Apstambparibhasha Sutram

This document is a critical edition of the Ápastamba-Paribháshá-Sútra, a foundational text within the Ápastamba Kalpasútra, a comprehensive manual of Vedic rituals. The title page and preface clearly indicate that this work is a scholarly endeavor, published by the Government of Mysore in 1893, edited by A. Mahadeva S'astri, and includes the commentaries of Kapardisvámin and Haradattáchárya.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its contents and significance based on the provided text:

1. Nature and Significance of the Ápastamba-Paribháshá-Sútra:

• Purpose: The Paribháshá-Sútra, also known as Yajna-Paribháshá-sútra, Sámánya-sútra, or Nyáya-sútra, contains general technical rules applicable to all Vedic sacrificial rites (yajñas), both Śranta (public) and Grhya (domestic). It serves as a crucial interpretive key for understanding the entire corpus of Vedic ritual literature.
• Placement: In the Ápastamba Kalpasútra, this section is strategically placed at the end of the Śrauta (public ritual) section and just before the Grhya (domestic ritual) section, signifying its overarching relevance.
• Necessity of the Edition: Editor A. Mahadeva S'astri felt the need for this edition while working on a commentary of the Ápastamba-Grhya-sútra, as frequent references to the Paribháshá-sútra were made. He emphasizes the difficulty in understanding Vedic texts without such specialized commentaries.
• Importance of Commentaries: The text highlights the indispensable role of commentaries for deciphering the meaning of the sútras. The two commentaries included, by Kapardisvámin and Haradattáchárya, are considered essential for understanding the nuances of the ritualistic rules.

2. The Commentaries and Their Authorship:

• Kapardisvámin: Presented as the older of the two commentators. His commentary is cited with respect, and its genuineness is supported by the existence of a related commentary called "Kapardisára."
• Haradattáchárya: The authorship of his commentary is a subject of discussion. While the manuscripts generally attribute it to Haradatta, a Calcutta edition names Dhūrtasvámin. The editor leans towards the Southern Indian manuscripts representing a more correct tradition.
• Dating of Commentators:
  • Kapardisvámin: Likely flourished before the 11th century, as he is mentioned by S'rí-Rámánujáchárya, a significant philosopher who would likely have acknowledged contemporaries. He might have lived even before S'ankaracharya.
  • Haradattáchárya: Estimated to have lived between 1300 and 1450 A.D., following Dr. Bühler's assessment.
• Manuscript Basis: The edition is based on several manuscripts of the text and its commentaries. The editor notes that some manuscripts received later, including Satyavrata Sámaśramin's edition, confirmed the importance of the work and the need for a precise edition.

3. Editorial Approach and Challenges:

• Structure: The Paribháshá-sútra is divided into four subsections (khandas) in the manuscripts, a division not present in the Calcutta edition or Max Müller's translation. This division is seen as indicative of its significant study among South Indian Brahmins.
• Referencing Vedic Passages: Both commentaries refer to numerous Vedic passages and sútras from various Śākhās (Vedic recensions). The editor diligently traced and corrected these references where necessary.
• Difficulties: The editor acknowledges the task of editing was difficult due to the nature of the work and the scarcity of materials. He credits his Sanskrit Assistant, Panditaratnam K. Rangáchárya, for navigating the intricacies and inaccuracies.
• Variae Lectiones and Corrigenda: A list of variations in readings and corrections is provided, indicating a rigorous textual comparison process.

4. Content Overview (Based on the Chapter and Sūtra Summaries):

The text is meticulously structured, with the first section (Prathama Khanda) detailing the fundamental aspects of sacrifice (Yajna):

• Yajna (Sacrifice): Defined as an act of offering, associated with deities, and a means to liberation or merit. It is described as being performed by the three higher varnas (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya) and by three Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda).
• Vedic Recensions and Rituals: The text specifies which Vedas are associated with particular rituals and parts of rituals, such as the Darshapūrṇamāsa (new and full moon sacrifices) with Rigveda and Yajurveda, and Agnihotra with Yajurveda. All offerings are connected to the Agniṣṭoma.
• Vocalizations and Pronunciation: Sūtras discuss the proper intonation (uchchaih, mandra, madhyama, krushta) for chanting mantras during different parts of the Soma sacrifice and other rituals.
• Roles of Priests: The specific duties of the Hotṛ (Rigveda), Adhvaryu (Yajurveda), and Udgātṛ (Samaveda) are outlined, as well as the role of the Brahmā, who oversees the entire ritual.
• Scriptural Authority: Mantras and Brahmanas (prose passages explaining rituals) are established as the primary sources of authority for rituals. Brahmanas are further categorized into 'Chodanāni' (injunctions) and 'Arthavāda' (explanations, praises, criticisms, narratives).
• Mantras and Their Application: The text clarifies what constitutes a mantra, differentiating between those directly from the Vedas and those derived or adapted. It discusses rules regarding the repetition of mantras, the use of single mantras for complex actions, and the application of mantras in specific contexts.
• Ritualistic Procedures: Numerous details on ritualistic procedures are covered, including:
  • The continuity of rituals (mantra-antaḥ karmādiḥ).
  • The connection between parts of rituals and their corresponding mantras.
  • The sequence of actions and the use of specific mantras at different stages.
  • The rules for offering oblations (āhutis), using specific ladles (sruk, juhū, ghuveṇa), and performing them in the Āhavanīya fire.
  • The maintenance and cleansing of ritual utensils.
  • The principles of determining the correct ritualistic elements when there are variations or omissions.
  • The procedure for performing sacrifices on specific days like Amavasya (new moon) and Pournamasi (full moon).
  • The concept of 'Prakṛti' (model ritual) and 'Vikṛti' (derived ritual), and how rules are transferred.
  • The hierarchy of ritualistic authority and the application of specific rules based on the Veda or the nature of the ritual.

The subsequent sections (Dwitiya, Tritiya, and Chaturtha Khanda) continue this detailed exposition on various aspects of Vedic rituals, including:

• Ritualistic Order and Movement: Rules for the movement of priests within the sacrificial area (vihāra) and their orientation.
• Offerings and Substitutions: Guidelines for offerings, including the proper method of dividing ingredients and the rules for substitutions when original ingredients are unavailable.
• Prakṛti and Vikṛti (Model and Derived Rituals): A significant portion is dedicated to establishing the relationships between different rituals, identifying which serves as the model (prakṛti) for others (vikṛti). This involves understanding how sacrifices and their constituent parts are related and how rules are transferred.
• Rules for Specific Rituals: Detailed explanations for rituals like Darśapūrṇamāsa, Agnihotra, Soma sacrifices, Chaturmāsya, and various animal sacrifices.
• Prakṛti-Vikṛti Hierarchy: The text outlines how specific rituals are derived from broader categories, such as the Jyotiṣṭoma serving as a model for other Soma sacrifices.
• Exceptions and Special Cases: It addresses exceptions to general rules, like when certain rituals are not performed, or when specific circumstances require different procedures.
• Rules for Offerings and Preparations: Details on preparing offerings like puroḍāśa (rice cakes) and charu (cooked grain) and the associated mantras.
• Application of Mantras: Further discussion on how mantras are applied, including their role in identifying deities, the principles of 'ūha' (modification of mantras), and when mantras are not to be altered.
• Conditions for Ritual Deviation: The text explains the three reasons for deviation from the original ritual (pratyaāmnāna, pratishedha, arthalopa) and provides examples for each.

In essence, this publication of the Ápastamba-Paribháshá-Sútra with its commentaries is a monumental work of scholarship, offering an in-depth look into the complex system of Vedic ritual, its rules, and their interpretation. It provides the essential framework for understanding and performing these ancient sacrifices correctly.