Upavedas (उपवेदाः)
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Upavedas (Samskrit : उपवेदः) or subsidiary Vedas, are said to be four in number viz., the Ayurveda, the Dhanurveda, the Arthashastra and Gandharva veda forming auxiliaries to the four Vedas[1]. They form the part of Ashtadasha Vidyasthanas. Some scholars consider Shilpaveda or Sthapatyaveda as the fourth Upaveda instead of Arthashastra according to Charanavyuha.[2] The Upavedas supplement the Vedas with more specific applications of Vedic teachings into the cultural field.
| S. No. | Upaveda Name | Concerned with | Associated with Veda |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayurveda | Science of Health and Life | Atharva Veda |
| 2 | Dhanurveda | Science of Warfare / Martial Arts | Rig Veda |
| 3 | Artha Shastra | Public administration, governance, economy and polity | Yajur Veda |
| 3* | Sthapatya Veda or Shilpa Veda | Science of Engineering and Architecture | Yajur Veda |
| 4 | Gandharva Veda | Music, poetry and dance | Sama Veda |
- Ayurveda: Ayurveda is related to the secret of life and the science of long life. The originator of Ayurveda is supposed to be Lord Dhanwantari. Apart from him, other prominent names are Aitareya, Kashyapa, Harit, Agnivesha, and Bhedamuni. At present, three important books of Ayurveda are: Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Vaagbhatta Samhita. These three books are collectively called Brihat-trayi. Patanjali has also authored text on Ayurveda.
- Dhanurveda: This Upveda explains civil and military defense, war and politics. In the Ramayana and Mahabharata a good deal of light is thrown upon this science and art, particularly in the descriptions of battles. The most ancient books of Dhanurveda are not available, but some of the known books are Dhanurvidhi, Drauna Vidya, Kodanda Mandana and Dhanurveda Samhita.
- Gandharva Veda: Gandharva veda is the science of music, derived from the Sama-Veda. Apart from Devotional Music it also deals with some subjects of Spiritual Sciences.
- Shilpa Veda (Sthapatya Veda): It deals with architecture and various arts. According to Shukra-niti there are a number of arts but 64 are considered to be more prominent. More commonly called Vastu, it shows the right design of structures to bring in wholesome earth and spatial energies. Yoga uses Vastu for the orientation of temples, ashrams and meditation rooms.