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Rivers in Ancient India (study)

by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words

This page relates ‘Introduction to Aranyaka and Upanishad Literature� of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Introduction to Āṇy첹 and Upaniṣad Literature

In the previous chapters, the various rivers as found in the different 󳾲ṇa are discussed at length. Now, in this chapter, different rivers will be focused which are scattered in the Āṇy첹 and the 貹Ծṣa.

The third stage of development in the field of Vedic literature is marked by the Āṇy첹. This literature is important for the discussion regarding the mysticism or symbolism of the sacrifices. The word Āṇy첹 means what is produced in the forest. According to Sāyaṇācārya,[1] the Āṇy첹 are so called because these were to be read in the forest. Those people who desired permanent bliss would retire to the forests shunting the transitory pleasure of the world. Āṇy첹 were meant to give a preliminary training to those who desire eagerly for the liberation from the bond of birth and rebirth. As a part of the 󲹳ṇa, they occupy the position of a distinct category of literature due to their content and language.

The Āṇy첹 or the ‘Treaties of the forest� are a class of works intermediate between the 󳾲ṇa and the ūٰ. They contained the meditations of forest–ascetics on god, creation or the universe and on mankind. The philosophy of ancient India is embedded in these works. The main contents of these Āṇy첹 are no longer rules for the performances of the sacrifices but the mysticism and symbolism of sacrifice and priestly philosophy. It deals with the theosophical speculations which represent ñԲṇḍ of the Vedic thought. The Āṇy첹 texts are virtually an admission of the correct performance of a compulsory ritual that had developed to enormous proportions in the 󳾲ṇa period. The Āṇy첹 do not lay down rules for the performance of the sacrifices nor do they comment on the ceremonial in the 󳾲ṇa style. They are mainly devoted to an exposition of the mysticism and symbolism of the sacrifice. The concluding portions or appendices are so secret that they would spell danger if taught to the uninitiated and had therefore, to be learnt in the forest and not in the village.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

araṇyadhyayanādetadāraṇyakamitīryate| araṇye tadadhīyītetyeva� ⲹ� pracakṣyate|| Sāyaṇācārya on ղٳپīⲹ Āṇy첹, 1.6

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