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sreenivasaraos
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jewelsofsayuri

September 23, 2018 at 3:19 pm

Dear Sir, I am a designer who is just beginning her PhD journey. My area of interest is “the fashioning of the self (Alamkara) through jewellery.” I came across your site and am stunned by the vast knowledge you have put up here. I would be really grateful if you could you please point me to some books, papers, articles I could read on this subject. Thanks and regards

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  September 24, 2018 at 3:03 pm
  
  Dear Divya
  
  Thank you for the visit and for the appreciation.
  
  I do not know much about the jewellery, in particular.
  
  And, whatever I say might be like carrying ice, all the way, to Eskimos. You are the expert; and, I am just on the periphery.
  
  However, I suggest you may take a look at the thesis prepared by Mr. Dushyant Dave, during 2017, on the subject of the Motifs in ornamentation special reference to Rajasthani kundan meena jewellery 16th to 21st Century
  
  You may see how he has gone about in dealing with the subject.
  
  Please see Chapter Two on Tradition and basic sources of Indian Jewellery
  
  And, in the bibliography , a list of references is given. Please see if any of those would be of help.
  
  *
  There are also some books published on the subject of Jewellery, such as
  
  Indian jewellery: by Usha Ramamrutham Bala Krishnan and Meera Sushil Kumar
  
  Traditional Jewelry of India by Oppi Untracht
  
  You may refer to them, in case , you have not already done so.
  .
  There are also websites on subject
  
  History of Indian Jewellery
  
  Tradition and basic sources of Indian Jewellery
  
  https://www.thebetterindia.com/86147/history-indian-jewellery-jewels-traditions/
  
  https://www.culturalindia.net/jewellery/history.html
  
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303844521_women_and_jewelry_-
  the_traditional_and_religious_dimensions_of_ornamentation
  
  http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/30664/1/IJTK%204(2)%20118-126.pdf
  
  .
  Pardon me. I am aware I have not been of much help. Please excuse me.
  
  Wish you success in all your endeavors
  
  Cheers.
  
  Reply
  - jewelsofsayuri
    
    September 25, 2018 at 3:33 pm
    
    Thank you so much for the reply. While I have gone through some of the books & articles, Others are new to me. So I’ll take a look at them. Any suggestions for Samudrika lakshanam or Shola shringhar will also be helpful.
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 8, 2018 at 6:20 am
  
  Dear Divya
  
  I trust your thesis is progressing well. In case you have not already finished your task, please see the following. Else, please ignore.
  
  I am not sure if this really helps you
  
  But, I think you may use this as a part of background material for your Paper.
  
  The Rig-Veda mentions some interesting details of the dress and ornaments worn by the women its time. But, these are scattered. I have tried to put some of those details together. See, if this helps.
  
  *
  
  The Sindhu country was called Suvasa (the producers of beautiful cloths); and Urnavati (the producer of wool) – (Rv. X-75-8).
  
  The dress consisted of two garments; the Vasas, the lower garment; and, Adhivasa or Adhivastra an upper garment (Rv. VII-26-13).
  
  Besides, a mantle or cloak called Atka (Rv. 1-95-7); and Drapi (Rv.1-25-13) are also mentioned.
  
  The garments called Pesas were sometimes embroidered and adorned with gold (Rv. V-55-6); and were worn by female dancers (Rv. 1-92-4).
  
  A special garment called Vadhuya (Rv.X.85.34) was woven for adorning the bride at her marriage ceremony.
  
  Ushnisha , was a head – covering that women sometimes used.
  
  In the Rig-Veda age, at times, the garments made of leather were also used (Rv. 1-166-10).
  
  The upper garment of men was called Uttariya. A garment called Pravara was used in winter.
  
  *
  The men and women were fond of wearing ornaments in the Rig-Veda times.
  
  Niska was a golden ornament worn around the neck, as in the epithet niska-giva (Rv. v-19-3).
  
  Rukma was another ornament made of gold in the shape of a plate, worn on the chest –as in Rukma Vaksas (Rv. V-55-6).
  
  The Khadi was either a golden anklet worn both by men and women; or, it was an armlet worn on the arm or wrist likes a bangle (Khadi-hasta) – Rv. V-58-2.
  
  The term Mani-griva (Rv. 1-122-16) suggests string of gems worn around the neck – a necklace.
  
  The golden ornaments adorning the ear were called Karna Sobhana (Rv. VII-78-3).
  
  [It seems; Rajata-Hiranya (white gold), known as silver was not in much use.]
  
  Pearl ornaments (Krsana) were also used (Rv.I.35.4).
  
  The pearls might have been available in the Sapta-sindhu region; because, the river Sindhu was called Hiranya vartiru (Rv. VI-61-7).
  
  Besides it is mentioned that pearls were used to decorate the chariot of Savitr, a divine being (Rv. 1-35-4).
  
  The Srak was a garland, ordinarily worn by men and made either of flowers or golden lace wrought in to flowers (Rv. IV-38-6)
  
  Thus, ear-rings, necklaces, bracelets, armlets, anklets and garlands were common ornaments of women.(But, the nose-ring was conspicuously absent.)
  
  *
  In the Rig-Veda times, the women had their hair well oiled and combed; and dressed in braids (Kaparda). It seems, they had the practice of weaving braid into four braids, which dangled behind on the back (Rv. X-114-2 ).
  
  The men also had their long or short, according to their will. The Vasistas had long hair which was coiled on the right (Rv. VII-33-1) .
  
  The term Vaptr in the Rig-Veda, denotes a barber shaving beards; and, Ksura was a sort of razor or blade (Rv. VII-4-16).
  
  *
  
  Cheers
  
  Reply
  - jewelsofsayuri
    
    November 8, 2018 at 1:36 pm
    
    Thank you sir. I have just begun my Phd journey and so I have a long way to go. Yes, I am aware of the costume details since I teach costume history. What I would love to get hold of are the English translations of Vedas (Rig & Atharva) so that I understand their context as well. May I know that source that you are using for these quotes? If you would prefer, I can contact you over email. Thank you sending me these details
  - sreenivasaraos
    
    November 9, 2018 at 2:50 am
    
    Dear Divya
    
    Good to know you are familiar with the details of the past history. Pardon me for having bothered you with trivia.
    As regards the references you mentioned:
    
    For the text of the Rig Veda in Roman (English) script; I generally follow the GRETIL site, which describes itself as: cumulative register of the numerous download sites for electronic texts .
    
    http://gretil.sub.uni-goettingen.de/gret_utf.htm#Samh
    
    *
    For translation in English, you may start with The Rig Veda by Ralph T.H. Griffith at
    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/
    
    It is rather uncomplicated. You may thereafter search for more explanatory ones, if you so choose.
    
    **
    The references to ornaments or dresses occur in different contexts. Once you get the reference to the mention of the ornaments etc., you may have to go back to the translation (say, Griffith’s) to ascertain the context; and, go the GRETIL to get the related text of the Rig Veda.
    
    For instance; I gave you the reference to Rv.5.53.4, which refers to hymn 54.4 in the Fifth Book. It describes the ornaments and dresses of Maruts; and, mentions like Rukma, Khadi etc., meaning ornaments, breastplates and armlets.
    
    The translation at HYMN LIII, Maruts says:
    
    4 Who shine self-luminous with ornaments and swords, with breastplates, armlets, and with wreaths, Arrayed on chariots and with bows.
    
    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv05053.htm
    
    If you need the corresponding text,
    
    RV_5,053.04a ye añjiṣu ye vāśīṣu svabhānavaḥ srakṣu rukmeṣu khādiṣu | śrāyā ratheṣu dhanvasu ||
    
    http://gretil.sub.uni-goettingen.de/gretil/1_sanskr/1_veda/1_sam/1_rv/rv_hn05u.htm
    
    *
    Niska was a golden ornament worn around the neck, as in the epithet niska-giva (Rv. v-19-3). It is about Agni
    
    RV_5,019.03 niṣkagrīvo bṛhaduktha enā madhvā na vājayuḥ ||
    
    Translation: A gold chain Bṛhaduktha wears, as, through this Soma, seeking spoil.
    
    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv05019.htm
    
    *
    Similarly, Rv.58.2 refers to Khadi-hasta), an armlet worn on the arm or wrist likes a bangle
    
    RV_5,058.02a tveṣaṃ gaṇaṃ tavasaṃ khādi-hastaṃ dhunivratam māyinaṃ dātivāram |
    
    Translation : 2 The mighty glittering band, arm-bound with bracelets, givers of bliss, unmeasured in their greatness, with magical powers, bountiful, ever-roaring,—these, liberal Heroes, venerate thou singer.
    
    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv05058.htm
    
    *
    With the references I have given, you may have backwards to get to the context, tthe text and its translation.
    
    It is time-consuming ; and tiresome too .
    
    You may try ; and, in case you find it hard, let me do it rather slowly
    
    Wish you Happy Deepavali. And, Godspeed with your thesis.
    
    Cheers
  - jewelsofsayuri
    
    November 9, 2018 at 3:40 pm
    
    You are awesome sir; Thank you so much.
- Roopa Girard
  
  January 14, 2019 at 2:35 pm
  
  Dear Mr. Rao,
  How are you? Thank you for these am,axing blogs on Indian Arts. I live abroad but am an ardent promoter of Indian Arts. In that vein I am in the process of commissioning a online course and would love your involvement in the same. Please can you contact me,
  Best wishes,
  Roopa Girard
  
  Reply
  - sreenivasaraos
    
    January 20, 2019 at 7:05 am
    
    Dear Ms. Roopa
    
    Pardon me for the delay in responding to your comment.I was not well for some time
    >
    The articles I have posted cover varied aspects such as Music; Painting;Sanskrit Drama and Poetry; Indian Philosophies; History; and literature etc
    
    Kindly let me know in which field of Arts you are most interested
    And
    the outline of your proposed project
    
    Thank you
    Cheers
Savitha Gurunath

October 6, 2018 at 11:45 am

With due regards sir,
I am interested in the series of barahamasa paintings.Are all the paintings either in Kota, Bundi,Datia school of paintings painted during 15th century and onwards? Are they all based on Keshav dasa’s Rasikpriya only? Which books should I refer? kindly guide Sir…

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  October 6, 2018 at 1:03 pm
  
  Dear Savitha Gopinath,
  
  You are welcome Maa
  
  I had earlier written about Ritu varnana and Bharamasa – in its aspects of both poetry and paintings
  
  Please check the following link
  https://sreenivasaraos.com/2012/09/20/ritu-varnana-and-barahmasa/
  
  As a part of that article I had written about the poet Sri Kesava Dasa (1555–1617) and his work Rasikapriya composed in Brij-basha . It is a comprehensive compendium of Nayakas and Nayikas, their moods, meetings and messengers. And , it is considered a Lakshana grantha, foundational work, in Riti kavya tradition)
  
  In that context , I had written about descriptions of Barahmasa according to Rasikapriya., along with illustrations
  
  As I mentioned , the Barahmasa poetry and paintings are depicted in various types and traditions, not only that of Sri Kesava dasa.
  
  As I said at Para 12.1
  
  A vast number of schools of miniature paintings such as Bundi, Krishnagarh, Jaipur, Mewar and Marwar giving expression to the Barahmasa concepts and idioms flourished during the mid centuries under the patronage of Pala Kings of Bengal , the Mughals and the Rajputs of Rajasthan. The hill states and even smaller states from Central India too nurtured the paintings of Barahmasa tradition. Datia, one of the schools of painting in Central India, painted a timeless series of Ashtayama, another form of Barahmasa. . These sublime works of art, which gained fame as iconic representations of the seasons and as metaphors for emotions, have inspired generations of artists, poets and lovers. Over the generations, the artists of the diverse schools of miniature paintings have strained to retain the aesthetic values and technical excellence achieved by their pioneer
  
  Please also check the ‘References and Sources’ given at the end of the post , for Barahmasa literature, music and paintings
  
  I trust , these might be of some help. Please let me know
  
  Cheers Maa
  
  Wish you the Best
  
  Reply
sreenivasaraos

October 6, 2018 at 12:42 pm

You are welcome , Dear GuruNath Bhat

Reply
Aritra

October 22, 2018 at 4:20 pm

Dear Sreenivasa Rao,
My search on Mahavidyas in connection with something I am writing around Kali puja (I am a journalist) led me to your blog: a source of vidya itself!
Your work, and its breadth, is fascinating!
Could you please share your contact details; I’d like to speak to you for the story I am working on, as also in connection with my research on theatre and performance.

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 9, 2018 at 3:05 am
  
  Dear Aritra
  
  Deepavali Greetings
  
  Pardon me for the delay in responding to you comment
  
  I have been away for some time; and, also not doing great
  
  If you can kindly frame a set of specific questions
  
  And, send them on to me
  
  I shall try to reply with what little I have learnt
  
  Thank you
  
  Cheers and Regards
  
  Reply
Janardan bhoi

November 16, 2018 at 6:23 pm

Good job rao sir
Really very very thanks to u

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 17, 2018 at 1:45 am
  
  Dear Shri Janardhan, Thanks for the visit and the appreciation . Regards
  
  Reply
Janardan bhoi

November 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm

Actually sir I want to write one article about women empowerment in Veda ….
Give me some suzession .

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 17, 2018 at 1:48 am
  
  Dear Shri Janardhan, I had earlier written about the position of women in the Rig Veda ( in Two Parts). You may commence with that ; and, later follow other leads and sources.
  
  https://sreenivasaraos.com/2012/09/04/rig-veda-position-of-women-12/
  
  Wish you success
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
mstetsenko

November 18, 2018 at 6:38 pm

Hello!

I have a question regarding your entry of Bhaskararaya’s analysis of Kunjika Stotra. You say “As regards the Vyasti goddess, he follows the explanations given in the Devi Upanishad.” In Devi Upanishad as you also say – Aim (ऐं) stands for Mahasarasvathi and Hrim (ह्रीं) for Mahalakshmi. However, when you describe what Bhaskararaya said it’s backwards – Aim (ऐं) for Mahalakshmi and Hrim (ह्रीं) for Mahasarasvathi. Am I reading this correctly?

Thank you!
Max

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 19, 2018 at 8:26 am
  
  Dear Max
  
  Thanks for the visit and reading the article closely
  
  Yes Sir. You are right. The two read differently.
  
  There is an explanation; but, it is rather lengthy and complicated.
  
  Please bare with me.
  
  *
  As said; the Navarna Mantra includes the syllables: Aim; Hrim and Klim.
  The Atharva-Sirsa -Upanishad identifies these syllables with: Mahasarasvati; Mahalakshmi and Mahakali, respectively.
  
  *
  Sri Bhaskararaya takes an alternate view.
  
  Initially, he mentions that this Mantra has been explained in the Shakta Upanishad, the Devi-Atharva – Sirsa –Upanishad.
  
  He points out that in its first verse of this Upanishad; all the gods ask the Goddess “who are you, Oh mighty Goddess”? She replies: I am the very same form (Svarupini) as Brahman; Ahaṃ Brahma Svarūpiṇī
  
  Then, Bhaskararaya mentions the verse in the Devi Mahatmya (5.9) where the gods praise the Devi. This, he says, should be understood as addressed to the un-manifest (Samasti) form of Mahalakshmi.
  
  namo devyai mahādevyai śivāyai satataṃ namaḥ । namaḥ prakṛtyai bhadrāyai niyatāḥ praṇatāḥ sma tām ॥ 9॥
  
  Bhaskararaya, then goes back to Devi-Atharva-Sirsa-Upanishad; and quotes its verse 22; and, says it means the same as the praise rendered by gods in the Devi Mahatmya
  
  namāmi tvāṃ mahādevīṃ mahā bhaya vināśinīm । mahā durga praśamanīṃ mahā kāruṇya rūpiṇīm ॥22॥
  *
  Then he cites the classic three fold aspects of Brahman: Sat (being); Cit (consciousness) and Ananda (bliss). He relates all these three qualities with the Vyasti forms of the Goddess; Mahalakshmi, Mahasarasvati and Mahakali, respectively
  
  Thereafter, he identifies the first three syllables of the Navarna Mantra (Aim, Hrim, Klim) with the Vyasti goddesses Mahalakshmi; Mahasarasvati and Mahakali , in that order .
  
  Here, he follows the Sri Vidya lore, to connect the Vyasti goddesses with their corresponding Bija mantras.
  
  Then he identifies the other two forms of the Navarna Mantra (Chamunda, Vicce) with the Samasti form of the Goddess Chamunda.
  
  The Goddess Chamunda, according to Bhaskararaya, is the highest form, none other than the Brahman. And, it is within Chamunda the three Vyasti goddesses Mahalakshmi (Aim); Hrim (Mahasarasvati) and Klim (Mahakali) reside.
  
  Then again, Bhaskararaya goes back to the Devi Mahatmya; and, tries to prove how it is related to the Navarna Mantra.
  
  As regards Mahalakshmi, he asserts that Mahalakshmi is the highest and the foremost of the three Vyasti goddesses, with a predominance of the Rajas (Rajo-Guna). And, Mahalakshmi is the presiding deity of Aa-varga (Aa-group) of the alphabets (Matraka); and, she always appears first.
  
  . And, therefore, She is represented by the first syllable of the Navarna Mantra (Aim). That indicates the pre-eminence of Mahalakshmi. Then he relates the other two syllables to two other Vyasti goddesses.
  
  Thus, Bhaskararaya’s interpretation differs from that given in the Atharva-Sirsa-Upanishad
  
  The scholar Caleb Simmons remarks:
  
  Bhaskararaya’s commentarial link between the Bija mantras and their goddesses to the ideology of Sat-Cit-Ananda not only demonstrates his association with the Tantric lineage of Sri vidya , but also to a broader tradition of Indian philosophical speculations.
  
  *
  I could have mentioned all these; but, that would have made an already complicated post, much more painful.
  
  Thanks for asking the question
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
  - mstetsenko
    
    November 19, 2018 at 12:33 pm
    
    Thank you for such a thorough answer!
    
    I have been doing an in-depth analysis of Siddha Kunjika Stotra. Do you by any chance have an insight or can point me to where I can find the information on the meaning of the additional bijas in the mantra given in this stotra?
    
    Specifically:
    oṁ glauṁ huṁ klīṁ jūṁ saḥ …….
    …….. haṁ saṁ laṁ kṣaṁ phaṭ svāhā
    
    Sincerely,
    Max
- sreenivasaraos
  
  November 25, 2018 at 5:00 pm
  
  Dear Mstetsento
  
  Pardon me for the delay in responding
  
  Regarding Siddha Kunjika Stotra
  
  animeshnagar has been writing on the subject
  
  Please check his page at
  
  https://animeshnagarblog.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/damar-tantrokta-siddha-kunjika-stotra/
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
  - mstetsenko
    
    November 25, 2018 at 6:30 pm
    
    Dear Sreenivasa Rao,
    
    Thank you for your link, however this blog references the Damara Tantra version of the stotra and I’m interested in the Rudra Yamala version.
    
    So far the most thorough explanation I could find is here:
    https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-the-Siddha-Kunjika-stotram-in-Durga-Saptashati
    However some a few pieces are missing. I’ll keep searching!
    
    Thank you!
prakashsupra

January 6, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Dear Sir,
The contents of the blog is invaluable and they deserve to be published in other Indian languages as well. Please let me know as to what are the modalities to take it forward. I am from Bangalore and I would like to make an attempt to translate the contents to Kannada language.
Please guide.
Best Regards,
Prakash R
supraengineering@gmail.com

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  January 20, 2019 at 7:15 am
  
  Dear Shri Prakash
  
  Pardon me for the delay in responding to your statement. I was not quite well for sometime
  >
  
  Thanks for the visit and for the appreciation
  
  As you can see, I articles I posted cover a range of subjects such as: Music; Painting;Sanskrit Kavya, Drama and Grammar; Indian Philosophies; History and literature etc
  
  Please let me know in which of these subjects or in in which of the specific set of articles you are interested
  
  BTW, my friend Shri Kannan Rangachar had earlier translated some of my articles into Kannada and published them in a magazine
  
  Cheers
  
  Reply
Nimai Ananda Das

January 18, 2019 at 7:43 am

Dear Sreenivasa Rao,
Thank you very much for this wonderful blog. It’s very appreciative work that you are preserving the most essential vedic culture.
I have some urgent questions in regards to devalay vastu.
We are starting to construct a wonderful Radha Krishna temple in kolkata – ISKCON temple and we want to follow the rules of devalay vastu to best possible way.
Urgent question is – is making temple so that deity facing west is okay? Or it must face north? Our land doesn’t allow temple with East facing. Kindly guide.
Also, how can I learn more about devalay vastu?
Thank you again. Wish to be in touch with you and learn more and want to assist in preserving and spreading vedic values and system.
Your aspiring servant, Nimai Ananda Das.

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  January 20, 2019 at 6:37 am
  
  Dear Respected Nimai Ananda Das, Thank you for the visit. It is good to learn that you are attempting to erect a temple in Kolkata.
  
  1. You mentioned that you: ‘want to follow the rules of Devalaya vastu to best possible way’.
  
  The articles I have posted on temple design and architecture are based mainly in the ancient texts.
  
  These do bring out the principles, practices and norms of temple architecture. And, they, indeed, are educative and useful in understanding the theories of temple design and its purpose.
  
  But, what you are looking for, I presume, is the application of those principles. It would, therefore, perhaps, be more useful if you could go by the experience of those, similar to you, who constructed temples, particularly, in recent times.
  
  While doing so ,you could adopt a project approach which , inter alia, includes clearly defining your objective; the overall dimensions; the specific details of the individual components; layout ;designs of each component ; locations , directions etc.
  
  Another factor is that unlike in South India, the temples- in the West and in the ISKON – tend to be ‘Temple Complexes’, accommodating various deities under a single roof. Therefore, it has to device its own design.
  
  Further, the type, location and size of the Mantapas, are related to the overall size and design of the temple.
  
  Please also see the Categories of the Floor plans of Hindu temples
  
  **
  There are of course many Temple-projects in the recent times, particularly in the West. Most of those are drawn up very systematically. And, the one that quickly comes to my mind is the design of a Hindu Temple in Auckland, NZ.. Please do take time and read this closely.
  
  The project designers seemed to have gone about methodically. You may see their project report .
  
  There are, of course, many more of such projects. You may please look around for the one that would serve you as a model. And, you may even come up with your own design, which could guide others.
  
  Please also see the design of the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin; and its ground plan.
  
  **
  You may also read the research paper which analyzes, and interprets the architecture of the Temple at Eads, Tennessee, USA
  
  There are similar research papers which discuss the temple architecture and design, in general terms, taking broader perspective. For instance; try the following
  
  Construction of a house for Viṣhṇu
  
  The South Indian Hindu temple building design system A paper which, among other things , talks about dimensional analysis.
  
  Agamas and Indian temples: graphical translation and analysis.
  
  Building Science of Indian Temple Architecture
  
  I feel that it would be better to adopt a ‘project approach’ to your venture, than going by solitary concepts.
  
  These project reports would help you to gain a more clear view of your objective; and, how to go about it.
  
  **
  2. As regards the Door ways to the Sanctum , there are varied norms. the Padma Samhita (Kriya-pada.2.33-34) states that the door to the East is productive of happiness;the Door to the West enhances nourishment; the Door to the North brings prosperity and wealth; and, the Door to the South leads to liberation
  
  Prag-dwaram sukhadam; Vrddih paschimam pusti –vardhanam; Dhanadam ch Uttaram dwaram; Dwaram yabhyam ca Mokshadam.
  
  Generally, the Doorways to the East are considered best (Uttamottamam); to the West next best (Uttamam); to the South is middling (Madhyamam); and, to the North is inferior(Adhama)
  
  These prescriptions are , of course, general guide line. When you are undertaking a project, you have to take all factors into consideration, in consultation with an experienced Sthapathi.
  
  *
  3. I would advise you to consult an expert in the field, a practicing Architect/Sthapathi or a scholar like DR. G Gnanananda , a well respected scholar and author, who has written several texts on temple architecture. He may be contacted at his home at : : No.1122 , 5th Main , Gokhale Road, BEML Layout , 3rd Stage , Rajarajeshwari Nagar , Bangaore – 560098 . He can also be contacted on : 080- 2860 4107 or 98863 17368 (M); at yeshu2119@gmail.com
  
  I suggest you may either write or speak to the learned Professor or send him an E-mail providing full details of your temple-project.
  *
  I am aware that I have not been of great help to you. But, I hope, this would help you to take a broader view of your project and proceed further.
  
  May the Mother bless us all
  
  Please keep in touch
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
Global Environmentalist (@12WorldValues)

February 3, 2019 at 12:25 am

Amazing and valuable information. Thanks. But I can’t find the name of its author. So who is the masked man/woman?
Matthew at lovewisdom.net

Reply
Shastry MVN

February 8, 2019 at 5:45 am

Dear Sir,

I am Shastry, from Hyderabad, Telangana. I have proposed to build a huge temple for Lord Shiva & Maa Parvathi Devi.

Solicit your help in guiding me few good architects who can help in designing and building the temple as per Dravida culture.

Regards,
Shastry

Reply
cISlFXttOp

February 12, 2019 at 8:15 pm

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Reply
Viji

February 22, 2019 at 9:15 pm

Dear Sir, Wonderful blog… very informative. thx. I am interested in Srngaranatyam from Bharatarnava. Can you provide suggestions on books, articles and other material relevant to this topic. Also sculptures and paintings from which the information can be gathered. I am a bharatnatyam dancer. Thx

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  February 23, 2019 at 1:34 am
  
  Dear Viji
  
  You are welcome.
  
  I have posted a series concerning the The Texts of the Indian Dance Traditions.
  
  As a part of that , I have posted an articles on Bharatarnava ascribed to Nandikeshvara.
  
  Please click the following link
  
  https://sreenivasaraos.com/2018/11/12/the-texts-of-the-indian-dance-traditions-part-twelve/
  
  I suggest, you may read this in combination with the one on Abhinayadarpana
  
  Please let me know, for more
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
Vik Kennick

March 24, 2019 at 10:39 pm

Dear Learned Sir: I was reading your pages on Uddalaka Aruni and came across information that bears on questions I had about the relationship between brahmins and kshatriyas in the middle Vedic period. YOU SAID: “4.6. Jaiminiya Brahmana (1.22-25) mentions that Uddalaka Aruni along with four other Brahmins (Yajnavalkya Vajasaneya , Barku Varsna, Priya Anasruteya, and Budila Asvatarsvi Vaiyaghrapadya) approached King Janaka of Videha with a request to teach them about Agnihotra.” MY QUESTION IS: Janaka, as a king, would be a kshatriya. How did he attain deep knowledge of Yajna and Agnihotra, which presumably would be the province of brahmins? Also you mention that Janaka was very learned. How did he acquire his education. ALSO, perhaps you could give some idea on how a kshatriya (e.g., Gautama Buddha) could acquire a brahmin gotra. Thanks very much. I much appreciate that you share your comprehensive and detailed knowledge.

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  March 25, 2019 at 5:39 am
  
  Dear Vik Kennick
  
  Thanks for the visit; and for reading the article closely
  
  First, Janaka: Janaka, the king of Videha, is mentioned in a number of ancient texts; such as: Satapatha Brahmana (11.3.1.2), Brihararanyaka Upanishad (3.1.1), Jaiminiya Brahmana (1.22-25) and the Kausitaki Upanishad (4.1). He was a contemporary of the renowned scholars of those days; such as Yajnavalkya Vajaseniya, Uddalaka Aruni , his son Svetaketu, Satyakama Jabala, Ushasthi Chakrayana, Gargi Vachaknavi and others. He was hailed as Raja-rishi, the saint king, who had acquired a deep knowledge and true understanding of Atma Vidya. During his time, the Kuru Panchala region came to be recognized as the home of Upanishad-philosophies. And, Janaka presided over debates and discussions concerning the nature of Brahman, as the Ultimate Reality.
  
  Janaka, it is said, was well versed not only in the philosophies, but also in the practices of a disciplined chaste living. Satapatha Brahmana (11.6.2.10) did, in fact, recognize him as a virtual Brahmin, by virtue of his knowledge and understanding
  
  yājñavalkyo varaṃ dadau sa hovāca kāmapraśna eva me
  tvayi yājñavalkyāsaditi tato brahmā janaka āsa
  
  It is said; many learned Brahmins approached King Janaka seeking instructions on certain spiritual matters.
  
  *
  
  Since you mentioned Agnihotra, in particular, let me draw your attention to an interesting discussion concerning it, as detailed in Jaiminiya Brahmana (1.19-20). It is rather lengthy and tedious, please bear with me.
  
  Yajnavalkya asserts: The Agnihotra cow indeed is the speech. Her calf is mind. . They milk the mother (cow) whose milk has been caused to flow by mind (calf).The mind , here, comes first; and, is followed by speech. Therefore, the mother cow runs after the calf that walks in front. The milk-post is the heart; the rope is the breath. With breath, indeed, speech and mind are tied up to the heart. With a rope he ties the calf and the mother to the milk-post.
  
  Janaka, the King of Videha, questions Yajnavalkya: ‘Do you know Agnihotra?’; Yes I do, ,replied Yajnavalkya. ‘What is it?’; ‘Milk’. If there is no milk with what would you perform Angihotra?’- ‘With rice and barley’. ‘If there is no rice and barley, with what would you perform the offering?’ – ‘with any other corn’. ‘If there would be no other corn, with what would you perform the offering?’ – ‘with forest herbs’. ‘If there would be no forest herbs, with what would you perform the offering?’ – ‘with water’. ‘If there would be no water, with what would you perform the offering’? To that, Yajnavalkya, finally replied: ‘then indeed there would be nothing at all here ; and yet , the offering would be performed by truth and faith’.
  
  Satisfied with Yajnavalkya’s reply, King Janaka spoke ‘Yajnavalkya, you know what is Agnihotra. I honour you. Take away those thousand cows, Sir’
  
  [Source; Jaiminīya Brāhmaṇa I, 1-65: Translation [from the Sanskrit] and Commentary- edited by H. W. Bodewitz ]
  
  Janaka, who questioned Yajnavalkya, obviously knew very well about Agnihotra.
  
  **
  As regards the Kshatriyas and their excellence in their learning in various branch of philosophies, please see the note given below paragraph 3.1, in my post ‘ Who was Uddalaka Aruni? – Part One’
  
  [ It appears from the Chandogya-Upanishad (8-14-1; 5-11, 24; 1-8, 9; 1-9-3, 7-1-3, and 5-11); Brihadaranyaka-Upanishad (2-1-20, 2-3 -6); and Kausitiki Brahmana (2-1, 2; 10, 4.) that during the early Upanishad-period the Kshatriyas were adepts in Adhyatma-Vidya. For instance; king Ajatashatru of Kasi , in an assembly of the Kuru-Panchalas , consoles the Brahmin lad Svetaketu, son of Uddalaka Aruni of the Gautama Gotra that he need not be sorry for his inability to explain certain principles of Adhyatma-Vidya , because that has , so far, been the preserve of the Kshatriyas – tasmād u sarveṣu lokeṣu kṣatrasyaiva praśāsanam abhūd iti (Chandogya-Upanishad: 5-3).]
  
  **
  
  Now, as regards the question of Gotra you mentioned; yes, the Shakyas of Kshatriya race belonged to Gautama Gotra. Hence, the person born in the Sakya clan; and the one who later gained renown, universally, as the Buddha, was addressed as Gautama Buddha. Similarly, the women belonging to the Sakya clan went by the name of Gautami.
  
  In the same way, Mahaveera, another Kshatriya, the founder of Jainism, belonged to Kashyapa Gotra.
  
  Here, Gautama and Kashyapa were both Maharishis, great sages. The Brāhmaṇas who profess Gautama-gotra are generally family descendants; while the Kṣhatriyas who profess Gautama-gotra are all in the line of his disciples. This has been the common practice down the ages , even with regard to the other Gotras.
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
Sunil Sunkara

March 28, 2019 at 5:25 pm

Been following your articles. Truly wonderful work. Thank you

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  March 28, 2019 at 6:34 pm
  
  Dear Sunil
  
  You are most welcome
  
  Cheers
  
  Reply
  - Surendra Kumar Negi
    
    April 2, 2019 at 7:16 am
    
    Dear Sir, My best regards. May you please enlighten me on Sementics in Vedas and later in india. Thanks.
  - sreenivasaraos
    
    April 2, 2019 at 9:07 am
    
    Dear Shri Surendra
    
    Could you kindly amplify your question ?
    
    Cheers
Dear SirThanks.. In the field of Sementics much research work has been done.I am specially interested in "Sementic Primes and Universals" and interested in reading related relevent material in Vedas and other Indian scripture. Thanks.

April 2, 2019 at 9:19 pm

I

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  April 8, 2019 at 6:33 am
  
  Dear Shri Surendra
  
  Please pardon me for the delay in responding. I was away for some time.
  
  Sementics, as I understand, is the science of the meaning of words. It is also concerned with what binds the words together; and, their relation with the objects. In other words, it is a science of meaning of language; where, words, symbols, signs etc., and their relation are analyzed. It determines the meaning of different words in different contexts and perspectives.
  
  In the context of the Vedas, the two types of very ancient texts that come to my mind are the Nighantu and the Nirukta.
  
  The Nighantu is a glossary or a compilation of words in the Vedas, grouped into thematic categories, often with brief annotations. And, it could be called as a reference work dealing with the science of words (Abhidhanashastra). However, Nighantu is not a Dictionary (Artha-Kosha), though it could be compared to glossaries and thesauri.
  
  According to Yaska (Nirukta 1.20), the Nighantu was a collection of rare or difficult words gathered by earlier sages for easier understanding of Vedic texts that perhaps they themselves may not have fully understood .
  
  The Nighantu was followed by the Nirukta (literally meaning, explained / interpreted). It is regarded as one of the six ancillaries to the Vedas (Vedanga). It is a systematic glossary, which helps to understand archaic, uncommon words in the Vedic passages that were composed during or prior to the 2nd-millennium BCE. Besides, being the study concerning the correct interpretation of Sanskrit words in the Vedas, the Nirukta also covers etymology. Thus, Nirukta goes beyond the mere Sementics.
  
  Thus, the revelation of the meaning of words is the main purpose of the Nighantu and also of the Nirukta. The basic position taken up by these texts is that : a sentence is a collection of words; a word is a collection of phonemes; and, the meaning of a sentence appearing in a Vedic passage has to be understood through its context; its stated purpose; the subject matter that is being discussed; what is stated; how ; where; and, when.
  
  Of the many Nirukta-s that were prevalent in the very ancient India, the one compiled by Yaska (prior to sixth century BCE) is the most celebrated. Yaska’s Nirukta is an indispensible aid to understand the true import of the passages of the Rig-Veda. It is designed to determine the exact meaning of the Vedic Mantras. Yakska’s work has stood the test of time; and is continued to be referred to as an authoritative text.
  
  However, Yaska was not the first scholar to attempt such an exercise. Yaska, in fact, mentions , as many as, twelve earlier Nirukta-karas and to their views : Aupamanyava; Aurnanabha; Audumbarayana; Agrayana; Varshyayani Sakapuni; Gargya; Talava; Kaitiki; Kaushitiki; Sthaulashtivi; and, Katthakya.
  
  Yaska, obviously, was well versed in all the branches of Vedic literature. He was well acquainted with the views of the different Schools of interpretations of the Vedic mantras that were prevalent during his time. For instance ; Yaska cites the views of : Nairuktas (Etymologists); Yajnikas ( Ritualists); Vaiyakaranika ( Grammarians); Naidanas ( those professing views on primary causation); Aithihasikas (experts in myths and legends); and, Parivrajakas ( wandering philosophers).
  
  *
  Yaska regarded Nirukta as an explanatory text that complements Vyakarana (Grammar). But, the two – Nirukta and Vyakarana- differ, in the sense that each has a different focus. Vyakarana deals with grammatical analysis to establish the exact form of words that is to be employed, to properly express a given idea; while, Nirukta focuses on linguistic analysis in order to help establish the proper meaning of those words, given the context they are used. Yaska asserts that the proper study of the Vyakarana is a prerequisite for the study of Nirukta (Nirvacana shastra).
  
  The greater use of the Nirukta is in its application as a reliable tool to accurately analyze and understand the true import of the words in the Vedic mantras. As Yaska puts it in his Nirukta, the aim was to understand the real significance of the word and to bring out the meaning of the uttered word (arthanityah parikseta -Nir: 2.11).
  
  Yaska approached this problem through a semantic analysis of words, by breaking them down into their components, and then combined them in the context they were used to propose what the archaic words could have meant.
  
  *
  Yaska’s Nirukta extensively refers to the Nighantu (278 words of the Naigama and the 151 names of the Daivata, in detail). And, technically, it could be called as a commentary on Nighantu; as also as a treatise on etymology.
  
  Nirukta could also be understood as Etymology. A thorough knowledge of the science of Nirukta is considered essential for gaining a correct understanding various meanings of a word or term appearing in the Vedas with reference to their context. Therefore, Yaska’s work, written in classical Sanskrit (though somewhat archaic), is recognized as one of the most important Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas).
  
  Here, Etymology primarily belongs to linguistics. Formally, Etymology is a part of grammar and Sementics. It has two aspects phonetic and Sementic. Etymology/Nirukta itself has many other multiple aspects , all of which are convergent with the main theme i.e. casting light upon the words their origin/root the process of their genes is/derivation and their development.
  *
  Yaska-charya, the great etymologist of the ancient India, believed that every Vedic word has an expressive power to denote a certain sense. And, as a signifier (vacaka), every word is eternal (vyaptimattvat tu sabdasya – Nir.I.2); and, is critical in arriving at an unerring meaning of a statement. Thus, the word, the meaning and their mutual relations are eternal. In his remarkable work Nirukta (etymology or Nirvacana shastra) , Yaska attempts to establish the proper meaning of certain selected Vedic words (including their prepositions and the particles), in the context of ‘how, where, when and why’ it is stated. For the purpose of his study, Yaska chose about 600 stanzas from the Rig-Veda; and created a well organized glossary to understand and to interpret, particularly, the archaic, uncommon words used in the Vedic texts.
  
  His study also included a system of rules for forming words from roots and affixes. According to Yaska, every word is derived from a root; and by analysing the root, its tendency and the suffix, it is possible to establish the relation between word and its meaning. In the Nirukta, Yaska has tried to explain those selected Vedic words from the perspective of the various linguistic aspects; parts of speech (padajatani) such as: noun (naman), verb (akyata), preposition (upasarga), and particle (nipata).
  
  A central premise of Yaska was that man creates more new words to conceptualize and describe action; which is to say that the nouns often have verbal roots. However, he mentioned, that not all words have verbal roots. He asserted that both the meaning and the etymology of words are always context sensitive. Words are created, according to Yaska, to express external or internal objects/ reality perceived by man. And, such creations are of six modifications of Kriya (action) and Bhava (dynamic being), namely being born, existing, changing, increasing, decreasing and perishing.
  
  In addition, Yaska takes up the general definitions, special definitions, synonyms, homonyms (words that share the same pronunciation but convey different meanings), common and obscure grammatical forms, words and their meanings, and the etymology of these words. Yaska terms such analytical method as samaskara (treatment) or sastrakrto yogah (grammatical combination.
  *
  As regards its structure, Yaska’s Nirukta is composed in five Chapters. The first three chapters (together called as Naighantuka Kanda) give synonyms. The first Adhyāya (Chapter) deals mainly with physical things and objects of nature. The second Adhyāya deals mainly with man, his physical being, and qualities associated with his being, such as property and emotional states. The third Adhyāya deals mainly with abstract qualities and concepts.
  
  The fourth Adhyaya (Naigama Kanda) gives homonyms (words that are spelled the same and sound the same, but have different meanings); and, the fifth Adhyaya (Daivata Kanda) deals with the epithets of divine beings, deities (Devata) of a given Mantra.
  
  Yaska’s Nirukta is marked by clarity, brevity and authenticity. It hardly needs a commentary. Yet; there have been a fair number of commentaries (Bhashya) on Yaska’s work; Such as the commentaries by scholars like: Durgasimha (perhaps before the 4th-century?); Skandaswamin (14th century) ; Devaraja-yajva ( early 14th century); and, Mahesvara (15th century)
  
  Durga’s commentary is considered very useful and important; because, it repeats every term of Yaska and offers commentary thereon. It is thus both a text and a commentary as well.
  
  **
  You may please refer to a critical edition of the Nighantu and the Nirukta; a very scholarly work: The Nighantu and The Nirukta (the oldest Indian treatise on Etymology, Philology and Sementics) Edited and translated by Prof. Lakshman Sarup ; Published by Motilal And Banarsidass ( 1926).
  
  https://archive.org/details/nighantuniruktao00yaskuoft/page/n5
  
  For the plain text of the Yaska’s Nirukta you may click on
  
  : http://gretil.sub.uni-goettingen.de/gretil/1_sanskr/1_veda/5_vedang/3_pratis/niruktau.htm
  **
  
  I trust this answers your question to some extent
  
  If you have read up to here, I admire your patience and fortitude.
  
  Have a very Happy Ugadi and a New Year
  
  Cheers and regards
  
  Reply
Shashank

April 12, 2019 at 8:36 am

Hello, I have found your blog to be very helpful for my on going research. Thank you so much. I would like to get your personal contact details so that I can ask you few doubts and get some clarification. Here is my email id shashank.s.giri@gmail.com

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  April 13, 2019 at 3:13 am
  
  Dear Shri Shashank
  
  Thank you for the visit; and, for the appreciation
  
  I wish you were a little more clear.
  
  Can you please let me know : which blog here was helpful to you?
  
  What is the area of your research?
  
  How was the blog/blogs related to your field of study
  
  *
  
  As regards the doubts / clarifications that you mentioned
  
  If you can frame a set of specific questions; and, send them on to me, here
  
  I shall try to reply to the extent of my limited understanding
  
  Happy Sri Nama_Navami. Jai Sri Ram
  
  Regards
  
  Reply
Jayen Mistry

June 13, 2019 at 6:46 am

Dear Sreenivasarao,
I am just a browser/ surfer on the net with an interest in indian Art and Philosophy. I have found your articles interesting and informative. Many thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge.

Reply
- sreenivasaraos
  
  June 13, 2019 at 8:18 am
  
  Dear Jayen
  
  You are most welcome.
  
  I trust you read some of the series on certain subjects
  
  Cheers and Regards
  
  Reply

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