The Vedangas

The Vedangas: The Limbs of the

Vedas (Shadangas)
 Vedangas literally mean the limbs of the Vedas.
 They are six in number. Just like the limbs of the
body, they perform various supportive and
augmenting functions
 The six Vedangas are Siksha, Chhanda,
Vyakarana, Nirukta, Jyotisha and Kalpa.
 All Six are aimed to promote an all round
development of the students with a better
understanding of the Vedas and vedic practices.
The importance of the Vedangas

 The Vedangas were crucial for maintaining

the integrity of the Vedic tradition by teaching
Vedic hymns, rituals, and ceremonies.
 They popularized Sanskrit and influenced
native languages and literature.
 Other religions, like Buddhism, adopted
Vedanga practices, spreading their influence.
Siksha (Phonetics/ Pronunciation)

 Nose of Veda Purusha

 Pronunciation of the veda mantras
 Siksha deals with the phonetics and
pronunciation of Vedic texts. It provides rules
for correct enunciation (ఉచ్చారణ),
accentuation(అక్షరధారణ), and intonation (శృతి),
ensuring the accurate transmission of Vedic
hymns.
In Vedic Samskrit language “शिक्षा” (SHIKSHA)
means specific instruction for:-
– संस्कृ त वर्णमाला (Sanskrit alphabets).

– वर्णोच्चारण (वर्ण का उच्चारण ) नियम ( rules for

pronunciation of varn i.e letter)

– ध्वनि विज्ञान (phonology).

– स्वर-विज्ञान (phonetics).
Chhanda (Maths, Metrics,
Inotation, prosody)
 Feet of Veda Purusha
 Metrical composition and patha-paddhati of
mantras
 Chandas or study of meter in the poetry of
the Vedas, including number of syllables,
words, spacing etc in the structuring of
the śloka or verse.
 The placement of words was defined and
precise
Vyakarana (Grammar /
Linguistics)
 Mouth of Veda Purusha
 Construction of words and knowing the
primary meaning
 Vyakarana is the grammar of the Sanskrit
language. It analyzes the structure, rules, and
usage of Sanskrit, providing the framework
for the precise interpretation and grammatical
analysis of Vedic texts.
Nirukta (Origin of words)

 Ears of Veda Purusha

 Meanings of words according to the vedic
context
 Nirukta deals with the etymology (శబ్దవ్యుత్పత్తి )
and interpretation of difficult or archaic words
and phrases found in the Vedas. It helps
elucidate the meanings of Vedic terms and
provides insights into the cultural and
historical context in which they were used.
Jyotisha (Maths, Astrology &
Astronomy)
 Eye, Organ of sight of Veda Purusha
 Knowledge of appropriate time and place to
perform yajnas and yagas.
 Jyotisha encompasses both astronomy and
astrology. It involves the study of celestial
bodies and their movements to determine
auspicious timings for Vedic rituals and
ceremonies. Jyotisha also includes the
interpretation of celestial omens (శకునాలు) and
their significance in ritualistic practices.
Kalpa (Maths, Mantra/Rituals)
 Arms of Veda Purusha
 Practice of the yajnas and yagas
 Systematic treatment or rituals, rules for
sacrifices.
 Kalpa ensures the correct implementation
of Vedic rituals according to established
traditions and procedures.
Types of Kalpa Sutras

 Shrauta – Sutras, dealing with Shrauta

sacrifices
 Grihya – Sutras, dealing with domestic
ceremonies
 Dharma – Sutras, dealing religious, social
laws