The Vedangas: The Limbs of the Vedas

The Vedangas, which translates to “limbs of the Vedas,” consist of six essential disciplines that were developed to accurately preserve, interpret, and share Vedic knowledge. Just like our limbs support our body, these sciences uphold the integrity and structure of the Vedas. They became vital tools for studying the Vedas, ensuring that the sacred sounds and meanings of the hymns were passed down through generations.

The six Vedangas include: Śikṣā (Phonetics) – the art of correct pronunciation and intonation; Chandas (Metrics) – the study of poetic meter; Vyākaraṇa (Grammar) – the analysis of language and structure; Nirukta (Etymology) – the explanation of challenging or old words; Kalpa (Ritual Practice) – the guidelines for performing rituals; Jyotiṣa (Astronomy and Timekeeping) – the study of celestial cycles to determine the best times for various activities.

Together, these disciplines turned oral recitation into a refined art form, ensuring that every syllable of the Vedas was delivered with precision and meaning. Among the manuscripts showcased here is the Ṛk Prātiśākhya, attributed to Śaunaka, a revered scholar from the Rig Vedic tradition. This text is one of the earliest comprehensive works on phonetics and sound patterns, outlining how Vedic verses should be pronounced, divided, and intoned. It serves as a testament to the dedication ancient scholars had for preserving sacred sounds, where accuracy itself was a form of reverence.