Understanding Veda Karma Kanda, Vol. 2. - Softcover

G K Kannan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8172760795 ISBN 13: 9788172760793

Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1999

Synopsis

The late Parmacharya of Kanchi Kamakotipitam, Pujya Chandrashekharendra Saraswati has said 'The Vedas and the Vedanta are not at variance with one and other. The Karmakanda prepares us for Vedanta or Jnanakanda. If we perform the rites laid down in the Karmakanda, keeping in mind their true prupose, we shall naturally be qualifying for the Jnanakanda". The purpose of the present work in both his volumes is to enlighten the reader about the "true purpose " held up to us by the dear departed saint of Kanchi as the objective to be pursued. More details: The Vedas form the foundation of Hindu Dharma and Indian Culture. They are distinguished alike for their language and literature. They are looked upon, not as compositions of human skill, but intuitions of the human mind. They are the gifts to mankind of seers, who attuned themselves to the Supreme. They are thus apaurusheya, not of human origin. They are anadi, (without beginning), ananta, (many) and sanatana, (eternal). Four Hundred sacrifices are said to be mentioned in the Vedas. Out of these 21 are required to be performed at least once in one's lifetime. These form part of the 40 samskaras which are elaborated in the Kalpa Sutras and the Dharma Sastras. These sacrifices fall into two broad categories - Srauta and Smarta. The first volume deals with Girhya Karma included in the Smarta karma. There are 26 Girhyakarmas. In the forty purificatory rights of an obligatory character - Samskaras for everyone who is a Hindu. These are dealt with, in volume 1 and cover rites beginning from conception and ending with funeral rites or antyeshti. Within the range of these rites fall Garbhadhana, Upanayana and Vivaha. In the second volume are discussed the srauta karmas comprising 7 Havir Yajnas and 7 Soma Yajnas. The author of the book in both the volumes has dealt with the subjects in the form of questions and answers to facilitate a clearer understanding. Though he is not a performing priest, the information collected is quite authentic. There is no reproduction of the concerned mantras but the purport of the ceremonial concerned is adequately explained. For instance the extract separately furnished may be worth perusal.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 8172760795
• ISBN 13: 9788172760793
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 254