Vedang Prakash

The provided text is from the "Vedang Prakash" (specifically, the ninth part titled "Sauvaraḥ" and the tenth part titled "Pāribhāṣikaḥ") and "Uṇādikōṣaḥ" (Root Index). These are works attributed to Swami Dayanand Saraswati, focusing on Vedic grammar and linguistics, particularly the Uṇādi suffixes and grammatical rules (Paribhāṣās).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

• Attribution: The text is presented as authored by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, with publication by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and support from the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra.
• Purpose: The core purpose of these works is to elucidate the nuances of Vedic Sanskrit grammar, pronunciation (specifically accentuation or svara), and word formation, drawing heavily from Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī and the Mahābhāṣya. The emphasis is on achieving correct pronunciation and understanding the derivation of words to grasp their true meaning, essential for understanding Vedic texts and rituals.
• Target Audience: The text is intended for students and scholars of Sanskrit grammar, particularly those interested in Vedic studies.
• Structure: The provided text includes introductions (Bhumika), the main content of the grammatical explanations (Sauvaraḥ, Pāribhāṣikaḥ), and an index of Uṇādi roots (Uṇādikoṣaḥ).

Part 1: Sauvaraḥ (The Science of Vowels/Sound)

This section focuses on the principles of pronunciation and accentuation in Sanskrit, drawing from Pāṇini's rules and Mahābhāṣya commentaries.

• Importance of Udātta, Anudātta, and Svarita: The introduction (Bhumika) stresses the critical role of correctly understanding and pronouncing the three types of accents (Udātta - high pitch, Anudātta - low pitch, Svarita - rising pitch). Incorrect pronunciation, due to errors in accent or articulation, can drastically alter the meaning of words, even rendering them harmful, as illustrated by the example of "Indraśatruḥ."
• Definition and Pronunciation of Accents:
  • Svra (Vowels): Defined as self-luminous and requiring no external aid for pronunciation, unlike consonants.
  • Udātta (High Pitch): Described as pronounced with a higher pitch. The Mahābhāṣya adds details about its pronunciation: āyāmaḥ (restraining all body parts), dāruṇyam (a sharp or rough sound), and kaṇṭhaṁ rodha (constricting the throat).
  • Anudātta (Low Pitch): Described as pronounced with a lower pitch. The Mahābhāṣya specifies its pronunciation: anavasargaḥ (relaxing body parts), mārdavam (softness), and kaṇṭhaṁ uruta (broadening the throat).
  • Svarita (Circumflex): Defined as a combination of Udātta and Anudātta qualities. It's noted that Udātta usually precedes Svarita or Anudātta, and it has no specific symbol, unlike Anudātta (a dot below) and Svarita (a vertical stroke above).
• Rules of Accentuation: The text details specific rules regarding the interplay of these accents, including:
  • The rule governing the initial part of a Svarita vowel being Udātta and the rest Anudātta (Tasyādita udāttamardhasvasvam).
  • The rule for a single-tone pronunciation (Ekaśruti) when calling from a distance (Durātsambuddhau).
  • The rule that an Anudātta following an Udātta becomes Svarita (Udāttādanudāttasya svaritaḥ).
  • Exceptions to these rules, particularly concerning specific sages and Vedic usage (No dāttasvaritodayamāgāryakāśyapagālavānām).
  • Rules for Ekaśruti (single tone) in Yajna (sacrificial) contexts (Yajñakarmaṇyajapanyavasāmasu).
  • Special rules for the Vaṣaṭkāra chant (Uccestarāṁ vā vaṣaṭkāraḥ) and general Vedic pronunciation (Vibhāṣā chhandasi).
  • Specific directives for the Subrahmaṇyā hymn, where Svarita might be replaced by Udātta (Na subrahmaṇyāyāṁ svaritasya tudāttaḥ).
  • Detailed explanations of how accents apply to specific grammatical forms like compounds, case endings, and verb conjugations, referencing Pāṇini's sutras and Mahābhāṣya examples.
• Purpose of the Text: To provide a clear and systematic explanation of the rules of accentuation as found in Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī and elaborated in the Mahābhāṣya, which are crucial for the accurate recitation and understanding of Vedic mantras.

Part 2: Pāribhāṣikaḥ (Grammatical Definitions and Principles)

This section focuses on paribhāṣās, which are general rules or definitions that apply throughout Pāṇini's grammar. They resolve ambiguities and provide guiding principles for interpreting the sutras.

• Types of Sutras: The introduction explains that sutras are of seven types: Saṁjñā (term definitions), Paribhāṣā (definitions/principles), Vidhi (rules), Niṣedha (prohibitions), Atidēśa (extension/analogy), Adhikāra (heading/scope), and Ākhyāna (narration). This text specifically deals with Paribhāṣās.
• Core Function of Paribhāṣās: To remove errors and establish order in grammatical interpretation, resolving doubts that arise in various sections like sandhi (euphony) and others.
• Key Paribhāṣās Explained: The text systematically presents and explains numerous paribhāṣās, often referencing their corresponding sutra numbers in the Aṣṭādhyāyī. Some prominent ones include:
  • Interpretation over Literal Meaning: When doubt arises, interpretation (vyākhyāna) should be used to clarify the meaning, rather than dismissing the rule (na hi sandehādalakṣaṇam).
  • Temporal Application of Terms: Terms like saṁjñā and paribhāṣā are relevant only when the rule they pertain to is active (kāryakālaṁ saṁjñāparibhāṣam and yathoddeśaṁ saṁjñāparibhāṣam).
  • Meaningful Compounds: The rule that in case of kr̥trima (artificial) and akr̥trima (natural) definitions, the kr̥trima one takes precedence (kr̥trimākr̥trimayoḥ kr̥trime kāryasaṁpratyayaḥ).
  • Scope of 'Ekāla' (One Element): Clarifying that an element with an affix (anubandha) is not considered ekāla (nānabandhakatamanekālatvam).
  • The Principle of 'Substitute' (Ādeśa): Substitutions apply only to what is specified (nirdiśyamāṇasyādeśā bhavanti).
  • Priority Rules: Rules like 'the subsequent rule is stronger' (pūrvasminnāsiddhe sa bahirangam) and 'what is stated later prevails' (vipratidhe parṁ kāryam) are crucial for resolving conflicts.
  • Law of Causality in Grammar: A rule cannot be based on something that it itself produces (kāryamanubhavan hi kāryaṁ nimittatvenanaśrīyate).
  • Scope of Affix-Related Rules: Rules regarding affixes generally apply to the entire word or element, not just a part of it (pratyayagrahaṇe yasmasāṁ sa pratyayo vihita stadādha sthānastadantasyac grahaṇaṁ bhavati).
  • Exceptions to Exceptions: The text systematically explains how specific rules override general ones.
  • The Role of Upasargas and Case Endings: How prefixes and case endings influence word formation and accentuation.
  • The Principle of 'The More Specific Overrides the General': This is a recurring theme in resolving grammatical conflicts.
• Purpose of the Text: To provide a comprehensive glossary of the essential grammatical principles that are fundamental to understanding and applying Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī.

Part 3: Uṇādikoṣaḥ (Index of Uṇādi Roots and Derivations)

This extensive section is a dictionary explaining the derivation of Sanskrit words from their root verbs using the Uṇādi suffixes.

• Uṇādi Sūtras: The foundation of this section is the Uṇādi system, which details the formation of nouns and adjectives from verb roots using specific suffixes (pratyayas). The text references Pāṇini's sutras related to Uṇādi, particularly Uṇādayo bahulam, Bhūte'pi dṛśyante, and Gamyādayo bhaviṣyati, indicating that these suffixes can apply to past, present, and future contexts, and often involve variations (bāhula).
• Structure of Explanation: For each word or root:
  • The relevant Pāṇinian or Uṇādi sutra is cited.
  • The root verb (dhātu) is identified.
  • The suffix (pratyaya) used for derivation is mentioned.
  • The resulting word is defined with its meaning, often providing multiple interpretations or applications.
  • Notes on special rules, exceptions, or grammatical points (like accentuation, pronunciation changes, or usage) are provided.
• Content: The Uṇādikoṣaḥ is essentially a lexicon of word derivations. It covers a vast number of words, explaining their formation from roots. This is crucial for understanding the etymology and the subtle meanings of Sanskrit words, especially in Vedic literature. For example, it explains words like:
  • Kāruḥ (craftsman) from kr̥ (to do) + uṇ.
  • Āyuḥ (life) from i (to go) + ṇ.
  • Saruḥ (arrow) from śr̥ (to injure) + uṇ.
  • Svasā (sister) from su (good) + sa (suffix).
  • Vāyuḥ (wind) from vā (to blow) + yu.
  • Mṛtyuḥ (death) from mṛ (to die) + yu.
  • Brahma (ultimate reality) from br̥h (to grow) + ma.
  • And many, many more, explaining the root, suffix, and often the semantic link.
• Emphasis on "Bāhulaka": The concept of bāhulaka (manifoldness, variety) is frequently mentioned, implying that the Uṇādi rules are not always rigid and allow for variations in suffixes, meanings, and forms, which require careful study of usage.
• Purpose of the Text: To systematically explain the derivation of a significant portion of Sanskrit vocabulary from verb roots using Uṇādi suffixes, providing the grammatical basis for their existence and meaning.

Overall Significance:

These texts, particularly the Sauvaraḥ and Pāribhāṣikaḥ, are foundational for anyone serious about understanding Sanskrit grammar according to the Pāṇinian tradition. The Uṇādikoṣaḥ further expands this by providing the etymological roots of many Sanskrit words, which is essential for deciphering the deeper layers of meaning in classical and Vedic literature. The attribution to Swami Dayanand Saraswati highlights his immense contribution to the revival and scholarly study of Vedic texts. The Jain context mentioned in the catalog link indicates the work was preserved and made accessible through Jain institutions, underscoring the cross-sectarian appreciation for Vedic scholarship in India.