Utsarjana (उत्सर्जनम्)
The vedic literature along with the shastras such as vyakarana, nyaya, were studied all through the year. However, the ritual of cessation of vedic studies, after a period of five or six months from Shravana masa is prescribed in the grhyasutras, as Chhandasam Utsarjana (छान्दसाम् उत्सर्जनम्). Also called as Vedotsarga, Utsarjana was therefore performed on the fullmoon day of Pausha (Pushya masa) or Magha masa (February - March). In the present days Utsarjana is not performed.[1]
Vishnu smrti also clearly mentions that the vedic study should continue for about five months after starting with Upakarma in the months of Shravana and Bhadrapada.
श्रावण्यां प्रौष्ठपद्यां वा छन्दांस्युपाकृत्यार्धपञ्चमान्मासानधीयीत । । ३०.१ । । (Vish. Smrt. 30.1) śrāvaṇyāṁ prauṣṭhapadyāṁ vā chandāṁsyupākr̥tyārdhapañcamānmāsānadhīyīta । । 30.1 । । (Vish. Smrt. 30.1) [2]
It also clearly specifies that between Utsarjana and Upakarma adhyayana (study) of Vedangas have to be done.
उत्सर्जनोपाकर्मणोर्मध्ये वेदाङ्गाध्ययनं कुर्यात् । । ३०.३ । । (Vish. Smrt. 30.3) utsarjanopākarmaṇormadhye vedāṅgādhyayanaṁ kuryāt । । 30.3 । । (Vish. Smrt. 30.3)[2]
References
- ↑ Altekar, A. S. (1944) Education in Ancient India. Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros.,
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Vishnu Smrti (Adhyaya 30)