Definition

Noun: 1. A category of ancient Indian auxiliary texts: The Vedangas are six (or sometimes more) distinct fields of scholarly literature considered essential for the correct understanding, pronunciation, and ritual application of the Vedas, the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism. They are supplementary disciplines that "support" the Veda.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The study of Vedanga is crucial for traditional Vedic scholars.
  • Phonetics, as defined in the Vedangas, ensured the precise oral transmission of the hymns.
  • He specialized in the Vedanga of ritual injunctions.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: The term "Vedanga" is often used collectively to refer to the entire body of these auxiliary sciences.
  • Mastery of the Vedanga was a prerequisite for a Vedic priest.

Variants and Related Words

• Vedangas (plural noun): The specific set of six auxiliary disciplines. The six classical Vedangas are:
  • Shiksha: Phonetics and pronunciation.
  • Chandas: Prosody (meter).
  • Vyakarana: Grammar and linguistics.
  • Nirukta: Etymology and lexical explanation.
  • Kalpa: Ritual instructions.
  • Jyotisha: Astronomy/astrology for timing rituals.
• Vedic (adjective): Pertaining to the Vedas or the Vedangas.
  • Vedic literature includes the Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and Vedangas.

Synonyms

• Auxiliary Vedic texts
• Vedic limbs (a literal translation of "Veda-anga")

Different Meanings

• The word "Vedanga" has a highly specialized, singular meaning within the context of Indology and Hindu religious texts. It does not have common modern or colloquial meanings outside this academic and traditional context. It refers specifically to the defined set of scholarly disciplines ancillary to the Vedas.

Noun

1. Vedic texts from the fifth and fourth centuries BC dealing with phonetics and ritual injunctions and linguistics and grammar and etymology and lexicography and prosody and astronomy and astrology