</nowiki><nowiki> pra yō rāyē | </nowiki>
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(Sama. Samh. pūrv. arcika. 58)
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|-
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|'''या'''<nowiki>त्यग्निरा |</nowiki> <nowiki>yātyagnirā | </nowiki>
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(Rig. Veda. 10.8.1)
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|'''भा'''<nowiki>त्यग्निरा |</nowiki> <nowiki>bhātyagnirā | </nowiki>
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(Atha. Veda. 18.3.65 & Tait. Aran. 6.3.1)
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|}How can one explain the change of aksharas, when the texts are being carried from the very beginning, to this day without any distortion by oral tradition?
  
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== शब्दः Words ==
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Svarga (स्वर्ग) is the word used in all the other three Veda [[Samhita (संहिता)|samhitas]] but in [[Yajurveda]] samhita alone, it is replaced by suvarga (सुवर्ग). Does adding a simple vowel u (उ) make a great difference?
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For instance, the words svāhā (स्वाहा), svadhā (स्वधा), and vaṣaṭ (वषट्) are very common in Veda but their precise meaning is not known.
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=== पदम् || Pada (Word) ===
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For instance, the words svaha (स्वाहा), svadha (स्वधा), and vashat (वषट्) are very common in Veda but their precise meaning is not known.<ref name=":1" />
 
* स्वाहा॒ स्तोम॑स्य वर्धना॒ प्र क॑वी धी॒तिभि॑र्नरा | svāhā stomasya vardhanā pra kavī dhītibhir narā | (Rig.Veda. 8.8.5)
 
* स्वाहा॒ स्तोम॑स्य वर्धना॒ प्र क॑वी धी॒तिभि॑र्नरा | svāhā stomasya vardhanā pra kavī dhītibhir narā | (Rig.Veda. 8.8.5)
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* यज्ञॊवै स्वाहाकारः | yajñovai svāhākāraḥ | (Shat. Brah. 3.1.3.27)
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* यज्ञोवै स्वाहाकारः | yajñovai svāhākāraḥ | (Shat. Brah. 3.1.3.27)
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* वषट्कारॆण जुहुयात् वषट्कारॆव | vaṣaṭkāreṇa juhuyāt vaṣaṭkāreva (Shat. Brah. 7.2.3)
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* वषट्कारेण जुहुयात् वषट्कारेव | vaṣaṭkāreṇa juhuyāt vaṣaṭkāreva (Shat. Brah. 7.2.3)
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What these sentences mean can be fully understood, only when the exact meaning of the words svāhā (स्वाहा), svadhā (स्वधा), and vaṣaṭ (वषट्) are known.<ref name=":1" />
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What these sentences mean can be fully understood, only when the exact meaning of the words svaha (स्वाहा), svadha (स्वधा), and vashat (वषट्) are known.
  
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== Meanings ==
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There are rks with a single akshara as a complete word:<blockquote>ऊ॒र्ध्व ऊ॒ षु णो॑ अध्वरस्य होत॒रग्ने॒ तिष्ठ॑ दे॒वता॑ता॒ यजी॑यान् । (Rig. Veda. 4.6.1)</blockquote><blockquote>ūrdhva ū ṣu ṇo adhvarasya hotar agne tiṣṭha devatātā yajīyān |</blockquote>One cannot understand the rk mantra context without knowing the meaning of words comprising of single akshara which is a unique feature of the Rigveda.
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Apart from the unique words seen in vedic texts, some words such as those below are seen both in Vedic and Classical texts but with different meanings.<ref>Aryamantavya Article : [http://aryamantavya.in/from-vedic-to-classical-sanskrit-development-or-decay/ From Vedic to Classical Sanskrit] (Development or Decay)</ref>
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=== अर्थः || Artha (Meaning) ===
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Apart from the unique words seen in vedic texts, some words such as those given below are seen both in Vedic and Classical texts but with different meanings.<ref name=":5">Aryamantavya Article : [http://aryamantavya.in/from-vedic-to-classical-sanskrit-development-or-decay/ From Vedic to Classical Sanskrit] (Development or Decay)</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
!Word  
 
!Word  
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|'''Sachi (शची)'''  
 
|'''Sachi (शची)'''  
 
|Speech, Skill and Activity
 
|Speech, Skill and Activity
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|<nowiki>One of the सप्तपंचाशत् वाङ्नामानि ] | ११ | (Nighantu 1.11)</nowiki><ref>Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref>
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|One of the 57 names for Vak
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One of the एकादश प्रज्ञानामानि ] | ९ | (Nighantu 3.9<ref name=":2">Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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%A4%E0%A5%83%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 3])</ref>)
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(सप्तपंचाशत् वाङ्नामानि |११| saptapaṃcāśat vāṅnāmāni |11| Nighantu 1.11)<ref>Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref>  
  
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One of the षड्विंशतिः कर्मनामानि ] | १ | (Nighantu 2.1<ref name=":3">Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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>)
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One of the 11 names for Prajna
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(एकादश प्रज्ञानामानि  | ९ | ekādaśa prajñānāmāni | 9 | Nighantu 3.9<ref name=":2">Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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%A4%E0%A5%83%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 3])</ref>)
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One of the 26 names for Karma
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(षड्विंशतिः कर्मनामानि | १ | ṣaḍviṃśatiḥ karmanāmāni | 1 | Nighantu 2.1<ref name=":3">Nighantu Shastram ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%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>)
 
|Wife of Indra (Chief of Devatas)
 
|Wife of Indra (Chief of Devatas)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Ashma (अश्मः)'''
 
|'''Ashma (अश्मः)'''
 
|Mountains and Clouds
 
|Mountains and Clouds
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|'''अश्मः''', पुं, पर्ब्बतः । मेघः । वैदिकशब्दोऽयं ॥<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%85%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 See अवधिः])</ref>
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|'''अश्मः''', पुं, पर्ब्बतः । मेघः । वैदिकशब्दोऽयं ॥ aśmaḥ, puṃ, parbbataḥ । meghaḥ । vaidikaśabdo'yaṃ ॥<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%85%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 See अवधिः])</ref>
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|Stone (पाषाणः, शिला)
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|<nowiki>Stone (पाषाणः, शिला | Pashana, Shila)</nowiki>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Gaya (गयः)'''
 
|'''Gaya (गयः)'''
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|House, Progeny, Wealth
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|House, Progeny, Wealth
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|<nowiki>One of the द्वाविंशतिः गृहनामानि ] | ४ | (Nighantu 3.4)</nowiki><ref name=":2" />
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|One of the 22 names for House
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One of the पञ्चदश अपत्यनामानि ] | २ | (Nighantu 2.2)<ref name=":3" />
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(द्वाविंशतिः गृहनामानि | ४ | dvāviṃśatiḥ gṛhanāmāni | 4 | Nighantu 3.4)<ref name=":2" />  
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One of the अष्ताविंशतिः एव धननामानि] | १० | (Nighantu 2.10)<ref name=":3" />
 
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|Name of an Asura (असुरभेदः), Place called Gaya (गयाप्रदेशः)<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%97%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82 See Gaya])</ref>
 
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|}
 
  
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== Sentences: ==
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One of the 15 names for Progeny
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* mā chandaḥ | मा छन्दः॑ [Tai. Saṁ 4-3-7]
 
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* annaṁ vai chandramāḥ | अन्नं॒ वै च॒न्द्रमाः॑ [Tai. Br 3-2-3]
 
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* sahasraśr̥ṅgō vr̥ṣabhō jātavēdāḥ | स॒हस्र॑शृङ्गो वृष॒भो जा॒तवे॑दाः [Tai. Br 3-7-2]
 
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Unless we know the meaning of each word in these sentences, we cannot even guess what the sentences mean. If we consider them as Sanskrit words, sentences will not convey convincing meanings.
 
  
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Some Vedic words like mūtram (मूत्रम्), purīṣam (पुरीषम्) etc. even convey repugnant or repulsive meanings. By quoting Sanskrit meanings, some of the modern writers are even entering the area of pornography in explaining Vedic statements.
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(पञ्चदश अपत्यनामानि  | २ | pañcadaśa apatyanāmāni | 2 | Nighantu 2.2)<ref name=":3" />
  
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== Thought: ==
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One of the 28 names for Wealth
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* agnimabhipavate | agnimabhisaṁpavate | अ॒ग्निम॒भिप॑वतॆ | अ॒ग्निम॒भिसंप॑वतॆ | [Tai. Br 2-3-9]
 
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Is there any significant difference in the above two statements? Does the Mantra need repetition to just add an adverb, saṁ (सम्) (Upasarga) to the verb ‘pavate (पवतॆ)’, when latter sentence alone could have done the job, particularly when we know Veda uses minimum words with maximum efficiency?
 
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* manō gāyatriyai | gāyatrī triṣṭubhē | triṣṭubjagatyai | jagatyanuṣṭubhē | म॒नो॑ गायत्रि॒यै | गा॒य॒त्री त्रिष्टुभे॑ | त्रि॒ष्टुब्जग॑त्यै | जग॑त्यनु॒ष्टुभे॑ | [Tai. Br 3-7-6]
 
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What is the underlying thought?
 
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* vācēnnam |‍ brahmaṇa ōdanam | वाचेन्नम् |‍ ब्रह्मण ओदनम् | [Tai. Ar 3-10]
 
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What is Veda conveying in these two sentences?
 
  
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== akṣara (अक्षर) Variation: ==
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(अष्टाविंशतिः एव धननामानि | १० | aṣṭāviṃśatiḥ eva dhananāmāni | 10 | Nighantu 2.10)<ref name=":3" />
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It looks a single Akṣara makes a difference in the meaning of the same word, and same r̥k (ऋक्), in different sections of Veda:
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|<nowiki>Name of an Asura (असुरभेदः | asurabheda), Place called Gaya (गयाप्रदेशः | gayapradesha)</nowiki><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%97%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82 See Gaya])</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"|<nowiki>iḷāmagnē | इळामग्ने |</nowiki>
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|}Some Vedic words like mutra (मूत्रम्), purisha (पुरीषम्) etc. even convey repugnant or repulsive meanings. By quoting Sanskrit meanings, some of the modern writers are even entering the area of pornography in explaining Vedic statements.<ref name=":1" />
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=== वाक्यम् || Vakya (Sentence) ===
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* मा छन्दः॑ | mā chandaḥ (Tait. Samh. 4.3.7)
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* अन्नं॒ वै च॒न्द्रमाः॑ | annaṁ vai chandramāḥ (Tait. Brah. 3.2.3)
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* स॒हस्र॑शृङ्गो वृष॒भो जा॒तवे॑दाः | sahasraśr̥ṅgō vr̥ṣabhō jātavēdāḥ (Tait. Brah. 3.7.2)
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Although the words in the sentences above appear to be understood, a meaningful sentence cannot be comprehended. If they are viewed as traditional samskrit words, the translated sentences will not convey relevant meanings.<ref name=":1" /> <!-- we can later elaborate a little on how the meanings are not relevant. To make the statement more convincing  -->
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=== विचारः || Vichara (Thought) ===
 +
* अ॒ग्निम॒भिप॑वते | agnimabhipavate | अ॒ग्निम॒भिसंप॑वते | agnimabhisaṁpavate | (Tait. Brah. 2.3.9)
 +
Is there any significant difference in the above two statements? Does a mantra need repetition to just add an adverb, sam (सम्) (Upasarga) to the verb ‘pavate (पवते)’, when latter sentence alone could have done the job, particularly when we know Veda uses minimum words with maximum efficiency?
 +
* म॒नो॑ गायत्रि॒यै | गा॒य॒त्री त्रिष्टुभे॑ | त्रि॒ष्टुब्जग॑त्यै | जग॑त्यनु॒ष्टुभे॑ | manō gāyatriyai | gāyatrī triṣṭubhē | triṣṭubjagatyai | jagatyanuṣṭubhē |  (Tait. Brah. 3.7.6)
 +
What is the underlying thought of such often seen repetitions?
 +
* वाचेन्नम् |‍ ब्रह्मण ओदनम् | vācēnnam |‍ brahmaṇa ōdanam | (Tait. Aran. 3.10)
 +
What is Veda conveying in these two repeated sentences?
  
−
[r̥g saṁ 3-1-23]
+
These are some of the questions raised by scholars in their writings on vedic language.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" />
−
|<nowiki>iḍāmagnē | इडामग्ने |</nowiki>
+
== प्रातिशाख्य-ग्रन्थाः ॥ Pratishakhya Granthas ==
 +
Many such questions arise in understanding Vedas, thus making their interpretation difficult. These variations suggest that Vedic language is different from conventional languages that we know and use. Veda talks about the importance of akshara at many places. There are many rk (ऋक्) and Yajus mantras emphasizing the importance of akshara. 11th  anuvaka of 7th prashna in 1st kanda of Taittiriya samhita<ref>Taittriya Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E2%80%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A7/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD Kanda 1 Prapathaka 7])</ref> is all about aksharas, starting with <blockquote>अग्निरेकाक्षरेण वाच मुदजयत् | agnirekākṣareṇa vācha mudajayat</blockquote>Earlier Vedic scholars (Shaunaka, being one of them) wrote books on the language structure of Veda, called as '''Pratishakhya Granthas'''. Each one of those books deal at length about akshara. Hence, one has to thoroughly understand the speech system and become eloquent in vedic grammatical rules to interpret Vedic language.
 +
== वैदिकभाषाविशेषलक्षणानि ॥ Characteristics of Vaidika Bhasha  ==
 +
Vaidika samskrit bhasha (वैदिकसंस्कृतभाषा) contains certain unique features which differentiates it from the laukika bhasha that has been in vogue in the recent centuries. Some of these features are completely lost from the laukika bhasha.<ref name=":4">Upadhyaya, Baldev. (1958) ''[https://archive.org/details/VaidikSahityaBaldevUpadhyaya1958 Vaidik Sahitya]''. </ref> Shiksha granthas deal extensively the phonetic aspects of the Veda mantras.
  
−
[tai. saṁ. 4-2-4]
+
[[Vaidika Bhasha Lakshana (वैदिकभाषालक्षणम्)|Features of Vaidika bhasha]] include certain characteristic pronunciation of varnas, usages such as Anunasika (अनुनासिकः), Visarga (विसर्गः), Jihvamuliyas ('''जिह्वामूलीय'''), grammatical processes such as Svarabhakti (स्वरभक्तिः) and Abhinidhana (अभिनिधानम्), Vyuha (व्यूहः) and Vyavaya (व्यवायः). We find some unique words only in the vedas such as japhari (जफरी), tuphari (तुफरी). Grammatical rules pertaining to Vibhaktis (विभक्तिः | Case endings), Lakaras (लकाराः | Tenses and moods), Sandhis (सन्धिः | Conjunction), Samasas (समासः | Compound) are different for vaidika and laukika samskrit.
−
|-
+
== वैदिकभाषानिर्माणांशाः ॥ Basic Units of Vaidika Bhasha ==
−
|<nowiki>parīṇasō | परीणसो |</nowiki>
+
It is seen that a complex interaction of grammatical rules, only a very few of which are given above, is involved in the construction of vedic texts. The concept of Bijakshara (बीजाक्षरम्) is unique to the vedas and the associated literature. Unlike any other language, vaidika samskrit propounds the existence of a meaningful and powerful combination of aksharas (sound syllable) called Bijakshara. Of the many uses, they are used as whole or a part of mantras to invoke the deities during various rituals. The following section gives a glimpse into the fundamental units of the language structure of vaidika bhasha.
 +
=== अक्षरज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Akshara ===
 +
Every akshara has a specific and significant position in the matrix. Also nature and intensity of effort involved in uttering, differ from akshara to akshara and also from one group to another. All the variations and characteristics of each akshara are reflected in its meaning. 
  
−
[r̥g saṁ 8-84-7]
+
When we speak or hear, the speech sounds are aksharas. When we put them into writing, their name is alphabet. Vedic alphabet is shown below as per their articulation points in the speaking machine (mouth): Only articulation points (and not all aksharas) are shown below. The akshara kha (ख) has no separate point of touch. The articulation point is the same as ka (क). Similar is the case with other aspirants – cha (छ), jha (झ) etc.<ref name=":1" />
−
|<nowiki>parīṇasi | परीणसि |</nowiki>
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
 
+
!1
−
[sā. saṁ. pūrv. arcika. 34]
+
! rowspan="6" |
 +
!2
 +
!3
 +
!4
 +
!5
 +
!6
 +
! rowspan="6" |
 +
!7
 +
!8
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<nowiki>pra yaṁ rāyē | प्र यं राये |</nowiki>
+
!Vowels (प्राण-s)
−
 
+
! colspan="5" |Consonants (स्पर्श-s)
−
[r̥g saṁ 8-103-4]
+
!ऊष्म-s
−
|<nowiki>pra yō rāyē | प्र यो राये |</nowiki>
+
!अन्तःस्थ-s
−
 
 
−
[sā. saṁ. pūrv. arcika. 58]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<nowiki>yātyagnirā | यात्यग्निरा |</nowiki>
+
|a (अ)
−
 
 
−
[r̥g saṁ 10-8-1]
 
−
|<nowiki>bhātyagnirā | भात्यग्निरा |</nowiki>
 
−
 
 
−
[ath. saṁ 18-3-65 & Tai. ār. 6-3-1]
 
−
|}
 
−
How to explain the change of akṣaras, when the texts are being carried from the very beginning, to this day without any distortion by oral tradition?
 
−
 
 
−
 svarga (स्वर्ग) is the word used in all the other three Veda saṁhitas but in Yajurveda saṁhita alone, it is replaced by suvarga (सुवर्ग). Does adding a simple vowel u (उ) make a great difference?
 
−
 
 
−
== Different Language: ==
 
−
These variations suggest that Vedic language is different from conventional languages, we know and use. Veda talks about the importance of akṣara at many places. There are many r̥ks (ऋक्) and Yajur mantras emphasizing the importance of akṣara. 11th  anuvāka of 7th praśna in 1st kāṇḍa of taittirīya samhita is all about akṣaras, starting with agnirekākṣareṇa vācha mudajayat अग्निरॆकाक्षरॆण वाछ मुदजयत्
 
−
 
 
−
There are r̥ks with a single akṣara as a complete word:
 
−
 
 
−
 ūrdhva ū ṣu ṇo adhvarasya hotar agne tiṣṭha devatātā yajīyān |
 
−
 
 
−
ऊ॒र्ध्व ऊ॒ षु णो॑ अध्वरस्य होत॒रग्ने॒ तिष्ठ॑ दे॒वता॑ता॒ यजी॑यान् । [r̥g. saṁ. 4-6-1]
 
−
 
 
−
How can one get to understand the r̥k without knowing the meaning of single akṣara – words? .
 
−
 
 
−
Earlier Vedic scholars (śaunaka, being one of them) wrote books on the language structure of Veda. They are called prātiśākhya granthas. Each one of those books deals at length about akṣara. Hence we have to look at our speech system, the source of all akṣaras to understand Vedic language.
 
−
 
 
−
== Vedic Alphabet: ==
 
−
When we speak or hear, the speech sounds are akṣaras. When we put them to writing their name is alphabet. Vedic alphabet is shown below as per their articulation points in the speaking machine (mouth):
 
−
{| class="wikitable"|a (अ)
 
−
|<br>
 
 
|ka (क)
 
|ka (क)
 
|ca (च)
 
|ca (च)
Line 115: Line 130:
 
|ta (त)
 
|ta (त)
 
|pa (प)
 
|pa (प)
−
|<br>
 
 
|ha (ह)
 
|ha (ह)
 
|ya (य)
 
|ya (य)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|i (इ)
 
|i (इ)
−
|<br>
 
 
|ga (ग)
 
|ga (ग)
 
|ja (ज)
 
|ja (ज)
Line 126: Line 139:
 
|da (द)
 
|da (द)
 
|ba (ब)
 
|ba (ब)
−
|<br>
 
 
|ṣa (ष)
 
|ṣa (ष)
 
|ra (र)
 
|ra (र)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|u (उ)
 
|u (उ)
−
|<br>
 
 
|ṅa (ङ)
 
|ṅa (ङ)
 
|Ña (ञ)
 
|Ña (ञ)
Line 137: Line 148:
 
|na (न)
 
|na (न)
 
|ma (म)
 
|ma (म)
−
|<br>
 
 
|śa (श)
 
|śa (श)
 
|la (ल)
 
|la (ल)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
+
|
−
|<br>
 
−
|<br>
 
 
|sa (स)
 
|sa (स)
 
|va (व)
 
|va (व)
 
|}
 
|}
−
# The arrangement of the positions of articulation in the mouth, either from left to right or from top to bottom is shown above. Every one can verify for himself / herself the arrangement.
+
# The arrangement of the positions of articulation in the mouth, either from left to right or from top to bottom is shown above. Everyone can verify themselves the arrangement.
−
# Main Vowels only are shown as the remaining vowels are just combinations of the prime vowels:  
+
# Main Vowels only are shown as the remaining vowels are just combinations of the prime vowels: <blockquote>a + i = e (अ +‍ इ = ए)</blockquote><blockquote>a + u = ō (अ +‍उ = ओ)</blockquote><blockquote>a + e = ai (अ +‍ ए = ऐ)‍</blockquote><blockquote>a + ō = au (अ +‍ ओ = औ)‍ and</blockquote><blockquote>a + a = ā (अ +‍अ = आ);  i + i = ī (इ + इ = ई);  u + u = ū (उ +‍उ = ऊ)</blockquote>
−
# a + i = e (अ +‍ इ = ए);
+
# Vowel "a (अ)" is added to each consonant (k – क् | k + a = ka | क् +‍अ = क) to make it an akshara. Combination of vowel and the consonant results in an akshara, a separate recognizable sound unit. This automatic combining capability of both the vowel and consonant is innate in every man. Consonant sound alone cannot be sustained for more than half matra (मात्रा) duration (matra is the time period required to utter an akshara to be clearly audible and recognizable). Veda calls this natural union, samhita (संहिता). It is the vowel sound that gives prana (प्राणः) – life and makes the consonant stand the full matra period. The vowel – consonant combination is the fundamental samhita on which the entire speech system depends.  
−
# a + u = ō (अ +‍उ = ऒ);
+
# The live energetic vibrant akshara matrix, embedded in the mouth of every human being, is the basis on which the Vedic language is built.
−
# a + e = ai (अ +‍ ए = ऐ)‍;
+
# When we look at the matrix, we notice an orderly system in the arrangement of the akshara positions:
−
# a + ō = au (अ +‍ ऒ = औ)‍ and
+
#* There are three main rows with eight aksharas in each row and a fourth subsidiary one with two aksharas.
−
# a + a = ā (अ +‍अ = आ);  i + i = ī (इ + इ = ई);  u + u = ū (उ +‍उ = ऊ)
+
#* If we look from top to bottom, they are separated into three broad groups, vowels in the left (1 column), consonant (stops) aksharas in the center (5 columns). The last two column (7th & 8th) are different from both vowels and stops. Sanskrit linguists call 7th column aksharas ushma (ऊष्मः) type and of the 8th column, antastha (अन्तःस्थः) type. The ushma – aksharas require more air to utter. The nature of effort to pronounce antastha akshara is different from that all other types. Sanskrit grammar texts refer consonants in the middle as sparsha (स्पर्शः) aksharas and the Vowels as prana aksharas.
−
# Only articulation points (and not all akṣaras) are shown. The akṣara kha (ख) has no separate point of touch. The articulation point is the same as ka. Similar is the case with other aspirants – cha, jha etc.
+
#* Vowel speaking area is spread from the throat to the lips and indicates the boundaries of the speaking machine. Similarly, the limits of active area for of each group is clear, both in length and breadth from the orderly arrangement of the articulation points in the mouth.
−
# Vowel a is added to each consonant (k – क् – k + a = ka – क् +‍अ = क) to make it an akṣara. Combination of vowel and the consonant results in an akṣara, a separate recognizable sound unit. This automatic combining capability of both the vowel and consonant is innate in every man. Consonant sound alone cannot be sustained for more than half mātra duration (mātra is the time period required to utter an akṣara  to be clearly audible and recognizable). Veda calls this natural union, saṁhita. It is the vowel sound that gives prāṇa – life and makes the consonant stand the full matra period. The vowel – consonant combination is the fundamental saṁhita on which the entire speech system depends.
+
#* The sparsha aksharas are in three horizontal lines. First line consists of aksharas with minimum resonance, the second with those of higher resonance and the last highest resonance. (नासिका | Nasal sounds) .
−
# The live energetic vibrant akṣara matrix, embedded in the mouth of every human being, is the basis on which the Vedic language is built.
+
#* The arrangement is so scientific and perfect, that the tongue can jump to any point and pick up the consonant before the vowel sound comes to join.<ref name=":1" />
−
# When we look at the matrix, we notice an orderly system in the arrangement of the akṣara positions:
+
=== पदज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Word ===
−
# There are three main rows with eight akṣaras in each row and a fourth subsidiary one with two akṣaras.
+
In laukika bhasha and other languages of the world, only word has a meaning but not its component aksharas. Vedic word is a combination of Vedic aksharas and the meaning of the word is summation of their individual meanings. The meaning of the word can be deduced by linking the meanings of individual aksharas in a logical way.
−
# If we look from top to bottom, they are separated into three broad groups, vowels in the left (1 column), consonant (stops) akṣaras in the center (5 columns). The last two column (7th & 8th) are different from both vowels and stops. Sanskrit linguists call 7th column akṣaras ūṣma (ऊष्म) type and of the 8th column, antaḥstha (अन्तःस्थ) type. The ūṣma – akṣaras require more air to utter. The nature of effort to pronounce antaḥstha akṣara is different from that all other types. Sanskrit grammar texts refer consonants in the middle as sparśa (स्पर्श) akṣaras and the Vowels as prāṇa (प्राण) akṣaras.
 
−
# Vowel speaking area is spread from the throat to the lips and indicates the boundaries of the speaking machine. Similarly the limits of active area for of each group is clear, both in length and breadth from the orderly arrangement of the articulation points in the mouth.
 
−
# The sparśa akṣaras are in three horizontal lines. First line consists of akṣaras with minimum resonance, the second with those of higher resonance and the last highest resonance. (Nasal sounds) .
 
−
# The arrangement is so scientific and perfect, that the tongue can jump to any point and pick up the consonant before the vowel sound comes to join.
 
  
−
== Akṣara in Vedic language: ==
+
The word akshara (अक्षरम्) is in itself a combination (samhita) of the following aksharas:
−
How does Veda apportion meaning to each akṣara?
+
* All the svaras (vowels) we can speak are represented by a – अ
 +
* All sparsha-aksharas (stops) are represented by k – क्
 +
* All ushma-aksharas (aspirants) by ṣa – ष
 +
* All antastha aksharas (semivowels) by ra – र
 +
* All nasikya aksharas (nasals) by ṁ – म्
 +
Samhita’s capability is indicated by compound akshara kṣa – क्ष. The word not only indicates all the audio capsules which mouth can produce, but also its samhita capability. The word akshara literally means what it sounds!
  
−
Every akṣara has a specific and significant position in the matrix. Also nature and intensity of effort involved in uttering, differ from akṣara to akṣara and also from one group to another. All the variations and characteristics of each akṣara are reflected in its meaning.
+
One more example to indicate how Vedic words are coined : om is a very common word in Veda and ॐ इति एकाक्षरं ब्रह्म । ōm iti ekākṣaraṁ brahma – is an often quoted sentence from Veda. akshara ō – ओ is the result of combining vowels a – अ and u – उ.  Thus, om represents Brahma through its manifestation, having the properties of a – अ, u – उ and ṁ – म्.
 +
== संवादः || Discussion ==
 +
Interesting questions raised by Shri. Achyut Karve and discussed in the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad may also be on the minds of many people: 
 +
* Is vedic language a tongue of any particular group viz. ethnic, geographical or of any particular race?
 +
* Do we know of any other language which is not considered to be the tongue of a community and yet is a fully evolved literary language?
 +
Although the answers to such questions calls for research which will only establish the historicity of the language, Indians have been attached to the Vedas and Sanskrit for millennia and have been nurturing and nourishing it for millennia. No other place did that. This discussion may be followed on Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad.<ref>Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad Discussion : [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/bvparishat/GU1zGYtjoh4/307IR7c4AgAJ;context-place=searchin/bvparishat/vedic$20language%7Csort:date Origins of Vedic Language]</ref>
 +
=== Akshara in Vedic Language ===
 +
A few thoughts of Sri. Rayalu Viswanatha, regarding Aksharas<ref name=":1" /> of the Vedic Language.
  
−
Our life is a continuum of actions and events. Area of articulation is the main area where actions and events are taking place. Every action is an yajña. Satapatha Brāhmana says vāg‍hi yajñaḥ – वाग्‍हि यज्ञः, i.e., our ideas, intentions and desires are converted into akṣaras is the yajña śāla – the place of action. The speech action is representative of all actions in our life.
+
How does Veda apportion meaning to each akshara?
  
−
The sparśa akṣaras are in three rows. Human existence has three aspects. First one refers to activities associated with our daily routine. The second one is connected with our ideals, dreams, goals and emotions. The third is the world of knowledge, thinking and awareness. Akṣaras in the three rows are correspondingly used in Vedic language. All nāsikyas (nasal sound are used to identify and describe the various jñana activities. The akṣara ma (म), last in the line, is reserved for mind (manas) .
+
Our life is a continuum of actions and events. Area of articulation is the main area where actions and events are taking place. Every action is an yajna. Shatapatha Brahmana says वाग्‍हि यज्ञः । vāg‍hi yajñaḥ i.e., our ideas, intentions and desires are converted into aksharas in the yajna shala – the place of action. The speech action is representative of all actions in our life.
  
−
The ūshma aksharas are used to identify prāna area (forces responsible for living).
+
The sparsha aksharas are in three rows. Human existence has three aspects. First one refers to activities associated with our daily routine. The second one is connected with our ideals, dreams, goals and emotions. The third is the world of knowledge, thinking and awareness. Aksharas in the three rows are correspondingly used in Vedic language. All nasikyas (nasal sounds are used to identify and describe the various jnana activities. The akshara ma (म), last in the line, is reserved for mind (manas) .
  
−
Man has four traits. Four antaḥstha akṣaras are used for the four traits as given below:
+
The ushma aksharas are used to identify prana area (forces responsible for living).
 +
 
 +
Man has four traits. Four antastha aksharas are used for the four traits as given below:
 
# Man always does one thing or the other— (ya – य) .
 
# Man always does one thing or the other— (ya – य) .
−
# He is an individual, separate jīva — (ra – र) .
+
# He is an individual, separate jiva — (ra – र) .
−
# He is not the same individual but a different one when he is dreaming to achieve his / her goals, gripped by deva bhāva — (la – ल).
+
# He is not the same individual but a different one when he is dreaming to achieve his / her goals, gripped by deva bhava (देवभावः) — (la – ल).
−
# Can speak to express himself, vāk — (va – व) .
+
# Can speak to express himself, vak (वाक्) — (va – व) .
 
We can see that the matrix is the miniature audio picture of man himself and Vedic language expands it into a full-blown audio picture.
 
We can see that the matrix is the miniature audio picture of man himself and Vedic language expands it into a full-blown audio picture.
 +
=== Examples ===
 +
Vowels are spread over the entire yajna shala. The akshara a – अ is located at the entrance, i – इ in the middle and u – उ at the end. They are taking part in the formation of every akshara. They represent the time and the potential needed for the yajna.
  
−
== Examples of actual use: ==
+
Broadly there are three stages of time for any incident or event (yajna) – past, present and future. Veda attributes the three stages to the three prime vowels  a – अ, i – इ and u – उ respectively since their positions of articulation are in the same order. a – अ is also used for the ever-present tense since when we open our mouth to speak, first sound that comes out is that of a – अ and is present when other vowels are not in operation.
−
Vowels are spread over the entire yajña śāla. The akṣara a – अ is located at the entrance, i – इ in the middle and u – उ at the end. They are taking part in the formation of every akṣara. They represent the time and the potential needed for the yajña.
 
−
 
 
−
Broadly there are three stages of time for any incident or event (yajña) – past, present and future. Veda attributes the three stages to the three prime vowels  a – अ, i – इ and u – उ respectively since their positions of articulation are in the same order. a – अ is also used for the ever-present tense since when we open our mouth to speak, first sound that comes out is that of a – अ and is present when other vowels are not in operation.
 
 
* agnim īḻe purohitaṁ | अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं |
 
* agnim īḻe purohitaṁ | अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं |
−
The above is the first sentence of r̥g veda and agni is the first Word. The word starts with a – अ. So agni is ever present. The word ends in i – इ. The word agni is now being used in the yajña. Whatever may be the meaning of the word, two features of the object meant by the word agni are clear. r̥g veda starts with agni, the ever present force and constantly in use with every yajña (action) . r̥g veda deals with all aspects of yajña up to the point of start. yajñas in Veda cover the entire spectrum of actions in life and the resulting behavior. yajña is an attempt to improve ourselves from the existing state. When the yajña is completed successfully, the driving force agni, invoked for the purpose becomes a part of us. Then it will be agna and NOT agni. So Sama Veda which deals with final stages of yajña starts with the word agna  – agna āyāhi vītaye – अ॑ग्न॒ आया॑हि वी॒तयॆ॑ [ sā. saṁ. 1]. Agni, the driving force of the achievement has become agna, ever present in us as a new capability achieved. But for the change of vowels in this word, we will not know the two different states of Agni.
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The above is the first sentence of Rigveda and agni is the first Word. The word starts with a – अ. So agni is ever present. The word ends in i – इ. The word agni is now being used in the yajna. Whatever may be the meaning of the word, two features of the object meant by the word agni are clear. Rigveda starts with agni, the ever present force and constantly in use with every yajna (action) . Rigveda deals with all aspects of yajna up to the point of start. Yajnas in Veda cover the entire spectrum of actions in life and the resulting behavior. Yajna is an attempt to improve ourselves from the existing state. When the yajna is completed successfully, the driving force agni, invoked for the purpose becomes a part of us. Then it will be agna and NOT agni. So Samaveda which deals with final stages of yajna starts with the word agna  – agna āyāhi vītaye – अ॑ग्न॒ आया॑हि वी॒तयॆ॑ ( Sama. Samh.1). Agni, the driving force of the achievement has become agna, ever present in us as a new capability achieved. But for the change of vowels in this word, we will not know the two different states of Agni.
  
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i – इ indicates present tense (time during which yajña is conducted) and u – उ,the future. Yajur veda, which describes implementation of procedures in detail, begins with both these vowels in the first two sentences.
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i – इ indicates present tense (time during which yajna is conducted) and u – उ,the future. Yajurveda, which describes implementation of procedures in detail, begins with both these vowels in the first two sentences.
 
* iṣetvorjetvā – iṣe tvā + ūrje tvā | इ॒षॆत्वॊ॒र्जॆत्वा॑ – इषॆ त्वा + ऊर्जॆ त्वा |
 
* iṣetvorjetvā – iṣe tvā + ūrje tvā | इ॒षॆत्वॊ॒र्जॆत्वा॑ – इषॆ त्वा + ऊर्जॆ त्वा |
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All our actions (yajñas) are only with a purpose to achieve iṣa – our present requirement, hence starts with vowel i – इ. The word ūrja is our hopefully achievable future wants and has to start with u – उ. The two sentences are combined into one (saṁhita) to indicate that human nature is to keep an eye on future while working for the present!
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All our actions (yajnas) are only with a purpose to achieve iṣa – our present requirement, hence starts with vowel i – इ. The word urja (ऊर्जा) is our hopefully achievable future wants and has to start with u – उ. The two sentences are combined into one (samhita) to indicate that human nature is to keep an eye on future while working for the present !
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== Vedic Word: ==
 
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In Sanskrit and other languages only word has a meaning but not its component akṣaras. Vedic word is a combination of Vedic akṣaras. The meaning of the word is summation of their individual meanings. The meaning of the word can be deduced by linking the meanings of individual akṣaras in a logical way.
 
−
 
 
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akṣaram is a Vedic word. It in itself is a combination (saṁhita) of the following akṣaras:
 
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* All the svaras (vowels) we can speak are represented by a – अ
 
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* All sparśa-akṣaras (stops) are represented by k – क्
 
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* All ūṣma-akṣaras (aspirants) by ṣa – ष
 
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* All antaḥstha akṣaras (semivowels) by ra – र
 
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* All nāsikya akṣaras (nasals) by ṁ – म्
 
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Saṁhita’s capability is indicated by compound akṣara kṣa – क्ष. The word not only indicates all the audio capsules which mouth can produce, but also its saṁhita capability. The word akṣara literally means what it sounds!
 
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One more example to indicate how Vedic words are coined. ōm is a very common word in Veda and ōm iti ekākṣaraṁ brahma – ॐ इति एकाक्षरं ब्रह्म is an oft quoted sentence from Veda. akṣara ō – ऒ is the result of combining vowels a – अ and u – उ. They are located at the beginning and middle of the speech tunnel. ṁ – म्, the consonant, is at the end of the tunnel. All the three combined represent all objects that have a beginning, existence and the end. ōm has been made into a single akṣara with a purpose. All objects combine into only one  big object, the universe. Brahma, the universal creative force is known only through its creation. ōm represents Brahma through its manifestation, having the properties of a – अ, u – उ and ṁ – म्.
 
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== Different Language: ==
 
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Veda uses the akṣaras as they are located in the matrix to bring out the various forces working inside to change our intentions into akṣaras. In fact, Vedic language uses its words and akṣaras, as windows through which we can see the the working of the subtle body.
 
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Vedic language is made to express the various forces of the microcosm, whereas all our languages are meant to express what we see and know outside of us. All our languages combined will not contain what man does not know. Vedic language talks only of what we do not know. Vedic language uses its words and akṣaras to name the forces within us. We use that akṣara to name the items we know and want to refer. Thus, Vedic language is apart from all the languages we know and use in our daily life.
 
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== Time of origin: ==
 
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== Discussion ==
 
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An interesting question raised by Shri. Achyut Karve, that has been raised and discussed in the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad is
 
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" Is vedic language a tongue of any particular group viz. ethnic, geographical or of any particular race?"
 
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== References ==
 
== References ==
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<references />
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[[Category:Vedas]]

Latest revision as of 14:06, 27 December 2018

The subject of Vedic interpretation is highly technical requiring a specialized knowledge of not only the language of the Vedas but also the vast Vedic and Post-vedic literature together with a thorough grounding in the exegetical, grammatical, religious, cultural, philosophical, philological, lexicographical, and historical studies connected with them.

Although there are numerous apparent similarities between vedic language and classical sanskrit, the difference between them in respect to grammar, vocabulary, style, matter and spirit are very conspicuous. [1]

परिचयः || Introduction

When we presume that Samskrit is the language of Veda, we get into trouble in understanding the text. There is difficulty in understanding the meanings of words and sentences.[2] Even those words which appear to be common to both the languages denote different meanings in the earlier Vedic language and the later samskrit language.[1]

A few nuances of samskrit used in Vaidika bhasha (वैदिकभाषा) and Laukika bhasha (लौकिकभाषा) such as differences in syllables, words, meanings, sentences and thoughts worthy of note are placed in the reader's perspective.

Vedic Language - A Few Nuances

We bring forth in the following section the subtle differences in Vedic Language (वैदिकभाषा) with examples, far different from the present day language, and the associated interesting points that are raised.

अक्षरम् || Akshara (Alphabet)

A single Akshara makes a difference in the meaning of the same word and same rk (ऋक्), in different sections of Veda as seen below[2]

इळामग्ने | iḷāmagnē |
(Rig. Veda. 3.1.23) 		इडामग्ने | iḍāmagnē |

(Tait. Samh. 4.2.4)

परीणसो | parīṇasō |

(Rig. Veda. 8.84.7)

परीणसि | parīṇasi |

(Sama. Samh. pūrv. arcika. 34)

प्र यं राये | pra yaṁ rāyē |

(Rig. Veda. 8.103.4)

प्र यो राये | pra yō rāyē |

(Sama. Samh. pūrv. arcika. 58)

यात्यग्निरा | yātyagnirā |

(Rig. Veda. 10.8.1)

भात्यग्निरा | bhātyagnirā |

(Atha. Veda. 18.3.65 & Tait. Aran. 6.3.1)

How can one explain the change of aksharas, when the texts are being carried from the very beginning, to this day without any distortion by oral tradition?

Svarga (स्वर्ग) is the word used in all the other three Veda samhitas but in Yajurveda samhita alone, it is replaced by suvarga (सुवर्ग). Does adding a simple vowel u (उ) make a great difference?

पदम् || Pada (Word)

For instance, the words svaha (स्वाहा), svadha (स्वधा), and vashat (वषट्) are very common in Veda but their precise meaning is not known.[2]

  • स्वाहा॒ स्तोम॑स्य वर्धना॒ प्र क॑वी धी॒तिभि॑र्नरा | svāhā stomasya vardhanā pra kavī dhītibhir narā | (Rig.Veda. 8.8.5)
  • यज्ञोवै स्वाहाकारः | yajñovai svāhākāraḥ | (Shat. Brah. 3.1.3.27)
  • वषट्कारेण जुहुयात् वषट्कारेव | vaṣaṭkāreṇa juhuyāt vaṣaṭkāreva (Shat. Brah. 7.2.3)

What these sentences mean can be fully understood, only when the exact meaning of the words svaha (स्वाहा), svadha (स्वधा), and vashat (वषट्) are known.

There are rks with a single akshara as a complete word:

ऊ॒र्ध्व ऊ॒ षु णो॑ अध्वरस्य होत॒रग्ने॒ तिष्ठ॑ दे॒वता॑ता॒ यजी॑यान् । (Rig. Veda. 4.6.1)

ūrdhva ū ṣu ṇo adhvarasya hotar agne tiṣṭha devatātā yajīyān |

One cannot understand the rk mantra context without knowing the meaning of words comprising of single akshara which is a unique feature of the Rigveda.

अर्थः || Artha (Meaning)

Apart from the unique words seen in vedic texts, some words such as those given below are seen both in Vedic and Classical texts but with different meanings.[3]

Word Meaning in Vedic Samskrit Reference Meaning in Classical Samskrit
Sachi (शची) Speech, Skill and Activity One of the 57 names for Vak

(सप्तपंचाशत् वाङ्नामानि |११| saptapaṃcāśat vāṅnāmāni |11| Nighantu 1.11)[4]

One of the 11 names for Prajna

(एकादश प्रज्ञानामानि | ९ | ekādaśa prajñānāmāni | 9 | Nighantu 3.9[5])

One of the 26 names for Karma

(षड्विंशतिः कर्मनामानि | १ | ṣaḍviṃśatiḥ karmanāmāni | 1 | Nighantu 2.1[6])

Wife of Indra (Chief of Devatas)
Ashma (अश्मः) Mountains and Clouds अश्मः, पुं, पर्ब्बतः । मेघः । वैदिकशब्दोऽयं ॥ aśmaḥ, puṃ, parbbataḥ । meghaḥ । vaidikaśabdo'yaṃ ॥[7] Stone (पाषाणः, शिला | Pashana, Shila)
Gaya (गयः) House, Progeny, Wealth One of the 22 names for House

(द्वाविंशतिः गृहनामानि | ४ | dvāviṃśatiḥ gṛhanāmāni | 4 | Nighantu 3.4)[5]

One of the 15 names for Progeny

(पञ्चदश अपत्यनामानि | २ | pañcadaśa apatyanāmāni | 2 | Nighantu 2.2)[6]

One of the 28 names for Wealth

(अष्टाविंशतिः एव धननामानि | १० | aṣṭāviṃśatiḥ eva dhananāmāni | 10 | Nighantu 2.10)[6]

Name of an Asura (असुरभेदः | asurabheda), Place called Gaya (गयाप्रदेशः | gayapradesha)[8]

Some Vedic words like mutra (मूत्रम्), purisha (पुरीषम्) etc. even convey repugnant or repulsive meanings. By quoting Sanskrit meanings, some of the modern writers are even entering the area of pornography in explaining Vedic statements.[2]

वाक्यम् || Vakya (Sentence)

  • मा छन्दः॑ | mā chandaḥ (Tait. Samh. 4.3.7)
  • अन्नं॒ वै च॒न्द्रमाः॑ | annaṁ vai chandramāḥ (Tait. Brah. 3.2.3)
  • स॒हस्र॑शृङ्गो वृष॒भो जा॒तवे॑दाः | sahasraśr̥ṅgō vr̥ṣabhō jātavēdāḥ (Tait. Brah. 3.7.2)

Although the words in the sentences above appear to be understood, a meaningful sentence cannot be comprehended. If they are viewed as traditional samskrit words, the translated sentences will not convey relevant meanings.[2]

विचारः || Vichara (Thought)

  • अ॒ग्निम॒भिप॑वते | agnimabhipavate | अ॒ग्निम॒भिसंप॑वते | agnimabhisaṁpavate | (Tait. Brah. 2.3.9)

Is there any significant difference in the above two statements? Does a mantra need repetition to just add an adverb, sam (सम्) (Upasarga) to the verb ‘pavate (पवते)’, when latter sentence alone could have done the job, particularly when we know Veda uses minimum words with maximum efficiency?

  • म॒नो॑ गायत्रि॒यै | गा॒य॒त्री त्रिष्टुभे॑ | त्रि॒ष्टुब्जग॑त्यै | जग॑त्यनु॒ष्टुभे॑ | manō gāyatriyai | gāyatrī triṣṭubhē | triṣṭubjagatyai | jagatyanuṣṭubhē | (Tait. Brah. 3.7.6)

What is the underlying thought of such often seen repetitions?

  • वाचेन्नम् |‍ ब्रह्मण ओदनम् | vācēnnam |‍ brahmaṇa ōdanam | (Tait. Aran. 3.10)

What is Veda conveying in these two repeated sentences?

These are some of the questions raised by scholars in their writings on vedic language.[2][3]

प्रातिशाख्य-ग्रन्थाः ॥ Pratishakhya Granthas

Many such questions arise in understanding Vedas, thus making their interpretation difficult. These variations suggest that Vedic language is different from conventional languages that we know and use. Veda talks about the importance of akshara at many places. There are many rk (ऋक्) and Yajus mantras emphasizing the importance of akshara. 11th  anuvaka of 7th prashna in 1st kanda of Taittiriya samhita[9] is all about aksharas, starting with

अग्निरेकाक्षरेण वाच मुदजयत् | agnirekākṣareṇa vācha mudajayat

Earlier Vedic scholars (Shaunaka, being one of them) wrote books on the language structure of Veda, called as Pratishakhya Granthas. Each one of those books deal at length about akshara. Hence, one has to thoroughly understand the speech system and become eloquent in vedic grammatical rules to interpret Vedic language.

वैदिकभाषाविशेषलक्षणानि ॥ Characteristics of Vaidika Bhasha

Vaidika samskrit bhasha (वैदिकसंस्कृतभाषा) contains certain unique features which differentiates it from the laukika bhasha that has been in vogue in the recent centuries. Some of these features are completely lost from the laukika bhasha.[10] Shiksha granthas deal extensively the phonetic aspects of the Veda mantras.

Features of Vaidika bhasha include certain characteristic pronunciation of varnas, usages such as Anunasika (अनुनासिकः), Visarga (विसर्गः), Jihvamuliyas (जिह्वामूलीय), grammatical processes such as Svarabhakti (स्वरभक्तिः) and Abhinidhana (अभिनिधानम्), Vyuha (व्यूहः) and Vyavaya (व्यवायः). We find some unique words only in the vedas such as japhari (जफरी), tuphari (तुफरी). Grammatical rules pertaining to Vibhaktis (विभक्तिः | Case endings), Lakaras (लकाराः | Tenses and moods), Sandhis (सन्धिः | Conjunction), Samasas (समासः | Compound) are different for vaidika and laukika samskrit.

वैदिकभाषानिर्माणांशाः ॥ Basic Units of Vaidika Bhasha

It is seen that a complex interaction of grammatical rules, only a very few of which are given above, is involved in the construction of vedic texts. The concept of Bijakshara (बीजाक्षरम्) is unique to the vedas and the associated literature. Unlike any other language, vaidika samskrit propounds the existence of a meaningful and powerful combination of aksharas (sound syllable) called Bijakshara. Of the many uses, they are used as whole or a part of mantras to invoke the deities during various rituals. The following section gives a glimpse into the fundamental units of the language structure of vaidika bhasha.

अक्षरज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Akshara

Every akshara has a specific and significant position in the matrix. Also nature and intensity of effort involved in uttering, differ from akshara to akshara and also from one group to another. All the variations and characteristics of each akshara are reflected in its meaning.

When we speak or hear, the speech sounds are aksharas. When we put them into writing, their name is alphabet. Vedic alphabet is shown below as per their articulation points in the speaking machine (mouth): Only articulation points (and not all aksharas) are shown below. The akshara kha (ख) has no separate point of touch. The articulation point is the same as ka (क). Similar is the case with other aspirants – cha (छ), jha (झ) etc.[2]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Vowels (प्राण-s) Consonants (स्पर्श-s) ऊष्म-s अन्तःस्थ-s
a (अ) ka (क) ca (च) ṭa (ट) ta (त) pa (प) ha (ह) ya (य)
i (इ) ga (ग) ja (ज) ḍa (ड) da (द) ba (ब) ṣa (ष) ra (र)
u (उ) ṅa (ङ) Ña (ञ) ṇa (ण) na (न) ma (म) śa (श) la (ल)
sa (स) va (व)
  1. The arrangement of the positions of articulation in the mouth, either from left to right or from top to bottom is shown above. Everyone can verify themselves the arrangement.
  2. Main Vowels only are shown as the remaining vowels are just combinations of the prime vowels:

    a + i = e (अ +‍ इ = ए)

    a + u = ō (अ +‍उ = ओ)

    a + e = ai (अ +‍ ए = ऐ)‍

    a + ō = au (अ +‍ ओ = औ)‍ and

    a + a = ā (अ +‍अ = आ);  i + i = ī (इ + इ = ई);  u + u = ū (उ +‍उ = ऊ)

  3. Vowel "a (अ)" is added to each consonant (k – क् | k + a = ka | क् +‍अ = क) to make it an akshara. Combination of vowel and the consonant results in an akshara, a separate recognizable sound unit. This automatic combining capability of both the vowel and consonant is innate in every man. Consonant sound alone cannot be sustained for more than half matra (मात्रा) duration (matra is the time period required to utter an akshara to be clearly audible and recognizable). Veda calls this natural union, samhita (संहिता). It is the vowel sound that gives prana (प्राणः) – life and makes the consonant stand the full matra period. The vowel – consonant combination is the fundamental samhita on which the entire speech system depends.
  4. The live energetic vibrant akshara matrix, embedded in the mouth of every human being, is the basis on which the Vedic language is built.
  5. When we look at the matrix, we notice an orderly system in the arrangement of the akshara positions:
    • There are three main rows with eight aksharas in each row and a fourth subsidiary one with two aksharas.
    • If we look from top to bottom, they are separated into three broad groups, vowels in the left (1 column), consonant (stops) aksharas in the center (5 columns). The last two column (7th & 8th) are different from both vowels and stops. Sanskrit linguists call 7th column aksharas ushma (ऊष्मः) type and of the 8th column, antastha (अन्तःस्थः) type. The ushma – aksharas require more air to utter. The nature of effort to pronounce antastha akshara is different from that all other types. Sanskrit grammar texts refer consonants in the middle as sparsha (स्पर्शः) aksharas and the Vowels as prana aksharas.
    • Vowel speaking area is spread from the throat to the lips and indicates the boundaries of the speaking machine. Similarly, the limits of active area for of each group is clear, both in length and breadth from the orderly arrangement of the articulation points in the mouth.
    • The sparsha aksharas are in three horizontal lines. First line consists of aksharas with minimum resonance, the second with those of higher resonance and the last highest resonance. (नासिका | Nasal sounds) .
    • The arrangement is so scientific and perfect, that the tongue can jump to any point and pick up the consonant before the vowel sound comes to join.[2]

पदज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Word

In laukika bhasha and other languages of the world, only word has a meaning but not its component aksharas. Vedic word is a combination of Vedic aksharas and the meaning of the word is summation of their individual meanings. The meaning of the word can be deduced by linking the meanings of individual aksharas in a logical way.

The word akshara (अक्षरम्) is in itself a combination (samhita) of the following aksharas:

  • All the svaras (vowels) we can speak are represented by a – अ
  • All sparsha-aksharas (stops) are represented by k – क्
  • All ushma-aksharas (aspirants) by ṣa – ष
  • All antastha aksharas (semivowels) by ra – र
  • All nasikya aksharas (nasals) by ṁ – म्

Samhita’s capability is indicated by compound akshara kṣa – क्ष. The word not only indicates all the audio capsules which mouth can produce, but also its samhita capability. The word akshara literally means what it sounds!

One more example to indicate how Vedic words are coined : om is a very common word in Veda and ॐ इति एकाक्षरं ब्रह्म । ōm iti ekākṣaraṁ brahma – is an often quoted sentence from Veda. akshara ō – ओ is the result of combining vowels a – अ and u – उ. Thus, om represents Brahma through its manifestation, having the properties of a – अ, u – उ and ṁ – म्.

संवादः || Discussion

Interesting questions raised by Shri. Achyut Karve and discussed in the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad may also be on the minds of many people:

  • Is vedic language a tongue of any particular group viz. ethnic, geographical or of any particular race?
  • Do we know of any other language which is not considered to be the tongue of a community and yet is a fully evolved literary language?

Although the answers to such questions calls for research which will only establish the historicity of the language, Indians have been attached to the Vedas and Sanskrit for millennia and have been nurturing and nourishing it for millennia. No other place did that. This discussion may be followed on Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad.[11]

Akshara in Vedic Language

A few thoughts of Sri. Rayalu Viswanatha, regarding Aksharas[2] of the Vedic Language.

How does Veda apportion meaning to each akshara?

Our life is a continuum of actions and events. Area of articulation is the main area where actions and events are taking place. Every action is an yajna. Shatapatha Brahmana says वाग्‍हि यज्ञः । vāg‍hi yajñaḥ i.e., our ideas, intentions and desires are converted into aksharas in the yajna shala – the place of action. The speech action is representative of all actions in our life.

The sparsha aksharas are in three rows. Human existence has three aspects. First one refers to activities associated with our daily routine. The second one is connected with our ideals, dreams, goals and emotions. The third is the world of knowledge, thinking and awareness. Aksharas in the three rows are correspondingly used in Vedic language. All nasikyas (nasal sounds are used to identify and describe the various jnana activities. The akshara ma (म), last in the line, is reserved for mind (manas) .

The ushma aksharas are used to identify prana area (forces responsible for living).

Man has four traits. Four antastha aksharas are used for the four traits as given below:

  1. Man always does one thing or the other— (ya – य) .
  2. He is an individual, separate jiva — (ra – र) .
  3. He is not the same individual but a different one when he is dreaming to achieve his / her goals, gripped by deva bhava (देवभावः) — (la – ल).
  4. Can speak to express himself, vak (वाक्) — (va – व) .

We can see that the matrix is the miniature audio picture of man himself and Vedic language expands it into a full-blown audio picture.

Examples

Vowels are spread over the entire yajna shala. The akshara a – अ is located at the entrance, i – इ in the middle and u – उ at the end. They are taking part in the formation of every akshara. They represent the time and the potential needed for the yajna.

Broadly there are three stages of time for any incident or event (yajna) – past, present and future. Veda attributes the three stages to the three prime vowels  a – अ, i – इ and u – उ respectively since their positions of articulation are in the same order. a – अ is also used for the ever-present tense since when we open our mouth to speak, first sound that comes out is that of a – अ and is present when other vowels are not in operation.

  • agnim īḻe purohitaṁ | अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं |

The above is the first sentence of Rigveda and agni is the first Word. The word starts with a – अ. So agni is ever present. The word ends in i – इ. The word agni is now being used in the yajna. Whatever may be the meaning of the word, two features of the object meant by the word agni are clear. Rigveda starts with agni, the ever present force and constantly in use with every yajna (action) . Rigveda deals with all aspects of yajna up to the point of start. Yajnas in Veda cover the entire spectrum of actions in life and the resulting behavior. Yajna is an attempt to improve ourselves from the existing state. When the yajna is completed successfully, the driving force agni, invoked for the purpose becomes a part of us. Then it will be agna and NOT agni. So Samaveda which deals with final stages of yajna starts with the word agna  – agna āyāhi vītaye – अ॑ग्न॒ आया॑हि वी॒तयॆ॑ ( Sama. Samh.1). Agni, the driving force of the achievement has become agna, ever present in us as a new capability achieved. But for the change of vowels in this word, we will not know the two different states of Agni.

i – इ indicates present tense (time during which yajna is conducted) and u – उ,the future. Yajurveda, which describes implementation of procedures in detail, begins with both these vowels in the first two sentences.

  • iṣetvorjetvā – iṣe tvā + ūrje tvā | इ॒षॆत्वॊ॒र्जॆत्वा॑ – इषॆ त्वा + ऊर्जॆ त्वा |

All our actions (yajnas) are only with a purpose to achieve iṣa – our present requirement, hence starts with vowel i – इ. The word urja (ऊर्जा) is our hopefully achievable future wants and has to start with u – उ. The two sentences are combined into one (samhita) to indicate that human nature is to keep an eye on future while working for the present !

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ram Gopal. (1983) The History and Principles of Vedic Interpretation. New Delhi : Concept Publishing Company
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Sri. Rayalu Viswanadha's  Article on Vedic Language
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Aryamantavya Article : From Vedic to Classical Sanskrit (Development or Decay)
  4. ↑ Nighantu Shastram (Adhyaya 1)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Nighantu Shastram (Adhyaya 3)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Nighantu Shastram (Adhyaya 2)
  7. ↑ Shabdakalpadruma (See अवधिः)
  8. ↑ Shabdakalpadruma (See Gaya)
  9. ↑ Taittriya Samhita (Kanda 1 Prapathaka 7)
  10. ↑ Upadhyaya, Baldev. (1958) Vaidik Sahitya.
  11. ↑ Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad Discussion : Origins of Vedic Language
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