Veda-Vijnanam by Navalpakkam Sri. Devanathachariar

A Synopsis

The Vedas, the sacred book of the Hindus, contain several elements of scientific concepts besides other esoteric wisdom. The present book, Veda-vijnanam, contains a collection of 12 critical essays in Tamil on the following topics contributed by late Shri Navalpakkam Devanathachariar, who was the foremost scholar of our times on the Vedas and the darsanas especially the Purva-mimamsa system of Philosophy of Jaimini and his commentators. He has to his credit about 20 critical text editions on various branches of Sanskrit literature, like, Purva-mimamsa, Sahitya, Silpa, etc. and a number of articles published in various journals. The articles contained in the above book abound with the brahmanical explanations of mantras which have a scientific bearing :

1. The Burning Earth (Bhoomi Erikinrathu)

The earth as a burning body in the eye view of birds.

2. The Tree Trembles (Maram Bhayappatukirathu)

Plants have life and feelings.

3. One Year-One Day (Oru Varsham Oru Nal)

For the celestials.

4. Thirty Sisters (Muppathu Sahodarikal)

The Dawn - Ushas.

5. Fire in Waters (Neerul Neruppu)

Heat Energy in Waters.

6. Fasting (Upavasam)

Its Significance.

7. The Cow (Aghniya)

Cow not to be slaughtered -- Its Protection and necessity.

8. Hand-pounded Rice (Kaikkuttalarisi)

Its efficacy : Mimamsa View.

9. Indra’s Grammar (Aindra Vyakaranam)

The most ancient phonetico-grammatical system.

10. Arithmetic (Ganitam)

Numeration in the Vedas.

11. Donkey (Kazhuthai)

All its aspects described in the Vedas.

12. Stars (Nakshattirangal)

Description of the constellations in the Vedas.

The more one dives deep in the Vedic literature, the deeper one can reach. Thus, the aim behind publication of these collected papers is to direct the attention of the Vedic students and the common man about the variety of topics the Veda has dealt within. This is only a sample survey.

The Editor of the present book, Sri P S Ramanathan has undergone a complete study of the Krishna Yajurveda, comprising the Taittiriya Samhita-Brahmana-Aranyaka and the Upanishad in the traditional method and the other Vedas, Dharmasastras, Srauta, Grhya and the Phonetics in general, under qualified teachers. He has authored books like Rg-yajuh-Samavedeeya Sandhyavandana (a detailed commentary on the Sandhya worship according to the three sakhas of the Veda with full documentation of the references and citations, and indices in Mal-1985), Gayatri-bhashyam, (Skt-1986) Surya-namaskara (Vedic Sun Worship-Mal) , Darsa Sraddha (a detailed account of the New Moon day ritual in respect of the departed ancestors, with commentary, textual references, etc. in Mal), Maharshigal Charitam (Sanskrit-Tamil Ed.), etc. He is very much involved in encouraging the preservation of oral tradition of the various branches of the Vedas. Presently engaged in editing two other branches of Vedic literature called Siksha (Vedic Phonetics) and the Pitrmedha-sutras of Apastamba with Ganapatya vritti of Painganadu Ganapati Sastrin

The present work Veda-vijnanam, will extend to about 250 pages in print of Demy 1/8 size. The estimated cost of printing the book on fine quality white map litho paper/binding comes to Rs. 60000/- approx. It is a known fact that such rare works cannot be brought out without financial assistance. It would be in the fitness of things if philanthropic minded persons would come forward to assist/sponsor the project. It would then be possible to undertake the printing of this work great national value and cultural importance.

Complimentary copies of the book can be sent to the donors as soon as the book is published. Please feel free to ask any further information about the author/editor or the book.

Address of the Editor

P. S. RAMANATHAN,
“Saketa”,
27/502 PVR Nagar,
Pallipuram PO,
Palakkad 678006
Kerala State.

Email: ramsaket
Phone: 0491-2515441