Motilal Banarsidass
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Vedic Metaphysics
Vedic Metaphysics
In 1958, a Sankaracarya travelled to the western regions of India for the very first time in the country’s history. It was at the request of the Self Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles that the author, His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracarya Sri Bharati Krsna Tirtha of Puri, travelled to the United States to disseminate information on Vedanta. This book is a collection of several of his lectures that were presented at that location.
The fundamentals of Vedanta are outlined in these lectures, which were delivered by a saint-yogi who was both an expert in the ancient Indian texts and was knowledgeable in the current sciences. They speak in a clear and concise manner while maintaining the integrity of their thoughts. Given that they are written in the present vernacular, it is likely that the modern mind will find them to be especially suitable. Despite being directed for American audiences, the talks share a message that is both timeless and applicable everywhere else in the world. The readers will find that the stages of spiritual inquiry and the routes to God-realization that are explained in these passages are of an enormous amount of practical value to them in their search for the sublime.
The Most Reverend Jagadguru Sankaracarya One of the four monasteries that the great Sankara established in the distant past, the Govardhana Pitha in Puri was led by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirtha, who served as the pontifical head of the monastery. After an outstanding academic career that included the study of Sanskrit, Mathematics, Philosophy, History, English Literature, and other scientific subjects, he studied Vedanta under the renowned Jagadguru Sankaracarya, Sri Sivabhinava-Nrsimha-Bharati at Sringeri, and he practised vigorous yogasadhana in the nearby forests. It was in these forests that he also discovered the hidden meaning of the Ganita-sutras of He accepted sannyasa in 1919.
Sainthood was not His Holiness’ only vocation; he was also a scholar, a religious speaker, a yogi-philosopher, and an orator. He had a profound understanding of the Hindu texts. In addition to this, he studied the sacred texts of other faiths with the reverence of a devotee and proclaimed the fundamental oneness of all world religions.
His Holiness established the World Reconstruction Association in 1953. This was a non-religious organisation with the goal of morally reorganising society as the primary focus of its activities. In 1960, he acquired the state of Mahasamadhi.\Author
JAGADGURU SVAMI SRI BHARATI KRSNA TIRTHAJI MAHARAJA
₹795.00Vedic Metaphysics
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Battle, Bards and Brahmins: Papers of the 13th World Sanskrit Conference Volume II
Battle, Bards and Brahmins: Papers of the 13th World Sanskrit Conference Volume II
This volume, the second in the Proceedings of the 13th World Sanskrit Conference (Edinburgh, July 2006), reflects the continued increase in interest in the Sanskrit epics seen in recent years, containing no less than 19 articles (a larger number than in the corresponding volume from the 12th WSC at Helsinki) by a number of distinguished scholars in the section devoted to the Sanskrit epics. The great majority of the articles focus on the Mahabharata but several focus on the Ramayana, as well as one on the Harivamua. The variety of approaches adopted by their authors underlines the vitality of this area of research and collectively these articles make a major contribution to our understanding of the history of these massive works, their relationship to each other and their place in the total field of Sanskrit literature and indeed of Indian literature and culture as a whole. The articles are grouped according to the text that they are mainly focussing on (in the order Mahabharata, Harivamsa, Ramayana) and within that in an order which seeks to bring related topics together, beginning with the genealogical issues that underpin all of the narrative in each of the texts and ending with the study of a retelling of one of them, the Anandaramayana. The editor has ensured a degree of uniformity of appearance and of bibliographic reference but had no wish to rein in the diversity of expression and approach to be found in the feast of articles here assembled.
Author
JOHN BROCKINGTON
₹750.00 -
The Puspasutra (2 Vols.): A Pratisakhya of the Samaveda
The Puspasutra (2 Vols.): A Pratisakhya of the Samaveda
One of the most important supplementary works in the body of Saman technical literature that is associated with the Kauthuma and Ranayaniya schools is known as the Puspasutra. It discusses the melodies of the Saman people as well as the structure of their music. In the context of this discussion, the word “Puspa” refers to the syllabic expansion that takes place throughout the process of creating a melody out of a verse. The Puspasutra was penned a significant amount of time after the Saman melodies had already been formed.
There are 10 Prapathaka included in the Puspasutra. The first two of them include the names of Samans that appear in the Uttaragana (also known as the Uhagana and the Uhyagana) in the sequence in which they appear in the Uttaragana. The demarcation may be understood based on the declaration of themes that is included in the eighth Prapathaka of the Puspasutra. The Puspasutra is divided into two sections: the northern and the southern recessions. The statement of contents found in the eighth Prapathaka is in complete agreement with the subjects discussed in Prapathakas III to VIII of the southern recession. It is generally agreed that this section of the Puspasutra is the authentic, original component of the text
The Northern recension of Puspasutra attributes this [ext] to Govila not once, but twice. It was formerly attributed to Vararuci, according to the Southern recension. In several places, the Puspasutra describes the chants in detail, including their metres. This gives the appearance that the ganas were repeated in a different metre than what they really were.
It is not easy to pinpoint the precise year when the Puspasutra was written. The initial nucleus was expanded upon by include other components, such as the Vikalpas (alternatives), the remaining bhavas, a more in-depth study of prastava, and the first two Prapathakas. The fact that it now exists with 10 Prapathakas is a significant boon to the academic community that is dedicated to the study of Samavedic chanting. It’s possible that the readers may find the explanations of the technical jargon offered in this version to be really helpful.About the Author(s)
G.H. TARLEKAR
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The Doctrine Of The Upanisads And The Early Buddhism
The Doctrine Of The Upanisads And The Early Buddhism
The first edition of this book was released in 1908.
Oldenberg gives a brief overview of the life and philosophy of Vedic Indians in the introduction of his book. During this time period, a magician may eventually advance to the role of a priest as a result of their advancement. The Vedas and the Brahmanas were written during this time period.
In Chapter I, which delves into the more ancient Upanisads, such as the Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad and the Chandogya Upanisad, it is first described how the concept of the Supreme Being, the one and only mystic power, was conceived in the words Brahman and Atman, and how these two entities merged with each other and became identical. This is done in the context of Chapter I’s discussion of the older Upanisads. After then, it moves on to a discussion of the theory of metempsychosis, which focuses on how it developed as a result of the relationship between the Supreme Being and the world of plurality. During this time, the magician-priest starts to transition into more of a philosophical role.
Chapter II deals with subsequent Upanisads such Kathaka Upanisad, Maitrayana Upanisad and Svetasvatara Upanisad. During this time period, there are convincing indications that the Samkhya Doctrine and the Yoga were only starting to take shape as distinct systems. Here, the culmination of human aspiration, the deliverance of oneself from anguish, is laid bare for everyone to see. In a nutshell, we see the evolution of thinking in Indian philosophy from a god of impersonal powers to a deity of personal powers.
However, it is noteworthy to note that a system that firmly supports the aspects of Yoga also strongly rejects theism and adheres to the gloomy philosophy of Indian mysticism, which is the Doctrine of Buddhism. This is discussed in further detail in Chapter III.
Author
Hermann Oldenberg
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The Religion of the Veda: Die Religion des Veda
The Religion of the Veda: Die Religion des Veda
The Vedic Literature, which is the oldest product of the Aryan mind and is held in the highest esteem and is regarded as the most sacred by Hindus, presents a panorama of the life of the ancient population of India in all of its facets. Vedic Literature is the oldest product of the Aryan mind and is held in the highest esteem. Herman Oldenberg was the professor who pioneered the first critical examination of frightening literature in the last several centuries, and European academics, mostly Germans, were the ones who conducted the research. His masterpiece, titled Die Religion des Vedas, was published for the first time in 1894, and a revised version was released in 1916. In his thorough and in-depth research on the Vedic religion, he took use of linguistic approaches, as well as those from the fields of ethnology and folklore. This work has had a significant influence on subsequent Vedic studies and has an enduring interest to the student of the Veda, as is amply evident from the fact that even after nearly a century has passed since its first publication, it continues to attract the attention of Vedic researchers and is very frequently sought for guidance and consultation by them, and here is the first ever English translation of these four classic texts.
The book is divided into four chapters, each of which is preceded by an introduction that provides a comprehensive discussion of the source material, which includes the Vedas, Brahmanas, and sutra. The first chapter discusses the gods and demons of the Vedic tradition in general, while the second chapter delves into the specific gods of the Vedic tradition, including Agni, Indra, Vruna Mitra, and others, as well as the bad demons, the beginning of the universe, and the divine and moral realms. The third chapter discusses in depth the religion of sacrifice, which includes topics such as magic observances, festivals, prayer, and priests. The fourth chapter discusses animism, the dead, soul heaven, and ell, as well as ghosts, fathers, and burial ceremonies.
Author
HERMANN OLDENBERG
₹995.00 -
Prolegomena on Metre and Textual History of the Rgveda: Metrische und textgeschichtliche Prolegomena, Berlin, 1888
Prolegomena on Metre and Textual History of the Rgveda: Metrische und textgeschichtliche Prolegomena, Berlin, 1888
Oldenberg made a distinction between the “original text” of the Rgveda, which is the form in which the rsis composed and recited their hymns, and the “traditional text,” which has been handed down to us in a fixed form by the oral tradition. The “original text” of the Rgveda is the form in which the rsis composed and recited their hymns. Oldenberg conducted a comprehensive analysis of all parts of the traditional text in order to give the original text to the academic community in the form and arrangement that he had uncovered. This was done so that other researchers may benefit from his findings. Oldenberg always intended for the contents that are now being published in this book to serve as a Preface to his planned edition of the Rgveda. This volume is now being published. They are the product of Oldenberg’s in-depth research on the Vedic metre, the principles that underlie the arrangement of the hymns in the Rgveda Samhita, the variations found in the text of the mantras as found in the Rgveda and the later Samhitas and the Brahmanas, orthoepic diaskeuasis, and the two Sakhas of the Rgveda: Sakala and Baskala. Later on, Oldenberg decided against releasing his ‘critical edition’ of the Rgveda as he had originally intended.
Author
HERMANN OLDENBERG,
TRANSLATED BY: V.G. PARANJAPE & M.A. MEHENDALE
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Vedic Texts: A Revision: Professor C.G. Kashikar Felicitation Volume
Vedic Texts: A Revision: Professor C.G. Kashikar Felicitation Volume
The compilation of critical editions of Vedic texts, which was being done at the time by a number of different Vedic Scholars in India, resulted in the publication of Vedic Texts: A Revision. On the occasion of Prof. C.G. Kashikar’s eightieth birth anniversary, this volume, which consists of the specimens of the forthcoming critical editions of Vedic Texts, is presented to him as a tribute of respectful gratitude for his profound scholarship in the field of Vedic ritualistic studies. The specimens are presented in this volume as a tribute of respectful gratitude. This volume contains excerpts from eight different Vedic books, including the Maitrayani Samhita, Gopatha Brahmana, Aitareya Aranyaka, Baudhayana Srautasutra, and Manava Srautasutra. The academics who have been tasked with the revision of these eight works are already relatively acquainted with the individual works, as well as conversant with the appropriate method of operation. In addition, this volume has a foreword written by Professor R.N. Dandekar, a biographical sketch, biodata, and a bibliography of Professor C.G. Kashikar’s publications and a selection of his papers.
Author
C. G. Kashikar
₹500.00 -
The Krsna Cycle in the Puranas: Themes and Motifs in a Heroic Saga
The Krsna Cycle in the Puranas: Themes and Motifs in a Heroic Saga
Krsna is often regarded as one of the most beloved personalities in Indian literature and religion. The accounts of his life and the actions he performed continue to play an important role in the literary traditions of India right up to the present day. The primary ideas and recurrent images that can be seen throughout the Krsna mythology up to the 10th century are the focus of this book. In the first chapter, the antecedents of the figure of Krsna that may be found in the Vedas are investigated, as are some of the viewpoints that suggest that Krsna can be found in the hymns of the Vedas. An exhaustive survey is made of all of the archaeological and literary evidences, along with their interpretations and discussions by modern scholars, and the second chapter deals with the first historical evidence on Krsna up to the beginning of the Christian Era. This chapter covers the time period from the beginning of the Christian Era to the beginning of the Christian Era. In the third and fourth chapters, an examination of the motifs and themes found in the Krsna saga is presented using a folk-comparative methodology. Particular focus is placed on the parallels between the Krsna saga and the mythology surrounding Hercules. The last chapter provides an overview of the Krsna tales as they were shown in iconography up to the 10th century. In addition to this, there is a collection of images that depict the majority of the iconographical evidence that has been addressed; several of these photographs are being released for the first first time here.
Author
DR. BENJAMIN PRECIADO-SOLIS
₹1,000.00 -
Concept of Rudra-Siva Through the Ages
Concept of Rudra-Siva Through the Ages
The current book sheds fresh information on the progressive growth of the notion of Rudra-Siva in his animal, phallic, and human forms from the days of the Harappa Civilization. This development can be traced back to when the Harappa Civilization existed. It investigates how Siva, the composite Aryan-non-Aryan Divinity, was not only admitted but was ultimately crowned with an exalted position in the Brahmanical pantheon; how the bull, which was once identified with the deity, was regulated to the position of a vahana; how phallism was related to Saivism; and also how Siva, in his different forms, was represented in early Indian Art and the Art of Further India. Because of the breadth and depth of the author’s research, he has been able to fill an important need in the field, and his approach to the topic as a whole is unmatched. A comprehensive bibliography is included in this rigorous research on Siva that was conducted.
Author
MAHADEV CHAKRAVARTI
₹995.00 -
Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas
Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas
The Mahapuranas are the texts that best represent the conventional wisdom of Hindu mythology. This anthology includes recent translations of these stories, of which only a handful have ever been made accessible in English previously, and as a result, it makes available a substantial new section of Hindu mythology.
There are six different chapters in all in this book. Myths are told in “Origins” that are associated with creation, time, and space. The book “Seers, Kings, and Supernaturals” tells stories of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and mankind, most notably heroes and wise men. Krsna, Visnu, and Siva each have their own chapter to devote to debunking the many myths that circulate about them. The tales of the wives and lovers of the gods are told in the chapter titled “The Goddess.” The chapter also discusses Kali, the fierce goddess of conflict.
In the introductions that they have written, the editors have provided not only a historical context in which to analyse Hindu mythology but also a comprehensive examination of the sources upon which it is based. The several names that were originally given. The editors have included a comprehensive lexicon in order to make these names more understandable.
Author
Cornelia Dimmitt
₹995.00 -
Isvarasamhita (Set of 5 Vols.)
Isvarasamhita (Set of 5 Vols.)
Both Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra are very significant schools of ritual and philosophy that emerged as a direct result of Visnuism’s influence. The Isvarasamhita is an essential piece of literature for followers of the Pancaratra school of Visnuism.
Pancaratra is characterised by a more open and permissive approach, in contrast to Vaikhanasa, which has a character that is relatively archaic and relies more heavily on the Vedic tradition for its repertoire of mantras that are used in religious rites and ceremonies. Pancaratra’s repertoire of mantras can be found here. It has a text tradition that dates back around two thousand years, which has also been the primary basis for the Visistadvaita philosophy that was developed by Ramanuja (between the 11th and 12th centuries). Worship is performed in line with the instructions provided in one of the significant Pancaratra Samhitas at the vast majority of Vaisnava temples located in southern India, particularly in the state of Tamilnadu.
At the Narayanasvami temple in Melkote, a strict adherence to the Isvarasamhita can be seen throughout the daily puja ritual as well as during the many other types of religious celebrations that take place there. This is because the Isvarasamhita is an essential scripture of the Pancaratra School. Given that it is mentioned in Shri Yamunacarya’s Agama Pramanya, we may confidently place it somewhere between the 8th and 9th centuries at the very least. It is said to be a simpler and shorter version of the older sattvatasamhita of this school, which is the earliest available work of Pancaratra and is regarded as one of three ratnas, (Jewels), along with the Pauskara- and Jaya Samhitas. In other words, it is the simplest and shortest version of the older sattvatasamhita of this school. The Isvarasamhita contains a description of the rites, rituals, and ceremonies that take place (or ought to take place) at a Vaisnava temple. This description is spread out across 25 lengthy Adhyayas.
Palm leaf Because of its reputation for genuineness, the Narayanasvami temple in Melkote was the primary source for the Isvarasamhita manuscripts that were acquired. We have included attached to the text the gloss that was written by Alasimha Bhatta in the early 19th century. This gloss will be of assistance in understanding some terms that are difficult to understand or are sectarian in nature. The current researchers who are working on the philosophy, ritual, and iconography of Visnuism will find the English translation helpful, thus it has been supplied on the page facing them (to the right).
It should come as no surprise that the study of art cannot proceed without first acquiring a sufficient familiarity with ritual.
Author
V. Varadachari
₹6,000.00Isvarasamhita (Set of 5 Vols.)
₹6,000.00 -
The Sacrificial Ritual in the Satapatha Brahmana
The Sacrificial Ritual in the Satapatha Brahmana
The Sacrificial Ritual in the Satapatha Brahmana
Author
Naama Drury
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The Hymns of Sankara
The Hymns of Sankara
In conjunction with Sri Sankara Jayanti festivities at Sankara Vihara, Ayanavaram, Madras, every year it has been a regular habit to put out some modest publication based on the works of the Great Master as also works about him under the term ‘Jayanti Series’. The current work falls within such category.
Besides composing his well-known commentaries and Advaita manuals, Adi Sankara penned a great number of powerful hymns filled with intense devotion. Were this reality well known, the complaint brought against Sankara’s Advaita, viz., that there is no space for bhakti in the path of jnana would not have been made.
This book contains several of his hymns. At the conclusion Totakacarya’s well-known song to Sankara is added.
The material is offered in Devanagari script with transliteration, English translation and commentary.
Author
Dr. T.M.P. Mahadevan
₹495.00The Hymns of Sankara
₹495.00 -
Vediki Prakriya: Shodhpurna Alochanatamak Vistrit Hindi Vyakhya
Vediki Prakriya: Shodhpurna Alochanatamak Vistrit Hindi Vyakhya
Vediki Prakriya: Shodhpurna Alochanatamak Vistrit Hindi Vyakhya
About the Author(s)
Damodar Mehto
₹395.00 -
Dharmasutra Parallels: Containing the Dharmasutras of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana and Vasistha
Dharmasutra Parallels: Containing the Dharmasutras of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana and Vasistha
The Dharmasutra Parallels provide a synoptic presentation of the passages that may be found in the four Dharmasutras of Apastamba. The teachings of Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha all focus on the same concepts. The Dharmasutras are the earliest complete legal code from ancient India that has survived to the current day. An in-depth examination of these early legal treatises is required if we are to have any hope of comprehending not only the legal history of the three or four centuries prior to the common era, but also the cultural and religious history of that time period. This was the time when many of the characteristics that are typically associated with Indian civilization began to take shape during that era.
Author
Patrick Olivelle
₹1,495.00 -
The Pravargya Brahmana of the Taittiriya Aranyaka: An Ancient Commentary on the Pravargya Ritual
The Pravargya Brahmana of the Taittiriya Aranyaka: An Ancient Commentary on the Pravargya Ritual
A historical commentary on the Pravargya ceremony can be found in Prapathaka 5, which is part of the Taittiriya Aranyaka in the Andhra recension. This commentary, known as the Pravargya Brahmana, is presented here in a translation that also includes annotations. An investigation of the Pravargya ritual is included in the Introduction. This ceremony is referred to as “One of the few rites that have been specifically alluded to in the Rgveda (typically under the term “Gharma”).” The abstract and spiritual character of what is most likely the primary purpose of the ritual – the participants should acquire the lustre of the sun – the straightforward means by which it can be performed, and the manner in which the main implement, the pot which is heated to a red-hot temperature, is worshipped, give it a special place among the vast assortment of Vedic rites. In addition to the translation, the original Sanskrit text of the Pravargya Brahmana of the Taittiriyas has also been provided here. The present work was prepared under the direction of Professor Dr. H.W. Bodewitz (Utrecht), and it is an expansion of an essay that the author wrote as part of the author’s partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of “doctorandus” at the University of Utrecht, 1987. This work was prepared under the guidance of Professor Dr. H.W. Bodewitz (Utrecht).
Author
Jan E.M. Houben
₹595.00 -
Vedic Hermeneutics
Vedic Hermeneutics
This book asserts that the Veda is what makes known knowledge inaccessible to empirical means of knowledge and what does not contradict what is known through history, science, reason, and common sense. Additionally, it states that the Veda is what does not contradict what is known through common sense. Only information that is relevant to Dharma and Brahman is included in its content. It is possible to correctly comprehend it by using the concepts that have been outlined by the Nirukta and the two Mimamsas.
What the most influential tradition recognises as the Veda is, in point of fact, the Veda. A wise person once remarked, “The meaning of its earlier section is lighted by the smrtis, and the meaning of its latter portion is lit by the itihasa-puranas.” Understanding its significance requires, among other things, familiarity with the bhasyas written by Madhva, Sayana, and Atmananda. This study makes an effort to demonstrate that this is the case. Both the assertion of the oneness of Being and the awareness of that unity may be found in the Rgveda. The Yajurveda imparts knowledge to us about the deed that is superior. Chanting and meditation on what the first Veda praises or depicts is at the heart of the Samaveda. The Atharvaveda proposes that being and man are quite similar to one another, if not identical.
₹450.00Vedic Hermeneutics
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Madhyanindenkramapath (Pratham Bhag)
Madhyanindenkramapath (Pratham Bhag)
A Brief Synopsis of the Book Madhyanindenkramapath (Pratham Bhag) “Blossoms of Friendship depicts each one of Vimala Thakar’s speeches as a delectable morsel, so preserving the ageless quality of Thakar’s words. The fifth chapter, “The Silence of Meditation,” is my favourite because it so eloquently emphasises the need of spiritual practise in modern society, even going so far as to call it a necessity.”
About the Author(s)
Yudhishthir Mimansak
₹1,245.00Madhyanindenkramapath (Pratham Bhag)
₹1,245.00 -
In the Image of Fire: The Vedic Experience of Heat
In the Image of Fire: The Vedic Experience of Heat
₹695.00 -
Latyayana Srauta Sutra (3 Vols.)
Latyayana Srauta Sutra (3 Vols.)
The Srauta Sutras are an essential part of the larger body of literature known as the Sutras. They are known for distilling the substance of the Vedic scriptures known as the Samhitas and the Brahmanas into a condensed form, which helps to reinforce India’s long-standing custom of offering sacrifices. The Yajurveda and the Samaveda, as well as the Rgveda, which is known to have developed a variety of recensions with differences in utterance and practise, are also important to the sacrificial tradition in India, which is widely known to be based primarily on the Rgveda, which is the oldest book that was written by humans.
₹2,200.00Latyayana Srauta Sutra (3 Vols.)
₹2,200.00
