Upabrmhana And Rgveda Interpretation

Here's a comprehensive summary of T.G. Mainkar's "The Upabṛmhana and the Rgveda Interpretation," based on the provided text:

Central Thesis: The Importance of Upabṛmhana for Rgveda Interpretation

The book argues for the crucial role of Upabṛmhana (elucidation or expansion) in understanding the Rgveda, particularly its obscure and difficult hymns. Mainkar contends that the traditional method of interpreting the Veda through the lens of Itihasa (history) and Purana (ancient narratives), often referred to as the Sūta tradition, is not only valid but often necessary, even when faced with critiques of its potential for misapplication or uncritical use.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

1. The Interconnectedness of Sanskrit Literature: Mainkar emphasizes that Sanskrit literature, encompassing the Vedic (Rși tradition) and the Itihasa-Purana (Sūta tradition), is not compartmentalized but deeply interconnected. Obscure Vedic passages can often be clarified by later texts, and vice versa.

2. Rși Tradition vs. Sūta Tradition:

   • The Rși tradition is primarily associated with Vedic hymns, focusing on religion, philosophy, and the powers of nature, often expressed in hieratic poetry.
   • The Sūta tradition is linked to Itihasa and Purana, dealing with historical events, human heroes, and popular culture, expressed in secular or popular poetry.
   • Mainkar argues against a strict separation, noting that these traditions often meet and merge. The Rși tradition also contains historical elements (like the Ākhyāna hymns), and the Sūta tradition preserves elements that inform Vedic understanding. Rși-hood was based on revelation, not necessarily caste.

3. The Role of Ākhyāna Hymns: The Rgveda contains "Ākhyāna Hymns" (narrative hymns) which are often considered difficult and obscure. These hymns are crucial because they serve as a bridge between the two traditions, dealing with material that bridges the gap between the hieratic and the secular. They often preserve ancient tales and shed light on contemporary history and social life.

4. Evidence for Itihasa and Purana's Antiquity and Importance:

   • Rgveda itself: Mentions the word "Purana" (though often meaning "old").
   • Atharvaveda: States that Itihasa, Purana, and Gathas originated from the same source as the Vedas, and describes a "Purāṇavit" as someone knowledgeable about the past.
   • Brahmanas: Acknowledge Itihasa and Purana as part of the Vedic curriculum and ritual, highlighting their creation alongside the Vedas.
   • Aranyakas and Upanishads: Refer to Itihasa and Purana with reverence, with the Chandogya Upanishad even calling them the "fifth Veda."
   • Mainkar notes that Itihasa primarily dealt with historical facts, while Puranas touched upon cosmological and geological knowledge.

5. Illustrative Examples of Upabṛmhana in Action: The book delves into detailed analyses of specific Rgvedic hymns, demonstrating how Itihasa and Purana provide crucial context and meaning:

   • Sunahsepa Hymn (Rgveda I. 24-30): The Aitareya Brahmana's prose account, filled with "gathas," elucidates the Vedic mantras. The Puranas further elaborate on this story, sometimes integrating Brahmana material.
   • Urvasi and Pururavas Hymn (Rgveda X. 95): The Satapatha Brahmana, Mahabharata, and Puranas narrate this episode, confirming its broad details and providing context that makes the Rgvedic hymn more intelligible. The Puranic accounts often incorporate specific Vedic phrases.
   • Brahmajāyā Hymn (Rgveda X. 109): The Tandya Brahmana and Puranas shed light on this hymn, which describes an outrage on a Brahmana's wife. Mainkar critiques Sayana's interpretation here and highlights the Atharvaveda's confirmation of certain details.
   • Hymn of Mudgala Bhārmyasva (Rgveda X. 102): This hymn is presented as a challenging "war ballad" with themes found in later epics (like cattle-lifting). Mainkar dissects various scholarly interpretations (war, race, ritual) and, drawing on the Purāṇic tradition and the Nirukta, argues for a war context where Mudgala, a king, wins back his stolen cattle with the help of his wife, Mudgalāni (Indrasena), and a bull. He emphasizes the interplay of historical figures and events as the core of such hymns.
   • Hymn of Agastya and Lopamudrā (Rgveda I. 179): Mainkar proposes a reinterpretation of this dialogue. Drawing heavily on the Mahabharata's account, he argues that the hymn reflects a conflict between Agastya's ascetic life (dharma) and his desires for worldly prosperity and progeny (kama), ultimately leading to a harmonious combination of both. He challenges previous interpretations that saw it as a ritual, a culture drama, or an erotic text, and reassigns speakers, emphasizing Agastya's initiative and Lopamudrā's practical wisdom.
   • Asvin-Stuti in the Mahabharata: In the third lecture, Mainkar shifts focus to show how the Rgveda itself aids in interpreting difficult passages within later texts. He analyzes an Asvin-stuti from the Mahabharata, demonstrating how numerous phrases, concepts, and even specific exploits are directly borrowed from or inspired by Rgvedic hymns, thus helping to elucidate the Mahabharata passage.

6. The Evolution of Vedic Material: Mainkar outlines a four-phase evolution for Vedic material:

   • Mytho-poetic: Early, symbolic, lacking historical or geographical grounding.
   • Ritualistic tale: Elements added for ritualistic purposes, often found in Brahmanas.
   • Religio-moralistic: Rationalization and moral lessons drawn, seen in Itihasa and Puranas.
   • Romance: Artistic embellishment, prominent in Classical literature.

7. The "Golden Mean" and Caution: While advocating for Upabṛmhana, Mainkar stresses the importance of caution and critical acumen. Blind traditionalism or unchecked fancy should be avoided. The aim is to find a "golden mean" in interpretation.

Conclusion:

"The Upabṛmhana and the Rgveda Interpretation" makes a strong case for the continued relevance and necessity of using the Itihasa and Purana traditions to understand the Rgveda. Mainkar argues that these later texts, deeply rooted in Vedic culture, often provide the missing links, historical context, and mythological background necessary to unlock the meaning of the Veda's most challenging passages. The book advocates for a holistic approach to Vedic studies, recognizing the organic unity of ancient Indian literature.