Chandshastram

The provided text is a Sanskrit scholarly work titled Chandahshastram (छन्दःशास्त्रम्), attributed to Pingalacharya (पिंगलाचार्य), with commentaries and explanations by Halayudha Bhatta (हलायुध भट्ट) through his work 'Mritasanjivani' (मृतसंजीवनी), and further elaborated by Madhusudana Vidyavacaspati (मधुसूदनविद्यावाचस्पति) in his 'Chandonirukti' (छन्दोनिरुक्ति). The edition was prepared and annotated by Pandit Kedarnath (पण्डित केदारनाथ) and Ananta Sharma Vidyalankara (अनन्त शर्मा विद्यालंकार). It was published by Parimal Publications in Delhi, India, with a reprint in 1994.

This comprehensive work is a treatise on Chandas Shastra, the science of Sanskrit prosody. It delves deeply into the fundamental principles, definitions, classification, and application of Sanskrit meters.

Here's a breakdown of the summary based on the provided text, particularly focusing on the introductory sections and the structure of the work:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Title: Chandahshastram (छन्दःशास्त्रम्)
• Original Author: Pingalanaga (पिंगलनाग) or Pingalacharya (पिंगलाचार्य)
• Commentaries/Vrittis:
  • Mritasanjivani (मृतसंजीवन्याख्यया वृत्यया) by Halayudha Bhatta (श्रीहलायुधभट्ट)
  • Chandonirukti (छन्दोनिरुक्तिसनाथीकृतं च) by Madhusudana Vidyavacaspati (समीक्षाचक्रवर्तिराजपण्डित श्रीमधुसूदनविद्यावाचस्पति)
• Editors/Annotators:
  • Pandit Kedarnath (पण्डित केदारनाथ), son of Mahabhatta Upadhyaya Pandit Durgaprasad, patronized by the Maharaja of Jaipur.
  • Ananta Sharma Vidyalankara (अनन्त शर्मा विद्यालंकार), son of Dhumakaru Upamadhya Dnyaneshwar, who enriched it with the 'Vishalyakarani' (विशल्यकरणी) commentary.
• Publisher: Parimal Publications, Delhi, India.
• Series: Parimal Sanskrit Series No. 6.
• Reprint Year: 1994.

2. Subject Matter (Chandahshastram): The book meticulously explores the science of Sanskrit meters, a crucial Anga (limb) of Vedic study. The introductory sections (Prastavana, Chanda tattva vaadah) highlight the profound philosophical and intricate nature of Chandas.

3. Key Themes and Discussions:

• Defining Chandah: The text begins by posing and exploring the question, "What is Chandah?" (किमिदं छन्द?). It examines various perspectives, including:

  • Lakshya-apeksha (लक्ष्यापेक्ष): Based on examples like the mantra "Agnimile" (अग्निमीळे).
  • Lakshya-nirapeksha (लक्ष्य-निरपेक्ष) / Lakshana-apeksha (लक्षणापेक्ष): Based on the definition of Chandah as a measure of syllables ('Yadaksharaparimanam tac chandah' - यदक्षरपरिमाणं तच्छन्दः) or fixed quantity of syllables/mora ('Matraaksharasaṅkhyanijata vak chandah' - मात्राक्षरसंख्यानियता वाक् छन्द).
  • The discussion critiques the simplicity of definitions like "measure of syllables," showing how different interpretations and examples (like the Earth being Gayatri, space being Trishtubh, heaven being Jagati) lead to complexities.

• Etymology and Nature of Chandah: The introduction grapples with the meaning of terms like Gayatri, Ushnih, etc., questioning whether they are based on derivation (Yoga), tradition (Ruddhi), or convention. It explores the concept of 'Achhadakatva' (आच्छादकत्वम् - covering or enveloping quality) as a potential root of the word 'Chandah'.

• Vedic References and Interpretations: A significant portion of the introduction involves an extensive analysis of various Vedic passages that refer to Chandas. These passages often associate meters with deities, cosmic principles, and actions, leading to a rich tapestry of interpretations. The text discusses:

  • The seven meters (Gayatri, Ushnih, Anushtubh, Brihati, Pankti, Trishtubh, Jagati) as foundational.
  • The idea of meters "covering" or "protecting" beings from impurities or demons, as seen in passages about Indra and meters.
  • The association of meters with different directions, cosmic realms (Earth, Space, Heaven), and even sounds or speech patterns.
  • The concept of 'Prana-matra' (प्राणमात्रा - measure of life-breath) as the underlying essence of Chandah, linking it to both physical and verbal manifestations.

• The Nature of 'Achhadakatva' (Covering): The text extensively discusses the term 'Achhadakatva' (covering) in relation to Chandah, exploring its various meanings in the Vedas and common usage. It argues that the covering quality isn't always about concealment but can also imply containment, protection, or defining structure.

• Categorization of 'Avacchedas' (Limiting Factors): The text categorizes the limiting factors or defining principles that constitute Chandah, such as:

  • Dig-desha-kala-samvit-sankhya (Direction, place, time, consciousness, number).
  • Parinama (Quantity), Sadha (Similarity), Akriti (Form), Jati (Class).
  • It establishes that these factors, when defining the essence or limiting a particular entity, are considered the cause for the term 'Chandah'.

• The Fundamental Definition: The core argument presented for the meaning of Chandah is 'Avaccheda' (अवच्छेद - limiting factor or principle). This 'Avaccheda' can be understood in various ways:

  • Matra-pratistha-tulitaka (Measure, establishment, comparison), related to 'Ma', 'Prama', 'Pratima' respectively.
  • These measures define and limit the vital force or 'Prana' (प्राण), giving it form and structure. This 'Prana-avaccheda' (प्राणावच्छेद) is the essence of Chandah.

• The Importance of 'Samskara' (संस्कार - refinement/purification): The text emphasizes the role of 'Samskara' in shaping and defining beings and their actions, linking this to the structure and purpose of meters. It categorizes 'Samskaras' into those that remove defects, enhance qualities, and complete deficiencies, connecting them to the development of Vedic rituals and states of being.

• Dravina (द्रविण - wealth/substance) and its relation to Chandah: The text explores how different types of 'Dravina' (wealth or substance), associated with Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and even deities, are linked to specific meters (Gayatri, Trishtubh, Jagati, etc.). This suggests a cosmological and social order underpinned by prosody.

• The Concept of 'Pada' (पद - step/word/foot): The text discusses the significance of 'pada' in prosody, exploring its various interpretations in Vedic and secular contexts, and how these 'padas' contribute to the structure and rhythm of meters.

• The Role of 'Samasa' (समास - compound words) and 'Sandhi' (सन्धि - euphony): The introduction to the fifth chapter discusses the role of word formation and euphonic rules in shaping poetic rhythm and meter, particularly in the context of 'Samasa' (compounds) and 'Sandhi' (euphony), and how their application or non-application affects the meter.

• The Importance of 'Yati' (यति - caesura/pause): The text dedicates a significant portion to the concept of 'Yati', the pauses or caesuras within a verse, and their impact on meter, rhythm, and meaning. It discusses various theories and rules governing 'Yati' and the errors associated with their misplacement or absence.

• The Purpose and Utility of Chandah Shastra: The concluding sections (Chhandovigyanarthakata Vada) strongly defend the necessity and significance of studying Chandah Shastra. It argues that knowledge of meters is crucial for:

  • Correctly understanding and performing Vedic rituals (Yajna). Without this knowledge, rituals are considered ineffective or even harmful.
  • Achieving spiritual merit and liberation. Certain meters are associated with specific deities and cosmic forces, and their correct recitation is believed to lead to desired outcomes, including spiritual progress.
  • Developing poetic skill and aesthetic appreciation. The science of meters provides the framework for creating beautiful and meaningful poetry.
  • Understanding the deeper philosophical and cosmological meanings embedded within the Vedic texts.

4. The Structure and Annotations: The preface by Kedarnath highlights the painstaking effort involved in compiling this edition. It mentions the critical analysis of various manuscripts, correction of errors in previous editions, and the inclusion of comprehensive notes (Tippani) by Ananta Sharma Vidyalankara to clarify difficult passages and provide context. The preface also discusses the historical development of Chandah Shastra, mentioning earlier scholars like Krounki, Yaska, Tandin, Kashyapa, and Rat-Mandavya, before Pingalacharya, and then subsequent commentators. It also touches upon the possible identity and era of Pingalanaga and Halayudha Bhatta.

In essence, Chandahshastram by Pingalacharya, as presented in this edition, is a foundational and exhaustive text on Sanskrit prosody. It is a deep dive into the structural, rhythmic, and even philosophical underpinnings of Vedic and classical Sanskrit poetry, making it an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners of Sanskrit literature and Vedic studies.