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It is said that Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated as Maharshi Veda [[Vyasa]] in Dvapara yuga and organized the [[Vedas]] in their present form. Maharshi Vyasa's efforts brought about uniformity in the religious observances thereby performance of rites and rituals, religious ceremonies, sacrifices and [[vratas]] (vows) continued without any flaw. As Vedas have different aspects of understanding to them, various types of expositions on Vedas came into existence and each became a subject to be learnt for a comprehensive understanding of the Vedas to be achieved. Maharshi [[Yaska]], who gave Nirukta to the world, also expounded [[Vedic Terminology|vedic terminology]] on the basis of legends and ancient lore.
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Vedangas (Samskrit : वेदाङ्गम्) literally meaning 'limbs of the Veda' are the six angas or explanatory limbs to the Vedas. They include Shiksha (authored by various rishis), Vyakarana of Panini, the Chandas of Pingalacharya, the Nirukta of Maharshi Yaska, the Jyotish of [[Lagadha]] and the Kalpas (Shrauta, Grhya, Dharma and Shulba) belonging to the authorship of various Rishis.  
  
[[Manu (मनुः)|Manu]], the Law giver of ancient Bharatavarsha, laid down certain instructions as to how the teaching of Vedas should be conducted.
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It is said that Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated as Maharshi Veda [[Vyasa]] in Dvapara yuga and organized the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] in their present form. Maharshi Vyasa's efforts brought about uniformity in the religious observances thereby performance of rites and rituals, religious ceremonies, yajnas (sacrifices) and vratas (vows) continued without any flaw. As Vedas have different aspects of understanding to them, various types of expositions on Vedas came into existence and each became a subject to be learnt for a comprehensive understanding of the Vedas to be achieved. Maharshi Yaska, who gave Nirukta to the world, also expounded [[Vedic Terminology|vedic terminology]] on the basis of legends and ancient lore. Manu, the Law giver of ancient Bharatavarsha, laid down certain instructions as to how the teaching of Vedas should be conducted. [[File:Shad Vedangas Flowchart.PNG|thumb|440x440px|Shad Vedangas in Bharatiya Vaidika Parampara]]
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==  Etymology ==
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Vedangas (वेदाङ्गानि) help us construct, chant and understand Veda mantras. These are called Angas (अङ्गानि | ancillaries) to Vedas. The word 'अङ्गम्' is used in the sense of "उपकारक' - 'अंग्यन्ते ज्ञायन्ते अमीभिरिति अङ्गानि' meaning Angas are those by using which one understands the nature of an object/subject (here Vedas). Vedas are by themselves profound both in language and concept. <blockquote>शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणं निरुक्तं छन्दसां चयः । ज्योतिषामयनं चैव वेदाङ्गानि षडेव तु ॥</blockquote><blockquote>śikṣā kalpo vyākaraṇaṃ niruktaṃ chandasāṃ cayaḥ । jyotiṣāmayanaṃ caiva vedāṅgāni ṣaḍeva tu ॥</blockquote>According to the above shloka, Vedangas are six in number namely Shiksa (शिक्षा), Kalpa (कल्पः), Vyakarana (व्याकरणम्), Nirukta (निरुक्तम्), Chandas (छन्दस्) and Jyotish (ज्योतिष्).<ref name=":2" />
  
'''Vedanga''' (Sanskrit : वेदाङ्गम्) meaning "limbs of the Veda" are six Angas or explanatory limbs, to the Vedas : the Shiksha and Vyakarana of [[Panini]], the Chandas of [[Pingalacharya]], the Nirukta of [[Yaska]], the Jyotish of [[Lagadha]] and the Kalpas (Shrauta, Grhya, Dharma and Shulba) belonging to the authorship of various Rishis.
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== वेदाङ्गानि ॥ Vedangas ==
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Included in the Chaturdasha vidyas, Vedangas classified under the Smrti class of literature, are significant to gain complete knowledge of the Vedas. One becomes proficient in six aspects by adhyayana of Vedangas<ref name=":2">Upadhyaya, Baldev (1958) Vaidik Sahitya</ref>
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* [[Shiksha (शिक्षा)|Shiksha]] - Pronunciation of the veda mantras
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* [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa]] - Practice of the yajnas and yagas
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* [[Vyakarana Vedanga (व्याकरणवेदाङ्गम्)|Vyakarana]] - Construction of words and knowing the primary meaning
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* [[Nirukta (निरुक्तम्)|Nirukta]] - Meanings of words according to the vedic context
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* [[Chandas (छन्दस्)|Chandas]] - Metrical composition and patha-paddhati of mantras
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* [[Vedanga Jyotisha (वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्)|Jyotisha]] - Knowledge of appropriate time and place to perform yajnas and yagas.
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==  शिक्षा ॥ Shiksha ==
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Shiksha deals mainly with svarajnana (स्वरज्ञानम् | phonetics) and it is the science disciplining the efforts of ear, nose and vocal cords to utter the accurate sound as defined by Vedic mantras.              
  
The Six Angas are as follows :
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Shiksha deals with the origin of sound and teaches one about the production of accurate sound shuddhoccharana (शुध्दोच्चारणम्) with ease. In Vedic literature, accurate pronunciation of sound (vowels and consonants) is of great importance else the meaning is completely altered, hence Vedas have '''svarapradhanyatva (स्वरप्राधान्यत्वम्)'''.            
#[[Shiksha]] is a knowledge of phonetics. Shiksha deals with pronunciation and accent. The text of the Vedas are arranged in various forms or पाठ-s || Pathas. The पदपाठ ॥ Padapatha gives each word its separate form. The क्रमपाठ ॥ Kramapatha connects the word in pairs.<ref name=":022">All About HInduism, Swami Sivananda, Page 33-34</ref>
 
#[[Chandas]] is the knowledge of meters. This auxiliary discipline lays its focus on the metrical construction of vedic mantras and poetic meters, including those based on the number of syllables per mantra and those based on the duration of pronunciation of syllables in a mantra.
 
#[[Vyakarana]] is the knowledge of construction of words or grammar.  This auxiliary discipline has focused on the rules of grammar and सिद्धिप्रक्रिया ॥ siddhiprakriya (the process of deriving a word), so as to establish the exact form of words and sentences to properly express ideas.
 
#[[Nirukta]] gives the व्युत्पत्ति-अर्थ ॥ vyutpatti-artha (etymology), explaining words, particularly those which are archaic and have a different ancient vedic usage with uncommon meaning. This auxiliary discipline has focused on developing a [[Nighantu]] which is a dictionary that has a collection of vedic usages. These words are analysed to establish the proper meaning of the words according to the context used in vedas.
 
#[[Jyotisha|Jyotish]] deals with astronomy and astrology. It deals with the movements of the heavenly bodies, planets, etc., and their influence in human affairs.<ref name=":022" /> This auxiliary Vedic discipline focused on time keeping.
 
#[[Kalpa (Vedanga)|Kalpas]] are the texts that deal with the methods of [[Yagya (यज्ञ)|yajna]] and other rituals. This field focused on standardizing procedures for Vedic Shrauta rituals, Smarta rituals associated with [[samskaras]] - major life events such as birth, wedding and death in family, as well as discussing [[Dharma|dharmas]] laid down for the personal conduct and proper duties of an individual in different stages of his life. 
 
==  सविस्तरविवरणम् ॥ Detailed Discussion ==
 
वेदाङ्गानि || Vedangas help us construct, chant and understand Veda mantras. These are called अङ्ग || Angas (ancillaries) to Vedas.<blockquote>शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणं निरुक्तं छन्दसां चयः । ज्योतिषामयनं चैव वेदाङ्गानि षडेव तु ॥</blockquote><blockquote>śikṣā kalpo vyākaraṇaṃ niruktaṃ chandasāṃ cayaḥ । jyotiṣāmayanaṃ caiva vedāṅgāni ṣaḍeva tu ॥</blockquote>According to the above shloka, Vedangas are six in number namely शिक्षा ॥ Shiksa, कल्पः || Kalpa, व्याकरणम् || Vyakarana, निरुक्तम् || Niruktam, छन्दस् || Chandas, and ज्योतिष् || Jyotish.
 
===  शिक्षा ॥ Shiksha ===
 
शिक्षा ॥ Shiksha deals mainly with स्वरज्ञानम् ॥ svarajnana (phonetics) and it is the science disciplining the efforts of ear, nose and vocal cords to utter the accurate sound as defined by Vedic mantras.              
 
  
Shiksha deals with the origin of sound and teaches one about the production of accurate sound शुध्दोच्चारणम् ॥ shuddhoccharana with ease. In Vedic literature, accurate pronunciation of sound (vowels and consonants) is of great importance else the meaning is completely altered, hence Vedas have '''स्वरप्राधान्यत्वम् ॥ svarapradhanyatva'''.             
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The earliest reference to Shiksha attached to Taittireeya Aranyaka (तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम्), extends the applicability as follows :            <blockquote>अथ शिक्षां व्याख्यास्यामः । वर्णः स्वरः । मात्रा बलम् । साम सन्तान। इत्युक्तः शिक्षाध्यायः ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)<ref name=":0">Taittirya Aranyakam [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%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 Prapathaka 7]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>atha śikṣāṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ । varṇaḥ svaraḥ । mātrā balam । sāma santāna। ityuktaḥ śikṣādhyāyaḥ ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)<ref name=":0">Taittirya Aranyakam [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%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 Prapathaka 7]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Let us comment about Shiksha. Shiksha study involves Varna, Svara, Matra, Bala, Sama, Santana. </blockquote>Where,
 
 
The earliest reference to Shiksha attached to तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम् || Taittireeya Aranyaka, extends the applicability as follows :            <blockquote>अथ शिक्षां व्याख्यास्यामः । वर्णः स्वरः । मात्रा बलम् । साम सन्तान। इत्युक्तः शिक्षाध्यायः ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)<ref name=":0">Taittirya Aranyakam [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%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 Prapathaka 7]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>atha śikṣāṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ । varṇaḥ svaraḥ । mātrā balam । sāma santāna। ityuktaḥ śikṣādhyāyaḥ ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)<ref name=":0">Taittirya Aranyakam [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%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 Prapathaka 7]</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Let us comment about Shiksha. Shiksha study involves Varna, Svara, Matra, Bala, Sama, Santana. Where,          
 
 
# '''वर्णः ॥ Varna -''' वर्णः अकारादिः । varṇaḥ akārādiḥ । - Varnas are the letters including Vowels and Consonants.             
 
# '''वर्णः ॥ Varna -''' वर्णः अकारादिः । varṇaḥ akārādiḥ । - Varnas are the letters including Vowels and Consonants.             
# '''स्वरः ॥ Svara -''' स्वरस्तु उदात्तादिः । svarastu udāttādiḥ । - Svaras (Accents) are of three kinds उदात्तः || udatta (acute accent), अनुदात्तः || anudatta (accentless), स्वरितः || svarita (normal accent).             
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# '''स्वरः ॥ Svara -''' स्वरस्तु उदात्तादिः । svarastu udāttādiḥ । - Svaras (Accents) are of three kinds udatta (उदात्तः | acute accent), anudatta (अनुदात्तः | accentless), svarita (स्वरितः | normal accent).             
# '''मात्रा ॥ Matra -''' मात्रा ह्रस्वादिकाः । mātrā hrasvādikāḥ । - Prosodically or metrically, ह्रस्व ॥ hrsva (short), दीर्घ || deergha (long), प्लुत || pluta (prolated)             
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# '''मात्रा ॥ Matra -''' मात्रा ह्रस्वादिकाः । mātrā hrasvādikāḥ । - Prosodically or metrically, hrsva (ह्रस्व | short), deergha (दीर्घ | long), pluta (प्लुत | prolated)             
# '''बलम् ॥ Bala''' - बलम् उच्चारणस्थानं ताल्वादिकम् । balam uccāraṇasthānaṃ tālvādikam । - Part of body from where sound is produced, such as तालु: ॥ talu, कन्ठः ॥ kantha, ओष्ठः ॥ ostha etc.             
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# '''बलम् ॥ Bala''' - बलम् उच्चारणस्थानं ताल्वादिकम् । balam uccāraṇasthānaṃ tālvādikam । - Part of body from where sound is produced, such as talu (तालु:), kantha (कण्ठः), ostha (ओष्ठः) etc.             
# '''साम ॥ Sama -''' साम निषादादिः । sāma niṣādādiḥ । - 7 Musical notes enumerated as 1. निषादः || nishada; 2. रिषभः || ṛiṣhabha 3. गान्धारः || gandhara 4. सड्जः || Shadja 5. मध्यमः || madhyama 6. धैवतः || dhaivata 7. पञ्चमः || pancama            
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# '''साम ॥ Sama -''' साम निषादादिः । sāma niṣādādiḥ । - 7 Musical notes enumerated as 1.Nishada (निषादः) 2.Riṣhabha (रिषभः) 3.Gandhara (गान्धारः) 4.Shadja (सड्जः) 5.Madhyama ( मध्यमः) 6.Dhaivata (धैवतः) 7.Pancama (पञ्चमः)            
 
# '''सन्तानः ॥ Santana -''' सन्तानो विकर्षणादि । santāno vikarṣaṇādi ।                 
 
# '''सन्तानः ॥ Santana -''' सन्तानो विकर्षणादि । santāno vikarṣaṇādi ।                 
Classical Sanskrit literature differs from Vedic literature, as it is not highly regulated by the उच्चारणम् ॥ uccharana (utterance) which is important for the utterance of vedic mantras. Hence, Shiksha is of vital importance as an ancillary for vedas, because अशुध्दोच्चारणम् ॥ ashuddhoccharana (wrong utterence) of mantras bring about a meaning change which can cause great harm to the यजमानः || yajamana (the performer of the yagna).             
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Classical Sanskrit literature differs from Vedic literature, as it is not highly regulated by the uccharana (उच्चारणम् | utterance) which is important for the utterance of vedic mantras. Hence, Shiksha is of vital importance as an ancillary for vedas, because ashuddhoccharana (अशुध्दोच्चारणम् | wrong utterence) of mantras bring about a meaning change which can cause great harm to the yajamana (यजमानः | the performer of the yajna).            
 
 
An example of such wrong utterance is typically explained by the legend of Vrttrasura's birth:            <blockquote>मन्त्रो हीनः स्वरतो वर्णतो वा मिथ्या प्रयुक्तो न तमर्थमाह । स वाग्वज्रो यजमानं हिनस्ति यथेन्द्रशत्रुः स्वरतोपराधात् ॥</blockquote><blockquote>mantro hīnaḥ svarato varṇato vā mithyā prayukto na tamarthamāha । sa vāgvajro yajamānaṃ hinasti yathendraśatruḥ svaratoparādhāt ॥</blockquote>If a mantra is devoid of a वर्णः || varna (letter), or has wrongly utterances or स्वरः || svaras, then it does not the give the meaning it is intended to and produces a false meaning. This incorrectly and improperly uttered mantra becomes a वाक्वज्र || vakvajra (word weapon) and is capable of destroying the यजमानः || yajamana (performer of the yagna). Example is the famous story of Indra's enemy, वृत्रासुर ॥ Vrttrasura whose origin was due to स्वरापराधः ॥ svaraparadha (wrong svara utterance) of a mantra.           
 
 
 
==== '''वृत्रासुर  जननम्  || Vrttrasura Janana''' : ====
 
<blockquote>तत्त्वष्टाहवनीयमुप प्रावर्तयत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति यदवर्तयत्तद्वृत्रस्य वृत्रत्वं यदब्रवीत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति तस्मादस्येन्द्रः शत्रुरभवत् | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)<ref name=":1">Taittriya [http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx Samhita] </ref></blockquote><blockquote>tattvaṣṭāhavanīyamupa prāvartayatsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti yadavartayattadvṛtrasya vṛtratvaṃ yadabravītsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti tasmādasyendraḥ śatrurabhavat | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)<ref name=":1">Taittriya [http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx Samhita] </ref></blockquote><blockquote>त्वष्टा॥ Tvasta angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूपः  || Vishwaroopa, initiates an अभिचारिक-यागः  || abhicharika yaga (a [[yaga]] performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra. The ऋत्विज्  || rtvijas were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with अन्त-उदात्तः ॥ Anta-Udatta or Udatta svara in the end of the mantra (to mean, Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra). Instead, they used the आद्य-उदात्तः ॥ Adya Udatta svara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning, Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper).So, instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the Rtvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed असुर  || Asuras. Thus, वृत्रासुर  '''||''' Vrttrasura, the son of Tvasta was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory in killing Vrttrasura.</blockquote>Shiksha literature is very widely available based on the different शाखा || shakhas (divisions) of different vedas. They are पाणिनीयशिक्षा || Panineeya Shiksha, व्यासशिक्षा || Vyasashiksha, भारद्वाजशिक्षा || Bharadvaja shiksha, याज्ञवलक्यशिक्षा || Yajnavalkya Shiksha, पराशरशिक्षा || Parashara shiksha, वासिष्टीशिक्षा || Vasishtee shiksha, कात्यायनीशिक्षा || Katyayanee shiksha, माध्यन्दिनीशिक्षा || Madhyandinee shiksha, केशवीशिक्षा || Keshavee shiksha, अमोघानन्दिनीशिक्षा || Amoghanandinee shiksha, माण्डव्यशिक्षा || Mandavya shiksha, मल्लशर्मशिक्षा || Mallasharma shiksha, स्वराकुशशिक्षा || Svarakusha shiksha, षोडशशिक्षा || Shodasha shiksha, नारदीयशिक्षा || Naradeeya shiksha, माण्डुकीयशिक्षा || Mandukeeya shiksha, स्वरभक्तिलक्षणशिक्षा || Svarabhaktilakshana,  अवसाननिर्णयशिक्षा || Avasananirnaya shiksha, वर्णरत्नप्रदीपिका शिक्षा || Varnaratna pradeepika shiksha among many others.
 
=== कल्पः ॥ Kalpa ===
 
* एष वै प्रथमः कल्पः प्रदाने हव्यकव्ययोः । eṣa vai prathamaḥ kalpaḥ pradāne havyakavyayoḥ । [[Manu Smriti|Manusmriti]] (3.147)<ref>Manusmriti [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%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 (3.147)]</ref> defines Kalpa as विधिः । Vidhi to follow in the offering of हव्यकव्याः ॥ havyakavyas (yajna vidhis).  
 
 
 
* कल्प्यते विधीयते | kalpyate vidhīyate | (Shabdakalpadruma) defines kalpa as vidhis (for yajnas) 
 
 
 
* वैदिकविधानज्ञापकेशास्त्रभेदे स चाश्वलायनापस्तम्बबौधायनकात्यायनादि-सूत्रात्मकः। vaidikavidhānajñāpakeśāstrabhede sa cāśvalāyanāpastambabaudhāyanakātyāyanādi-sūtrātmakaḥ  | (Vachaspatyam)<ref>Vachaspatyam [https://sa.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA#%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Link for Kalpa Definition]</ref> Kalpa is defined as the (set of) sutras defining the vaidika vidhanas (vedic rituals) as given by Ashvalayana, Apastamba, Baudhayana, Katyayana among others. 
 
  
* The origin of कल्पः Kalpa was for the organization of all the extensive rituals described in Vedas (वैदिककर्मकाण्डः || Vaidika Karmakanda).  
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An example of such wrong utterance is typically explained by the legend of Vrttrasura's birth:            <blockquote>मन्त्रो हीनः स्वरतो वर्णतो वा मिथ्या प्रयुक्तो न तमर्थमाह । स वाग्वज्रो यजमानं हिनस्ति यथेन्द्रशत्रुः स्वरतोऽपराधात् ॥ (Pani. Shik. 42)</blockquote><blockquote>mantro hīnaḥ svarato varṇato vā mithyā prayukto na tamarthamāha । sa vāgvajro yajamānaṃ hinasti yathendraśatruḥ svarato'parādhāt </blockquote>If a mantra is devoid of a varna (letter), or has wrong utterances or svaras, then it does not the give the meaning it is intended to and produces a false meaning. This incorrectly and improperly uttered mantra becomes a vakvajra (वाक्वज्रः | word weapon) and is capable of destroying the yajamana (performer of the yajna). Example is the famous story of Indra's enemy, [[Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः)|Vrtrasura]] (वृत्रासुरः) whose origin was due to svaraparadha (स्वरापराधः | wrong svara utterance) of a mantra.<ref name=":2" />           
  
* As given by Vishnumitra, कल्पो वेदविहितानां कर्मणामानुपूर्व्येण कल्पनाशास्त्रम् | kalpo vedavihitānāṃ karmaṇāmānupūrvyeṇa kalpanāśāstram |  
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=== वृत्रासुर-जननम्  || Vrttrasura Janana  ===
ie. Kalpa shastra is a guideline for all the actions laid down in Veda (such as yajnas and yagas).
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<blockquote>तत्त्वष्टाहवनीयमुप प्रावर्तयत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति यदवर्तयत्तद्वृत्रस्य वृत्रत्वं यदब्रवीत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति तस्मादस्येन्द्रः शत्रुरभवत् | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)<ref name=":1">Taittriya [http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx Samhita] </ref></blockquote><blockquote>tattvaṣṭāhavanīyamupa prāvartayatsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti yadavartayattadvṛtrasya vṛtratvaṃ yadabravītsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti tasmādasyendraḥ śatrurabhavat | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)<ref name=":1">Taittriya [http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx Samhita] </ref></blockquote><blockquote>Tvasta (त्वष्टा) angered by Indra's killing of his son Vishwaroopa, initiates an abhicharika yaga (अभिचारिक-यागः | a yaga performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra. The [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|rtvijas]] (ऋत्विज्-s) were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with Anta-Udatta (अन्त-उदात्तः) or Udatta svara in the end of the mantra (to mean, Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra). Instead, they used the Adya Udatta (आद्य-उदात्तः) or Udatta svara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning, Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper).So, instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the Rtvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed Asuras. Thus, Vrtrasura, the son of Tvasta was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory in killing Vrtrasura.</blockquote>Shiksha literature is very widely available based on the different shakhas (शाखा-s | divisions) of different vedas. They are Panineeya Shiksha (पाणिनीयशिक्षा), Vyasashiksha (व्यासशिक्षा), Bharadvaja shiksha (भारद्वाजशिक्षा), Yajnavalkya Shiksha (याज्ञवलक्यशिक्षा), Parashara shiksha (पराशरशिक्षा), Vasishtee shiksha (वासिष्टीशिक्षा), Katyayanee shiksha (कात्यायनीशिक्षा), Madhyandinee shiksha (माध्यन्दिनीशिक्षा), Keshavee shiksha (केशवीशिक्षा), Amoghanandinee shiksha (अमोघानन्दिनीशिक्षा), Mandavya shiksha (माण्डव्यशिक्षा), Mallasharma shiksha (मल्लशर्मशिक्षा), Svarakusha shiksha (स्वराकुशशिक्षा), Shodasha shiksha (षोडशशिक्षा), Naradeeya shiksha (नारदीयशिक्षा), Mandukeeya shiksha ( माण्डुकीयशिक्षा), Svarabhaktilakshana (स्वरभक्तिलक्षणशिक्षा), Avasananirnaya shiksha (अवसाननिर्णयशिक्षा), Varnaratna pradeepika shiksha (वर्णरत्नप्रदीपिकाशिक्षा) among many others.
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== कल्पः ॥ Kalpa ==
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[[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa (कल्पः)]] forms a set of texts which pertain to the different activities related to yajnas. Kalpa texts are composed in the famous Sutra format and have played a very significant role in the development of shastras such as Nyaya, Dharmas, Ganita (mathematics) in the subsequent times.
  
 
There are 4 types of Kalpa sutras
 
There are 4 types of Kalpa sutras
# '''श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta sutras''' - explain the दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः || Darshapournamasa Yajna and others as defined by श्रुतिः || Shruti  
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# '''श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta sutras''' - explain the दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः || Darshapournamasa Yajna and others as defined by Shruti  
# '''धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma sutras''' - extensively give the धार्मिक || dharmika rules for general people and the rulers
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# '''गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya sutras''' - explain the [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]] and [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]] (ceremonies) applicable to the domestic life a man and his family from birth to death and are to be followed by all people. The performance of Grhya yajnas requires only the laukikagni or domestic fire (aavasthya).
# '''गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya sutras''' - explain the यज्ञाः || yajnas to be followed by the ब्राह्मणाः || brahmanas, क्षत्रियाः || kshatriyas and वैश्याः || vaishyas
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# '''धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma sutras''' - extensively give the dharmika rules for general people and the rulers. They are directly connected with the Grhyasutras which deal with dharma. Therefore, they deal with both secular and religious laws.
# '''शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba sutras''' - शास्त्रम् || Shastra for measurements, include the रेखागणितम् || rekhaganita (geometrical principles) laid down for vedic constructions.
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# '''शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba sutras''' - Shastra for measurements, include the rekhaganita (रेखागणितम् | geometrical principles) laid down for vaidika constructions.
 
 
==== '''श्रौतसूत्राणि ||''' '''Shrauta Sutras''' ====
 
The श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta Sutras vividly describe the procedures for दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः || Darshapournamasa yajna and other yajnas such as अग्निहोत्रः || Agnihotra, पशुयज्ञः || Pashu yajna, and सोमयज्ञः || Soma yajna among others as set forth in Shruti literature. Thus, it can be said that in Shrauta Sutras the explanations given in different वैदिकब्राह्मणानि || Vaidika Brahamanas regarding श्रौताग्नियज्ञाः || Shrautagni yajnas are dealt with in an orderly manner.
 
  
Of the available Shrauta sutras the important ones are - आश्वलायनः || Ashvalayana, शाङ्खायनः || Shankhayana , मानवः || Manava , बौधायनः || Baudhayana, आपस्तम्बः || Aapastamba, हिरण्यकेषी || Hiranyakeshi, जैमिनीयः || Jaimineeya, कात्यायनः || Katyayana, वैतानः || Vaitana, लाट्यायनः || Latyayana, द्राह्यायनः || Drahyayana Shrauta sutras.
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=== श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta Sutras ===
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The Shrauta Sutras vividly describe the procedures for the vaidika yajnas such as Darshapournamasa yajna (दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः), Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्), Pashu yajna (पशुयज्ञः), and Soma yajna (सोमयज्ञः) among others as set forth in Shruti literature. Thus, it can be said that in Shrauta Sutras the explanations given in different Vaidika Brahamanas regarding Shrautagni yajnas (श्रौताग्नियज्ञाः) are dealt with in an orderly manner.
  
==== '''धर्मसूत्राणि ||''' '''Dharma Sutras''' ====
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=== धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma Sutras ===
धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma Sutras expound the rules of Dharma and the actions (activities) to be performed by a person in general as well as the king or the ruler. A complete set of rules to be followed by the different people of different occupations and for those in the four आश्रमाः || ashramas (ब्रह्मचार्यः || brahmacharya, गृहस्थः || grhastha, वानप्रस्थः || vanaprastha and सन्यासः || sanyasa) are described in these sutras. Thus it can be said that the topics related to the spiritual world, this material world, society and social activities, and all righteous activities are described in a holistic manner. Available important Dharma sutras include वासिष्ठः || Vasishta, गौतमः || Gautama, बौधायनः || Baudhayana, आपस्तम्बः || Apastamba, मानवः || Manava Dharma sutras.
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Dharma Sutras expound the rules of Dharma and the actions (activities) to be performed by a person in general as well as the king or the ruler. A complete set of rules to be followed by the different people of different occupations and for those in the four ashramas (ब्रह्मचार्यः | brahmacharya, गृहस्थः | grhastha, वानप्रस्थः | vanaprastha and सन्यासः | sanyasa) are described in these sutras. Thus, it can be said that the topics related to the adhyatmik world, this material world, society and social activities, and all righteous activities are described in a holistic manner.<ref>Ajitha, N. (2011) Ph.D Thesis Titled : Social Condition in Naradasmrti. University of Kerala. [https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/164328/8/08_chapter%202.pdf Chapter 2]</ref>
  
==== '''गृह्यसूत्राणि ||''' '''Grhya Sutras''' ====
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=== गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya Sutras ===
गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya Sutras extensively discuss the यज्ञाः || yajnas to be performed by the ब्राह्मणाः || brahmana, क्षत्रियाः || kshatriya and वैश्याः || vaishya people. Most importantly, the षोडशसंस्काराः || Shodasa samskaras (from गर्भाधानम् || Garbhadhana to अन्त्येष्टिः || Antyeshti) that are performed for a person from birth till death are expounded vividly in these sutras. Thus, how a ग्र्हस्थः || grhasta should lead his life and the procedure in which he has to conduct different dharmic activities are completely described here. The seven kinds of गृह्ययज्ञाः || Grhya yajnas to be performed are:
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Grhya Sutras extensively discuss the yajnas (different from Shrauta Yajnas) to be performed by the brahmana, kshatriya and vaishya people. Most importantly, the षोडशसंस्काराः | Shodasa samskaras (from गर्भाधानम् | Garbhadhana to अन्त्येष्टिः | Antyeshti) that are performed for a person from birth till death are expounded vividly in these sutras. Thus, how a grhasta should lead his life and the procedure in which he has to conduct different dharmic activities are completely described here. The seven kinds of Grhya yajnas (गृह्ययज्ञाः) to be performed are:
 
# पितृयज्ञः || Pitru Yajna
 
# पितृयज्ञः || Pitru Yajna
 
# पार्वणयज्ञः || Parvana Yajna
 
# पार्वणयज्ञः || Parvana Yajna
Line 67: Line 55:
 
# आग्रहायणीयज्ञः || Agrahayanee Yajna
 
# आग्रहायणीयज्ञः || Agrahayanee Yajna
 
# चैत्रॆययज्ञः || Chaitreya Yajna
 
# चैत्रॆययज्ञः || Chaitreya Yajna
Apart from these seven, there are [[Panchamahayagna (पञ्चमहायज्ञ)|पञ्चयज्ञाः || Panchayajnas]] (five Yajnas) namely
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Apart from these seven, there are [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|पञ्चमहायज्ञाः || Panchamahayajnas]] (five Yajnas) to be performed by all people which are
 
# देवयज्ञः || Deva yajna  
 
# देवयज्ञः || Deva yajna  
# भूतयज्ञः  || Bhuta yajna  
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# [[Bhuta Yajna (भूतयज्ञः)|भूतयज्ञः  || Bhuta yajna]]
 
# पितृयज्ञः  || Pitru yajna  
 
# पितृयज्ञः  || Pitru yajna  
 
# ब्रह्मयज्ञः  || Brahma yajna  
 
# ब्रह्मयज्ञः  || Brahma yajna  
# मनुष्ययज्ञः  || Manushya yajnas.
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# [[Nru Yajna (नृयज्ञः)|मनुष्ययज्ञः  || Manushya yajnas.]]
Available important Grhya sutras include आश्वलायनः || Ashvalayana , शाङ्खायनः || Shankhayana , मानवः || Manava , बौधायनः || Baudhayana, आपस्तम्बः || Apastamba Grhya sutras.
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=== शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba Sutras ===
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Shulba Sutras explain the different systems of measurements. Aspects of measurements of various vedinirmanavidhi (वेदिनिर्माणविधिः | altars and the procedure to construct them). For Example, homa shala (होमशाला), yajnashala (यज्ञशाला) are discussed. Thus, Vaidika Karmakanda (वैदिककर्मकाण्डः) is the topic for Shulbasutras, wherein geometry or the Rekhaganita (रेखागणितम्) is applied. Only those Shulbasutras associated with Yajurveda are available extensively indicating that Yajurveda is the main base for karmakanda.
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== व्याकरणम् ॥ Vyakarana ==
 +
Vyakarana is described as the Veda purusha's face.<blockquote>व्याक्रियन्ते शब्दाः अनेन इति व्याकरणम् । vyākriyante śabdāḥ anena iti vyākaraṇam । </blockquote><blockquote>व्याक्रियन्ते व्युत्पाद्यन्ते साधुशब्दा अस्मिन् अनेनेति वा . इति दुर्गादासः .. is the व्युत्पत्ति-अर्थः || vyutpatti artha or the subjective definition of word according to Durgadasa in Shabdakalpadruma</blockquote>Shabdakalpadruma also gives deliberates on the content matter of Vyakarana as "तत्र साध्यसाधनकर्त्तृकर्म्मक्रिया-समासादिनिरूपणम् ." One where all grammatical aspects (vibhaktis, samasas etc are shown or derived)
  
==== शुल्ब'''सूत्राणि ||''' '''Shulba Sutras''' ====
+
This shastra only deliberates on the shuddhi-ashuddhi (accurate and inaccurate) usages of words in Sanskrita vangmaya (sanskrit literature). It is the grammar of sanskrit shlokas and it deals with the formation of words, different forms of the words and their combination, usage and semantic nuances. Although, Rigvedic references to grammar are available, it is only the Taittireeya samhita that outlines the story of origin of grammar. In Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta, different technical or conventional terms related to grammar are available in abundance.   
शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba Sutras explain the different systems of measurements. Aspects of measurements of various वेदिनिर्माणविधिः || vedinirmanavidhi (altars and the procedure to construct them) Example, होमशाला || homa shala, यज्ञशाला || yajnashala are discussed. Thus, वैदिककर्मकाण्ड || Vaidika Karmakanda is the topic for Shulbasutras, wherein geometry or the रेखागणितम् || Rekhaganita is applied. Only those Shulbasutras associated with यजुर्वेदः || Yajurveda are available extensively indicating that Yajurveda is the main base for karmakanda. कात्यायनः || Katyayana, मानवः || Manava , बौधायनः || Baudhayana, आपस्तम्बः || Apastamba, मैत्रेयी || Maitreyi, वाराहः || Varaha, वाधूलः || Vadhula shulba sutras are the important ones in this category.
 
=== व्याकरणम् ॥ Vyakarana ===
 
Vyakaranam is described as the वेद पुरुष || Veda purusha's face.   
 
  
व्याक्रियन्ते शब्दाः अनेन इति व्याकरणम् । is the व्युत्पत्ति अर्धम || vyutpatti ardham or the subjective definition of word.  
+
It was Maharshi Panini who has given [[Astadhyayi|अष्टाध्यायी ''<nowiki>|| Ashtadhyayi</nowiki>'']] the most profound and brilliant treatise on grammar to the intellectual world, wherein he describes all the previous grammarians belonging to a time period before him.  Also called Shabdanushasana (शब्दानुशासनम्), it was the Astadhyayi which brought about the regularization of grammatical rules of the vedic usages also.  
  
This shastra only deliberates on the शुद्ध्यशुद्ध्योः || shuddhyashuddhyo (accurate and inaccurate) usages of words in संस्कृत वाङ्ग्मय || Samskrita vaangmaya or literature. It is grammar of संस्कृत श्लोक || samskrita slokas and it deals with the formation of words, different forms of the words and their combination, usage and semantic nuances. Although, ऋगवेद || Rigvedic references to grammar are available, it is only the तैत्रिय संहिता || Taittiriya samhita that outlines the story of origin of grammar. In महर्षि यस्क || Maharshi Yaska's निरुक्त || Nirukta, different technical or conventional terms related to grammar are available in abundance.
+
Vyakarana is divided into Pracheena vyakarana (प्राचीनव्याकरणम्) and navya vyakarana (नव्यव्याकरणम्). Later age grammarians recognize the eight vyakarana shastra pravartakas (व्याकरणशास्त्रप्रवर्तकाः) as follows<blockquote>इन्द्रश्चन्द्रः काशकृत्स्नापिशली शाकटायनः  । पाणिन्यमरजैनेन्द्राः जयन्त्यष्टौ च शाब्दिकाः ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>indraścandraḥ kāśakṛtsnāpiśalī śākaṭāyanaḥ । pāṇinyamarajainendrāḥ jayantyaṣṭau ca śābdikāḥ ॥</blockquote>Indra (इन्द्रः), Chandra (चन्द्रः), Kasha (काशः), krtsnapishali (कृत्स्नापिशली), shakatayana (शाकटायनः), panini (पाणिनिः), amarajainendra (अमरजैनेन्द्रः), jayanti (जयन्तिः) are the eight preachers of shabda (word) or grammar.
 +
== निरुक्तम् ॥ Nirukta ==
 +
Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta is another treasure that has been produced in Bharatavarsha and given to the world. It is an excellent treatise that deals with etymology or the objective definition of words. Nirukta is written in prose form while all other shastras are built in the sutra format. [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayanacharya]] (सायणाचार्यः) while giving the preface of Rigveda Bhashya (ऋग्वेदभाष्यम्) speaks thus about Nirukta :  <blockquote>अर्थावबोधे निरपेक्षतया पदजातं यत्रोक्तं तन्निरुक्तम् ।</blockquote><blockquote>arthāvabodhe nirapekṣatayā padajātaṃ yatroktaṃ tanniruktam ।</blockquote>When other Vedangas extol the tattvas (तत्त्वानि | material aspects) of Vedas, Nirukta propounds the supernatural or the uncommon aspects or tattvas of the Vedas.  
  
It was महर्षि पाणिनि || Maharshi Panini who has given '''अष्टध्यायी || Ashthadhyayi''' the most profound and brilliant treatise on grammar to the intellectual world, wherein he describes all the previous grammarians belonging to a time period before him.  Also called शब्दानुशासनम् || Shabdaanusashanam it was the अष्टध्ययि || Asthadhyayi which brought about the regularization of grammatical rules of the vedic usages also.
+
Yaskacharya has accepted 4 Jatis (जाति-s | types) called Bhedachatushtaya (भेदचतुष्टयम्) for words :     
 
+
# '''नामजातिः || Nama Jati :'''  सत्वप्रधानम् || Satva pradhana - Significance attributed to existence of a thing as in Ghata (घटः | pot), Dhana (धनम् | Money)  
व्याकरणम् ॥ Vyakarana is divided into प्राचीन व्याकरणम् || Praacheena vyakaranam and नव्य व्याकरणम् || navya vyakaranam.  Later age grammarians recognize the eight व्याकरण शास्त्र प्रवर्तक || vyakarana shastra pravartakas as follows<blockquote>इन्द्रश्चन्द्रः काशकृत्स्नापिशाली शाकटायनः  । पाणिन्यमरजैनेन्द्राः जयन्त्यष्टौ च शाब्दिकाः ॥ </blockquote>इन्द्र || Indra, चन्द्र || Chandra, काश || Kaasha, कृत्स्नपिशली || kritsnapishali, शकटयन || shakatayana, पाणिनि || panini, अरजैनेन्द्र || arajainendra, जयन्त || jayanta are the eight preachers of शब्द || shabda (word) or grammar.
+
# '''आख्यातजातिः || Akhyata Jati :''' भावप्रधानम् || Bhava pradhana - Significance attributed to kriya (क्रिया | action) as in pathati (पठति | Read), karoti (करोति | Do). 
=== निरुक्तम् ॥ Nirukta ===
+
# '''उपसर्गजातिः || Upasarga Jati :'''  नानाविधविशेष-अर्थप्रधानम् || Nanavidha vishesha artha pradhana - Significance attributed to a special meaning of one word as in Ahara (आहारः), samhara (संहारः), vihara (विहारः)    
महर्षि यस्क || Maharshi Yaska's निरुक्तम् || Nirukta is another treasure that has been produced in भारतवर्ष || Bharatavarsha and given to the world. It is an excellent treatise that deals with etymology or the objective definition of words. निरुक्तम् || Nirukta is written in prose form while all other shastras are built in the सूत्र || sutra format. सायनाचार्य || [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Saayanaacharya]] while giving the preface of ऋग्वेद भाष्यं || Rigveda Bhasyam speaks thus about निरुक्तम् || Niruktam :  <blockquote>अथावबोधे निरपेक्षतया पदजातं यत्रोक्तं तन्निरुक्तम् ।</blockquote>When other वेदाङ्ग || Vedangas extol the material aspects or तत्व || tattvas of Vedas, निरुक्तम् || Nirukta propounds the supernatural or the uncommon aspects or तत्व || tattvas of the Vedas. 
+
# '''निपातजातिः || Nipata Jaati :''' उपमार्थे पदपूरणार्थम् || Upamarthe pada puranartha - Significance of comparison and for appropriate chandas as in eva (एव), na (न), cha (च).        
 
+
Without the existence of Nirukta, understanding the Vedic terminology is extremely difficult. Yaskacharya in his preface to Nirukta says,   <blockquote>समाम्नायः समाम्नातः स व्याख्यातव्यः । इदमन्तरेण मन्त्रेष्वर्थप्रत्ययो न विद्यते इति ।</blockquote><blockquote>samāmnāyaḥ samāmnātaḥ sa vyākhyātavyaḥ । idamantareṇa mantreṣvarthapratyayo na vidyate iti ।</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Collection of the texts handed down by tradition are to be commented upon. Without this reference (nirukta), the meaning of mantras cannot be obtained.</blockquote>Thus, it can be inferred that Nirukta determines the meanings of various vaidika mantras and comments on them. Knowledge about the various divine beings is given by Nirukta. Hence, its use in various yajna karmas is indispensable. Thus, only Nirukta experts can understand the different characteristics or identifying marks of various devatas praised in vedas.     
यस्काचार्य || Yaskaacharya has accepted 4 जाति || Jaatis (race) types of भेदचतुस्तयं || Bhedachatustayam (words) :     
+
{| class="wikitable"
# '''नाम जाति || Naama Jaati :'''  सत्व प्रधानं || Satva pradhaanam or Significance attributed to existence of a thing as in Ghata pot, Money Dhanam  
+
|+'''Difference between व्याकरणम् and निरुक्तम्''' 
# '''आख्यत जाति || Aakhyata Jaati :''' भाव प्रधानं || Bhaava pradhaanam or Significance attributed to action or kriya as in Read patathi, Do karoti 
+
!व्याकरणम्
# '''उपसर्ग जाति || Upasarga Jaati :'''  नानाविधा विशेष अर्थ प्रधानं || Naanavidha visesha artha pradhaanam, Significance attributed to a special meaning of one word as in आहार || Aahara, सम्हार || samhaara, विहार || vihaara    
+
!निरुक्तम् ।
# '''निपात जाति || Nipaata Jaati :''' उपमार्थे पद पुराणार्थं || Upamaarthe pada puranaartham, Significance of comparision and for appropriate chandas as in eva, na, cha       
+
|-
Without the existence of निरुक्त || Niruktam understanding the Vedic terminology is extremely difficult. Yaskaacharya in his preface to Niruktam says    <blockquote>समाम्नायः समाम्नातः स व्याख्यातव्यः । इदमन्तरेण मन्त्रेष्वर्थप्रत्ययो न विद्यते इति</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Collection of the texts handed down by tradition are to be commented upon, without this reference (nirukta) the meaning of mantras cannot be obtained.</blockquote>Thus it can be inferred that निरुक्तम् || Niruktam determines the meanings of various वैदिक मंत्र || vaidika mantras and comments on them. Knowledge about the various divine beings is given by Nirukta, hence its use in various यज्ञ कर्म || yagna karmas is indispensable. Thus only निरुक्तम् || Nirukta experts can understand the different characteristics or identifying marks of various devatas praised in vedas.     
+
|Vyakarana (Grammar) discusses the origin of the word.
 
+
|Nirukta (etymology) determines the meaning.
'''Difference between Vyakarana and Nirukta''' : While व्याकरणम् Vyakarana discusses the origin of the word, निरुक्तम् || Niruktam determines the meaning, thus it completes the study of vyakarana. While vyakaranam is लक्षण प्रधानं || lakshana pradhanam or defines the attributes of a word, Nirukta is अर्थ प्रधानं || artha pradhanam (independently explains the meaning). With out निरुक्तम् || Niruktam splitting of the word is not possible, while grammar talks about rules for splitting the word, Nirukta defines how to split a word.  
+
Thus, it completes the study of vyakarana.
 +
|-
 +
|<nowiki>Vyakarana is lakshana pradhana (लक्षणप्रधानम् | defines the attributes of a word).</nowiki>
 +
|<nowiki>Nirukta is artha pradhana (अर्थप्रधानम् | independently explains the meaning).</nowiki>
 +
|-
 +
|Grammar talks about rules for splitting the word.
 +
|Etymology defines how to split a word.  
 +
With out Nirukta, splitting of the word is not possible.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+'''Difference between निघण्टुः and निरुक्तम्''' 
 +
!निघण्टुः ।
 +
!निरुक्तम् ।
 +
|-
 +
|Nighantu (Dictionary) is a compilation of usages of Vedic literature.
 +
|Nirukta extensively discusses the different Vedic words and their applications.
 +
Derivation of meaning of vedic terms is achieved in Nirukta.
 +
|-
 +
|<nowiki>Nighantu, A dictionary, consists of Panchadhyayas (पञ्चाध्यायाः | 5 components)</nowiki>
 +
|<nowiki>Nirukta deals with Dvadashadhyayas (द्वादशाध्यायाः | 12 components).</nowiki>
 +
|}
  
'''Difference between Nighantu and Nirukta''' :  A Dictionary or निघन्टुः || Nighantu is a compilation of usages of Vedic literature whereas निरुक्तम् || Nirukta extensively discusses the different Vedic words and their applications. Derivation of meaning of vedic terms is achieved in Nirukta. A dictionary consists of पञ्चद्याय || Panchadhyayas (5 components) whereas Nirukta deals with द्वदशाद्याय || Dvadashaadhyayas (12 components).
+
== छन्दस् ॥ Chandas ==
=== छन्दः ॥ Chandas ===
+
Chandas is a word derived from the dhatu चदि in the meaning of ahlade (आह्लादे | joy or delight) - as given in Shabdakalpadruma. It is regarded as the feet of the Vedapurusha.
Chandas is a word derived from the dhatu चदि in the meaning of आह्लादे or joy or delight (as given in Shabdakalpadruma). It is regarded as the feet of the Vedapurusha.  
 
  
Vedas are bound in छन्दः || chandas or in a metre. Since vedas are highly dependent on the sound or the way they are uttered, chandas is very important for their accurate utterance.  It is the science for determination of metrical forms and qualities of mantras.
+
Vedas are bound in chandas (metre). Since vedas are highly dependent on the sound or the way they are uttered, chandas is very important for their accurate utterance.  It is the science for determination of metrical forms and qualities of mantras.
  
The ऋग्वेद || rigveda and सामवेद || samaveda mantras are totally constructed with chandas. यजुर्वेद || Yajurveda has both prose and श्लोक || sloka forms of mantras, and the slokas are all built with appropriate chandas.  
+
The Rigveda and Samaveda mantras are totally constructed with chandas. Yajurveda has both prose and shloka forms of mantras, and the shlokas are all built with appropriate chandas.  
  
वैदिक छन्दः || Vaidikachandas is different from chandas and meters of poems in classical sanskrit. Vaidikachandas is अक्षर प्रधानं || Akshara pradhanam or the number of letters is significant to understand the छन्दः || chandas and not the मात्रा || maatras (Morae). In classical samskrit the number of syllables as well as quality (Laghu and Guru) are taken into account <ref name=":12">Choudhury, Goutam (2007) Ph. D Thesis Titled:  [http://hdl.handle.net/10603/66639 The Vrttamanjari of Dhiresvaracharya : A critical study]. University of Gauhati</ref>. The general सूत्र || sutras as applicable to classical sanskrit is not applicable to वैदिक छन्दः || Vaidikachandas.
+
Vaidika chandas is different from chandas and meters of poems in classical sanskrit. Vaidika chandas is Akshara pradhana (अक्षरप्रधानम्). So, the number of letters is significant to understand the chandas and not the matras (मात्राः | Morae). In classical sanskrit, the number of syllables as well as quality (Laghu and Guru) are taken into account <ref name=":123">Choudhury, Goutam (2007) Ph. D Thesis Titled:  [http://hdl.handle.net/10603/66639 The Vrttamanjari of Dhiresvaracharya : A critical study]. University of Gauhati</ref>. The general sutras as applicable to classical sanskrit are not applicable to Vaidika chandas.
  
Pingalacharyas चन्दःसुत्रं ||"Chandahsutram" is a work which gives information about vaidikachandas. The number of letters range from 1 to 104. Based on the number of letters each chandas has a different name. There are seven principle chandas in Vedas<ref name=":12" />
+
Pingalacharya’s Chandassutra (छन्दस्सूत्रम्) is a work which gives information about vaidika chandas. The number of letters range from 1 to 104. Based on the number of letters, each chandas has a different name. There are seven principle chandas in Vedas<ref name=":123" />
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
!Chandas Name
 
!Chandas Name
!Paadas and Syllables
+
!पादाः ॥ Padas and Syllables
 
!Total number of Syllables
 
!Total number of Syllables
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<nowiki>गायत्री || Gayatri</nowiki>
 
|<nowiki>गायत्री || Gayatri</nowiki>
|3 paadas of 8 syllables
+
|3 padas of 8 syllables
 
|24
 
|24
 
|-
 
|-
|<nowiki>उष्निक् || Ushnik</nowiki>
+
|<nowiki>उष्णिक् || Ushnik</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 7 syllables  
+
|4 padas of 7 syllables  
 
|28
 
|28
 
|-
 
|-
|<nowiki>अनुस्तुप् || Anustup</nowiki>
+
|<nowiki>अनुष्टुप् || Anushtup</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 8 syllables
+
|4 padas of 8 syllables
 
|32
 
|32
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<nowiki>बृहती || Brhati</nowiki>
 
|<nowiki>बृहती || Brhati</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 9 syllables
+
|4 padas of 9 syllables
 
|36
 
|36
 
|-
 
|-
|<nowiki>पङ्कती || Pankti</nowiki>
+
|<nowiki>पङ्क्तिः || Pankti</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 10 syllables
+
|4 padas of 10 syllables
 
|40
 
|40
 
|-
 
|-
|<nowiki>त्रिस्तुप् || Tristup</nowiki>
+
|<nowiki>त्रिष्टुप् || Trishtup</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 11 syllables
+
|4 padas of 11 syllables
 
|44
 
|44
 
|-
 
|-
|<nowiki>जगति || Jagati</nowiki>
+
|<nowiki>जगती || Jagati</nowiki>
|4 paadas of 12 syllables
+
|4 padas of 12 syllables
 
|48
 
|48
|}अस्थि || Asthi (64), प्रकृति || Prakriti (84), विकृति || Vikruti (92) अभिकृति || Abhikruti (100) and उत्कृति || Utkruti (104 अक्षराणि || aksharani) are a few other Vedic chandas according to other classifications. Other texts dealing with Chandas include Rkpratisakhya, Sankhyayana Srauta sutras and Nidana Sutra of Samaveda.<ref>Introduction to [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/vedangas/chanda/ Chandas]</ref> Devotional works are constructed in other meters mostly different from vedic meters. The first Rig veda Suktam - Agni suktam is in the Gayatri meter.<ref name=":03">Chandas as discoursed by Sri Sri Sri. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamiji compiled in [http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part8/chap5.htm Hindu Dharma]</ref>
+
|}Ashti (अष्टिः | 64), Prakrti (प्रकृतिः | 84), Vikrti (विकृतिः | 92), Abhikrti (अभिकृतिः | 100), Utkrti (उत्कृतिः | 104) are a few other Vedic chandas according to other classifications. Other texts dealing with Chandas include Rkpratishakhya, Shankhayana Shrauta sutras and Nidana Sutra of Samaveda.<ref>Introduction to [http://vedicheritage.gov.in/vedangas/chanda/ Chandas]</ref> Devotional works are constructed in other meters mostly different from vedic meters. The first Rig veda Sukta - Agni sukta is in the Gayatri meter.<ref name=":033">Chandas as discoursed by Sri Sri Sri. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamiji compiled in [http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part8/chap5.htm Hindu Dharma]</ref>
=== ज्योतिषम् Jyotisham ===
+
== ज्योतिष् Jyotisha ==
Lagadha is regarded as the author of ancient Jyotisha. It is study of the Universe,i.e.,astrology or astronomy to determine the configuration and position of stars and planets etc., in order to fix favorable or propitious times for performing यज्ञ || Yagas or Hindu rituals.  
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[[Vedanga Jyotisha (वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्)|Vedanga Jyotisha]] ((Samskrit : वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्) is term given to astronomical studies which occupies a very important place in the Shad Vedangas. Lagadha is regarded as the author of ancient Jyotisha and his text is named as Vedanga Jyotisha. It deals with the study of the Universe i.e., astronomy to determine the configuration and position of stars and planets, stellar objects, distances between the stars, zodiac configurations among many things in order to fix the Shruti defined times for performing Yajnas and samskaras. Vedanga Jyotisha is significantly different from the Phalita Jyotisha developed in the more recent times.
  
ज्योतिष शस्त्रम् || Jyotishshastram is like the eye to the वेद पुरुषः || veda purusha. Without the knowledge of this शस्त्र || shastra, काल || kala (time) cannot be determined, for example - Auspiciousness of the Day, night, fortnight, month, season, and year cannot be determined. Auspicious time for the performance of यज्ञ || yagnas and for travel the time is determined by the knowledge of this shastra. वैदिक संहिता || Vaidika samhitas explicitly deal with the काल || kala (time) as in जीवेम शरदम् शतम् || jeevema sharadam shatam.
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Jyotish shastra is like the eye to the veda purusha. Without the knowledge of this shastra, [[Kala (कालः)|kala]] (कालः | time) cannot be determined. For example - Determination of the Day, night, fortnight, month, season, and year for the performance of yajnas and travel is by the knowledge of this shastra. Vaidika samhitas explicitly deal with the kala (time) as in जीवेम शरदं शतम् || jīvema śaradaṃ śatam.
  
Ancient treatises on Jyotisham available are Suryasiddhanta, Brihat Parasarahora by Parasara rishi, Brihat Jatakam by Varahamihira among others.  
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Ancient treatises on Jyotish available are Suryasiddhanta (सूर्यसिद्धन्तः), Brihat Parasharahora (बृहत्पराशरहोरः) by Parashara rishi (पराशर-ऋषिः), Brihat Jataka (बृहज्जातकम्) by Varahamihira (वराहमिहिरः) among others. Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, the Kerala school of Astronomy which are of the more recent centuries have given [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]] an important place in the world through their astronomical and mathematical contributions. 
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
व्याकरणम् ॥ Vyakarana and निरुक्तम् || Nirukta are unique to each Veda. Whereas शिक्षा || Siksha, छन्दः || Chandas, कल्प || Kalpa and ज्योतिष || Jyotisa are common for all Vedas.
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Vyakarana and Nirukta are unique to each Veda. Whereas Shiksha, Chandas, Kalpa and Jyotish are common for all Vedas.
  
Commentaries by मेधातिति || Medhatiti, गोविन्दराज || Govindaraja, कल्लुकभट्ट || Kallukabhatta are available to read मनुस्मृति || Manu Smriti.
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Commentaries by Medhatiti (मेधातितिः), Govindaraja (गोविन्दराजः), Kallukabhatta (कल्लुकभट्टः) are available to read Manu Smriti.
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
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[[Category:Vedangas]]

Latest revision as of 22:36, 12 March 2020

Vedangas (Samskrit : वेदाङ्गम्) literally meaning 'limbs of the Veda' are the six angas or explanatory limbs to the Vedas. They include Shiksha (authored by various rishis), Vyakarana of Panini, the Chandas of Pingalacharya, the Nirukta of Maharshi Yaska, the Jyotish of Lagadha and the Kalpas (Shrauta, Grhya, Dharma and Shulba) belonging to the authorship of various Rishis.

It is said that Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated as Maharshi Veda Vyasa in Dvapara yuga and organized the Vedas in their present form. Maharshi Vyasa's efforts brought about uniformity in the religious observances thereby performance of rites and rituals, religious ceremonies, yajnas (sacrifices) and vratas (vows) continued without any flaw. As Vedas have different aspects of understanding to them, various types of expositions on Vedas came into existence and each became a subject to be learnt for a comprehensive understanding of the Vedas to be achieved. Maharshi Yaska, who gave Nirukta to the world, also expounded vedic terminology on the basis of legends and ancient lore. Manu, the Law giver of ancient Bharatavarsha, laid down certain instructions as to how the teaching of Vedas should be conducted.

Shad Vedangas in Bharatiya Vaidika Parampara

Etymology

Vedangas (वेदाङ्गानि) help us construct, chant and understand Veda mantras. These are called Angas (अङ्गानि | ancillaries) to Vedas. The word 'अङ्गम्' is used in the sense of "उपकारक' - 'अंग्यन्ते ज्ञायन्ते अमीभिरिति अङ्गानि' meaning Angas are those by using which one understands the nature of an object/subject (here Vedas). Vedas are by themselves profound both in language and concept.

शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणं निरुक्तं छन्दसां चयः । ज्योतिषामयनं चैव वेदाङ्गानि षडेव तु ॥

śikṣā kalpo vyākaraṇaṃ niruktaṃ chandasāṃ cayaḥ । jyotiṣāmayanaṃ caiva vedāṅgāni ṣaḍeva tu ॥

According to the above shloka, Vedangas are six in number namely Shiksa (शिक्षा), Kalpa (कल्पः), Vyakarana (व्याकरणम्), Nirukta (निरुक्तम्), Chandas (छन्दस्) and Jyotish (ज्योतिष्).[1]

वेदाङ्गानि ॥ Vedangas

Included in the Chaturdasha vidyas, Vedangas classified under the Smrti class of literature, are significant to gain complete knowledge of the Vedas. One becomes proficient in six aspects by adhyayana of Vedangas[1]

  • Shiksha - Pronunciation of the veda mantras
  • Kalpa - Practice of the yajnas and yagas
  • Vyakarana - Construction of words and knowing the primary meaning
  • Nirukta - Meanings of words according to the vedic context
  • Chandas - Metrical composition and patha-paddhati of mantras
  • Jyotisha - Knowledge of appropriate time and place to perform yajnas and yagas.

शिक्षा ॥ Shiksha

Shiksha deals mainly with svarajnana (स्वरज्ञानम् | phonetics) and it is the science disciplining the efforts of ear, nose and vocal cords to utter the accurate sound as defined by Vedic mantras.

Shiksha deals with the origin of sound and teaches one about the production of accurate sound shuddhoccharana (शुध्दोच्चारणम्) with ease. In Vedic literature, accurate pronunciation of sound (vowels and consonants) is of great importance else the meaning is completely altered, hence Vedas have svarapradhanyatva (स्वरप्राधान्यत्वम्).

The earliest reference to Shiksha attached to Taittireeya Aranyaka (तैत्तिरीय-आरण्यकम्), extends the applicability as follows :

अथ शिक्षां व्याख्यास्यामः । वर्णः स्वरः । मात्रा बलम् । साम सन्तान। इत्युक्तः शिक्षाध्यायः ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)[2]

atha śikṣāṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ । varṇaḥ svaraḥ । mātrā balam । sāma santāna। ityuktaḥ śikṣādhyāyaḥ ॥ (Tait. Aran. 7.2)[2]

Meaning : Let us comment about Shiksha. Shiksha study involves Varna, Svara, Matra, Bala, Sama, Santana.

Where,

  1. वर्णः ॥ Varna - वर्णः अकारादिः । varṇaḥ akārādiḥ । - Varnas are the letters including Vowels and Consonants.
  2. स्वरः ॥ Svara - स्वरस्तु उदात्तादिः । svarastu udāttādiḥ । - Svaras (Accents) are of three kinds udatta (उदात्तः | acute accent), anudatta (अनुदात्तः | accentless), svarita (स्वरितः | normal accent).
  3. मात्रा ॥ Matra - मात्रा ह्रस्वादिकाः । mātrā hrasvādikāḥ । - Prosodically or metrically, hrsva (ह्रस्व | short), deergha (दीर्घ | long), pluta (प्लुत | prolated)
  4. बलम् ॥ Bala - बलम् उच्चारणस्थानं ताल्वादिकम् । balam uccāraṇasthānaṃ tālvādikam । - Part of body from where sound is produced, such as talu (तालु:), kantha (कण्ठः), ostha (ओष्ठः) etc.
  5. साम ॥ Sama - साम निषादादिः । sāma niṣādādiḥ । - 7 Musical notes enumerated as 1.Nishada (निषादः) 2.Riṣhabha (रिषभः) 3.Gandhara (गान्धारः) 4.Shadja (सड्जः) 5.Madhyama ( मध्यमः) 6.Dhaivata (धैवतः) 7.Pancama (पञ्चमः)
  6. सन्तानः ॥ Santana - सन्तानो विकर्षणादि । santāno vikarṣaṇādi ।

Classical Sanskrit literature differs from Vedic literature, as it is not highly regulated by the uccharana (उच्चारणम् | utterance) which is important for the utterance of vedic mantras. Hence, Shiksha is of vital importance as an ancillary for vedas, because ashuddhoccharana (अशुध्दोच्चारणम् | wrong utterence) of mantras bring about a meaning change which can cause great harm to the yajamana (यजमानः | the performer of the yajna).

An example of such wrong utterance is typically explained by the legend of Vrttrasura's birth:

मन्त्रो हीनः स्वरतो वर्णतो वा मिथ्या प्रयुक्तो न तमर्थमाह । स वाग्वज्रो यजमानं हिनस्ति यथेन्द्रशत्रुः स्वरतोऽपराधात् ॥ (Pani. Shik. 42)

mantro hīnaḥ svarato varṇato vā mithyā prayukto na tamarthamāha । sa vāgvajro yajamānaṃ hinasti yathendraśatruḥ svarato'parādhāt ॥

If a mantra is devoid of a varna (letter), or has wrong utterances or svaras, then it does not the give the meaning it is intended to and produces a false meaning. This incorrectly and improperly uttered mantra becomes a vakvajra (वाक्वज्रः | word weapon) and is capable of destroying the yajamana (performer of the yajna). Example is the famous story of Indra's enemy, Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः) whose origin was due to svaraparadha (स्वरापराधः | wrong svara utterance) of a mantra.[1]

वृत्रासुर-जननम् || Vrttrasura Janana

तत्त्वष्टाहवनीयमुप प्रावर्तयत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति यदवर्तयत्तद्वृत्रस्य वृत्रत्वं यदब्रवीत्स्वाहेन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्वेति तस्मादस्येन्द्रः शत्रुरभवत् | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)[3]

tattvaṣṭāhavanīyamupa prāvartayatsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti yadavartayattadvṛtrasya vṛtratvaṃ yadabravītsvāhendraśatrurvardhasveti tasmādasyendraḥ śatrurabhavat | (Tait. Samh. 2.5.2)[3]

Tvasta (त्वष्टा) angered by Indra's killing of his son Vishwaroopa, initiates an abhicharika yaga (अभिचारिक-यागः | a yaga performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra. The rtvijas (ऋत्विज्-s) were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with Anta-Udatta (अन्त-उदात्तः) or Udatta svara in the end of the mantra (to mean, Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra). Instead, they used the Adya Udatta (आद्य-उदात्तः) or Udatta svara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning, Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper).So, instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the Rtvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed Asuras. Thus, Vrtrasura, the son of Tvasta was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory in killing Vrtrasura.

Shiksha literature is very widely available based on the different shakhas (शाखा-s | divisions) of different vedas. They are Panineeya Shiksha (पाणिनीयशिक्षा), Vyasashiksha (व्यासशिक्षा), Bharadvaja shiksha (भारद्वाजशिक्षा), Yajnavalkya Shiksha (याज्ञवलक्यशिक्षा), Parashara shiksha (पराशरशिक्षा), Vasishtee shiksha (वासिष्टीशिक्षा), Katyayanee shiksha (कात्यायनीशिक्षा), Madhyandinee shiksha (माध्यन्दिनीशिक्षा), Keshavee shiksha (केशवीशिक्षा), Amoghanandinee shiksha (अमोघानन्दिनीशिक्षा), Mandavya shiksha (माण्डव्यशिक्षा), Mallasharma shiksha (मल्लशर्मशिक्षा), Svarakusha shiksha (स्वराकुशशिक्षा), Shodasha shiksha (षोडशशिक्षा), Naradeeya shiksha (नारदीयशिक्षा), Mandukeeya shiksha ( माण्डुकीयशिक्षा), Svarabhaktilakshana (स्वरभक्तिलक्षणशिक्षा), Avasananirnaya shiksha (अवसाननिर्णयशिक्षा), Varnaratna pradeepika shiksha (वर्णरत्नप्रदीपिकाशिक्षा) among many others.

कल्पः ॥ Kalpa

Kalpa (कल्पः) forms a set of texts which pertain to the different activities related to yajnas. Kalpa texts are composed in the famous Sutra format and have played a very significant role in the development of shastras such as Nyaya, Dharmas, Ganita (mathematics) in the subsequent times.

There are 4 types of Kalpa sutras

  1. श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta sutras - explain the दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः || Darshapournamasa Yajna and others as defined by Shruti
  2. गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya sutras - explain the yajnas and samskaras (ceremonies) applicable to the domestic life a man and his family from birth to death and are to be followed by all people. The performance of Grhya yajnas requires only the laukikagni or domestic fire (aavasthya).
  3. धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma sutras - extensively give the dharmika rules for general people and the rulers. They are directly connected with the Grhyasutras which deal with dharma. Therefore, they deal with both secular and religious laws.
  4. शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba sutras - Shastra for measurements, include the rekhaganita (रेखागणितम् | geometrical principles) laid down for vaidika constructions.

श्रौतसूत्राणि || Shrauta Sutras

The Shrauta Sutras vividly describe the procedures for the vaidika yajnas such as Darshapournamasa yajna (दर्शपौर्णमासयज्ञः), Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्), Pashu yajna (पशुयज्ञः), and Soma yajna (सोमयज्ञः) among others as set forth in Shruti literature. Thus, it can be said that in Shrauta Sutras the explanations given in different Vaidika Brahamanas regarding Shrautagni yajnas (श्रौताग्नियज्ञाः) are dealt with in an orderly manner.

धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharma Sutras

Dharma Sutras expound the rules of Dharma and the actions (activities) to be performed by a person in general as well as the king or the ruler. A complete set of rules to be followed by the different people of different occupations and for those in the four ashramas (ब्रह्मचार्यः | brahmacharya, गृहस्थः | grhastha, वानप्रस्थः | vanaprastha and सन्यासः | sanyasa) are described in these sutras. Thus, it can be said that the topics related to the adhyatmik world, this material world, society and social activities, and all righteous activities are described in a holistic manner.[4]

गृह्यसूत्राणि || Grhya Sutras

Grhya Sutras extensively discuss the yajnas (different from Shrauta Yajnas) to be performed by the brahmana, kshatriya and vaishya people. Most importantly, the षोडशसंस्काराः | Shodasa samskaras (from गर्भाधानम् | Garbhadhana to अन्त्येष्टिः | Antyeshti) that are performed for a person from birth till death are expounded vividly in these sutras. Thus, how a grhasta should lead his life and the procedure in which he has to conduct different dharmic activities are completely described here. The seven kinds of Grhya yajnas (गृह्ययज्ञाः) to be performed are:

  1. पितृयज्ञः || Pitru Yajna
  2. पार्वणयज्ञः || Parvana Yajna
  3. अष्टकयज्ञः || Ashtaka Yajna
  4. श्रावणीयज्ञः || Shravani yajna
  5. आष्वेयुजीयज्ञः || Ashveyujee yajna
  6. आग्रहायणीयज्ञः || Agrahayanee Yajna
  7. चैत्रॆययज्ञः || Chaitreya Yajna

Apart from these seven, there are पञ्चमहायज्ञाः || Panchamahayajnas (five Yajnas) to be performed by all people which are

  1. देवयज्ञः || Deva yajna
  2. भूतयज्ञः || Bhuta yajna
  3. पितृयज्ञः || Pitru yajna
  4. ब्रह्मयज्ञः || Brahma yajna
  5. मनुष्ययज्ञः || Manushya yajnas.

शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulba Sutras

Shulba Sutras explain the different systems of measurements. Aspects of measurements of various vedinirmanavidhi (वेदिनिर्माणविधिः | altars and the procedure to construct them). For Example, homa shala (होमशाला), yajnashala (यज्ञशाला) are discussed. Thus, Vaidika Karmakanda (वैदिककर्मकाण्डः) is the topic for Shulbasutras, wherein geometry or the Rekhaganita (रेखागणितम्) is applied. Only those Shulbasutras associated with Yajurveda are available extensively indicating that Yajurveda is the main base for karmakanda.

व्याकरणम् ॥ Vyakarana

Vyakarana is described as the Veda purusha's face.

व्याक्रियन्ते शब्दाः अनेन इति व्याकरणम् । vyākriyante śabdāḥ anena iti vyākaraṇam ।

व्याक्रियन्ते व्युत्पाद्यन्ते साधुशब्दा अस्मिन् अनेनेति वा . इति दुर्गादासः .. is the व्युत्पत्ति-अर्थः || vyutpatti artha or the subjective definition of word according to Durgadasa in Shabdakalpadruma

Shabdakalpadruma also gives deliberates on the content matter of Vyakarana as "तत्र साध्यसाधनकर्त्तृकर्म्मक्रिया-समासादिनिरूपणम् ." One where all grammatical aspects (vibhaktis, samasas etc are shown or derived)

This shastra only deliberates on the shuddhi-ashuddhi (accurate and inaccurate) usages of words in Sanskrita vangmaya (sanskrit literature). It is the grammar of sanskrit shlokas and it deals with the formation of words, different forms of the words and their combination, usage and semantic nuances. Although, Rigvedic references to grammar are available, it is only the Taittireeya samhita that outlines the story of origin of grammar. In Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta, different technical or conventional terms related to grammar are available in abundance.

It was Maharshi Panini who has given अष्टाध्यायी || Ashtadhyayi the most profound and brilliant treatise on grammar to the intellectual world, wherein he describes all the previous grammarians belonging to a time period before him. Also called Shabdanushasana (शब्दानुशासनम्), it was the Astadhyayi which brought about the regularization of grammatical rules of the vedic usages also.

Vyakarana is divided into Pracheena vyakarana (प्राचीनव्याकरणम्) and navya vyakarana (नव्यव्याकरणम्). Later age grammarians recognize the eight vyakarana shastra pravartakas (व्याकरणशास्त्रप्रवर्तकाः) as follows

इन्द्रश्चन्द्रः काशकृत्स्नापिशली शाकटायनः । पाणिन्यमरजैनेन्द्राः जयन्त्यष्टौ च शाब्दिकाः ॥

indraścandraḥ kāśakṛtsnāpiśalī śākaṭāyanaḥ । pāṇinyamarajainendrāḥ jayantyaṣṭau ca śābdikāḥ ॥

Indra (इन्द्रः), Chandra (चन्द्रः), Kasha (काशः), krtsnapishali (कृत्स्नापिशली), shakatayana (शाकटायनः), panini (पाणिनिः), amarajainendra (अमरजैनेन्द्रः), jayanti (जयन्तिः) are the eight preachers of shabda (word) or grammar.

निरुक्तम् ॥ Nirukta

Maharshi Yaska's Nirukta is another treasure that has been produced in Bharatavarsha and given to the world. It is an excellent treatise that deals with etymology or the objective definition of words. Nirukta is written in prose form while all other shastras are built in the sutra format. Sayanacharya (सायणाचार्यः) while giving the preface of Rigveda Bhashya (ऋग्वेदभाष्यम्) speaks thus about Nirukta :

अर्थावबोधे निरपेक्षतया पदजातं यत्रोक्तं तन्निरुक्तम् ।

arthāvabodhe nirapekṣatayā padajātaṃ yatroktaṃ tanniruktam ।

When other Vedangas extol the tattvas (तत्त्वानि | material aspects) of Vedas, Nirukta propounds the supernatural or the uncommon aspects or tattvas of the Vedas.

Yaskacharya has accepted 4 Jatis (जाति-s | types) called Bhedachatushtaya (भेदचतुष्टयम्) for words :

  1. नामजातिः || Nama Jati : सत्वप्रधानम् || Satva pradhana - Significance attributed to existence of a thing as in Ghata (घटः | pot), Dhana (धनम् | Money)
  2. आख्यातजातिः || Akhyata Jati : भावप्रधानम् || Bhava pradhana - Significance attributed to kriya (क्रिया | action) as in pathati (पठति | Read), karoti (करोति | Do).
  3. उपसर्गजातिः || Upasarga Jati : नानाविधविशेष-अर्थप्रधानम् || Nanavidha vishesha artha pradhana - Significance attributed to a special meaning of one word as in Ahara (आहारः), samhara (संहारः), vihara (विहारः)
  4. निपातजातिः || Nipata Jaati : उपमार्थे पदपूरणार्थम् || Upamarthe pada puranartha - Significance of comparison and for appropriate chandas as in eva (एव), na (न), cha (च).

Without the existence of Nirukta, understanding the Vedic terminology is extremely difficult. Yaskacharya in his preface to Nirukta says,

समाम्नायः समाम्नातः स व्याख्यातव्यः । इदमन्तरेण मन्त्रेष्वर्थप्रत्ययो न विद्यते इति ।

samāmnāyaḥ samāmnātaḥ sa vyākhyātavyaḥ । idamantareṇa mantreṣvarthapratyayo na vidyate iti ।

Meaning : Collection of the texts handed down by tradition are to be commented upon. Without this reference (nirukta), the meaning of mantras cannot be obtained.

Thus, it can be inferred that Nirukta determines the meanings of various vaidika mantras and comments on them. Knowledge about the various divine beings is given by Nirukta. Hence, its use in various yajna karmas is indispensable. Thus, only Nirukta experts can understand the different characteristics or identifying marks of various devatas praised in vedas.

Difference between व्याकरणम् and निरुक्तम् 
व्याकरणम् । निरुक्तम् ।
Vyakarana (Grammar) discusses the origin of the word. Nirukta (etymology) determines the meaning.

Thus, it completes the study of vyakarana.

Vyakarana is lakshana pradhana (लक्षणप्रधानम् | defines the attributes of a word). Nirukta is artha pradhana (अर्थप्रधानम् | independently explains the meaning).
Grammar talks about rules for splitting the word. Etymology defines how to split a word.

With out Nirukta, splitting of the word is not possible.

Difference between निघण्टुः and निरुक्तम् 
निघण्टुः । निरुक्तम् ।
Nighantu (Dictionary) is a compilation of usages of Vedic literature. Nirukta extensively discusses the different Vedic words and their applications.

Derivation of meaning of vedic terms is achieved in Nirukta.

Nighantu, A dictionary, consists of Panchadhyayas (पञ्चाध्यायाः | 5 components) Nirukta deals with Dvadashadhyayas (द्वादशाध्यायाः | 12 components).

छन्दस् ॥ Chandas

Chandas is a word derived from the dhatu चदि in the meaning of ahlade (आह्लादे | joy or delight) - as given in Shabdakalpadruma. It is regarded as the feet of the Vedapurusha.

Vedas are bound in chandas (metre). Since vedas are highly dependent on the sound or the way they are uttered, chandas is very important for their accurate utterance. It is the science for determination of metrical forms and qualities of mantras.

The Rigveda and Samaveda mantras are totally constructed with chandas. Yajurveda has both prose and shloka forms of mantras, and the shlokas are all built with appropriate chandas.

Vaidika chandas is different from chandas and meters of poems in classical sanskrit. Vaidika chandas is Akshara pradhana (अक्षरप्रधानम्). So, the number of letters is significant to understand the chandas and not the matras (मात्राः | Morae). In classical sanskrit, the number of syllables as well as quality (Laghu and Guru) are taken into account [5]. The general sutras as applicable to classical sanskrit are not applicable to Vaidika chandas.

Pingalacharya’s Chandassutra (छन्दस्सूत्रम्) is a work which gives information about vaidika chandas. The number of letters range from 1 to 104. Based on the number of letters, each chandas has a different name. There are seven principle chandas in Vedas[5]

Chandas Name पादाः ॥ Padas and Syllables Total number of Syllables
गायत्री || Gayatri 3 padas of 8 syllables 24
उष्णिक् || Ushnik 4 padas of 7 syllables 28
अनुष्टुप् || Anushtup 4 padas of 8 syllables 32
बृहती || Brhati 4 padas of 9 syllables 36
पङ्क्तिः || Pankti 4 padas of 10 syllables 40
त्रिष्टुप् || Trishtup 4 padas of 11 syllables 44
जगती || Jagati 4 padas of 12 syllables 48

Ashti (अष्टिः | 64), Prakrti (प्रकृतिः | 84), Vikrti (विकृतिः | 92), Abhikrti (अभिकृतिः | 100), Utkrti (उत्कृतिः | 104) are a few other Vedic chandas according to other classifications. Other texts dealing with Chandas include Rkpratishakhya, Shankhayana Shrauta sutras and Nidana Sutra of Samaveda.[6] Devotional works are constructed in other meters mostly different from vedic meters. The first Rig veda Sukta - Agni sukta is in the Gayatri meter.[7]

ज्योतिष् ॥ Jyotisha

Vedanga Jyotisha ((Samskrit : वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्) is term given to astronomical studies which occupies a very important place in the Shad Vedangas. Lagadha is regarded as the author of ancient Jyotisha and his text is named as Vedanga Jyotisha. It deals with the study of the Universe i.e., astronomy to determine the configuration and position of stars and planets, stellar objects, distances between the stars, zodiac configurations among many things in order to fix the Shruti defined times for performing Yajnas and samskaras. Vedanga Jyotisha is significantly different from the Phalita Jyotisha developed in the more recent times.

Jyotish shastra is like the eye to the veda purusha. Without the knowledge of this shastra, kala (कालः | time) cannot be determined. For example - Determination of the Day, night, fortnight, month, season, and year for the performance of yajnas and travel is by the knowledge of this shastra. Vaidika samhitas explicitly deal with the kala (time) as in जीवेम शरदं शतम् || jīvema śaradaṃ śatam.

Ancient treatises on Jyotish available are Suryasiddhanta (सूर्यसिद्धन्तः), Brihat Parasharahora (बृहत्पराशरहोरः) by Parashara rishi (पराशर-ऋषिः), Brihat Jataka (बृहज्जातकम्) by Varahamihira (वराहमिहिरः) among others. Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, the Kerala school of Astronomy which are of the more recent centuries have given Bharatavarsha an important place in the world through their astronomical and mathematical contributions.

Notes

Vyakarana and Nirukta are unique to each Veda. Whereas Shiksha, Chandas, Kalpa and Jyotish are common for all Vedas.

Commentaries by Medhatiti (मेधातितिः), Govindaraja (गोविन्दराजः), Kallukabhatta (कल्लुकभट्टः) are available to read Manu Smriti.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Upadhyaya, Baldev (1958) Vaidik Sahitya
  2. 2.0 2.1 Taittirya Aranyakam Prapathaka 7
  3. 3.0 3.1 Taittriya Samhita
  4. Ajitha, N. (2011) Ph.D Thesis Titled : Social Condition in Naradasmrti. University of Kerala. Chapter 2
  5. 5.0 5.1 Choudhury, Goutam (2007) Ph. D Thesis Titled: The Vrttamanjari of Dhiresvaracharya : A critical study. University of Gauhati
  6. Introduction to Chandas
  7. Chandas as discoursed by Sri Sri Sri. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamiji compiled in Hindu Dharma