| There are texts which form part of vedic literature to explain the linguistic meanigs of Veda- they are called Vedangas. They are six in number- Siksha,(rules to govern the language or phonetics) Vyakaranam(grammar), Chandhas,(meter),Niruktam(context or conclusive meaning), Jyotisham and Kalpam.(rituals) These form the varous organs of the veda and explain the �veda hridaya�-the very heart of the true knowledge. Sikshas are written by Narada, Yajnavalka, shounaka, mandavya, vasishta, parasara, katyayana,goutama and panini. Vyakarana: Means grammar. To protect vedas from abuse, to correct the "linga and vibhakthi"during the yajnas and other rituals, to judge the dilemmas of meanings meant by vedas etc are the functions of vyakarana. Chandhas: vedadhyayana is got to be done only with the knowledge of the meter and swara. Niruktam:Authored by sage Yaska, it consisits of Nighantu(dictonary),nigama(vedic rituals) and devata(descriptions of the gods) parts; Jyoutishyam helps in fixing the right time for the rituals. it also tells what to do at what time Kalpam: srouta sutra grandhas.-texts pertaining to vedas. important ones are apastamba, katyayana, aswalayana,shankhayana, latyayana, dakshayana, vaitana,mashaka srouta sutras. The seers who have realized these aspects of knowledge from the Vedas, have composed sutras (aphorisms -short but potent phrases which convey a lot of meanings) on each Vedanga. Kalpa-sutras are of four categories, viz., srouta (collective sacrifices), grhya (fami ly rituals), dharma (occupational duties) and sulba (building of sacrificial fireplaces, altars etc.). next |
Introduction Vedas Vedangas Praathisakhas Anukramanikas Upavedas Agamas Nine names of Vedas. Rg Veda Yajur Veda Sama Veda Atharva Veda purusha suktam |
| by m kishore mohan |
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| page is revised on 15th February, 2004 |
| Vedangas |
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