Aparavidya, Aparāvidyā, Apara-vidya: 2 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Ganitashastra
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Introduction:

Aparavidya means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Aparāvidyā (अपराविद्या).—Knowledge is of two categories or types. Viz. Parāvidyā. That science or knowledge, which helps us to know or realise Him (Brahma) who is without either beginning or end, who could neither be seen with the eyes nor perceived by any of the senses. Aparāvidyā. This includes knowledge of the four Vedas Ṛg, Yajus, Sāma and Atharva, the six Vedāṅgas (sub-divisions of the Vedas) Śikṣā, Kalpa, Nirukta, Chandas, Vyākaraṇa, Apidhāna, Mīmāṃsā, Dharmaśāstra and the purāṇas, as also, Nyāya Śāstra (Logic), Vaidya Śāstra (medicine) Gandharva Śāstra, Dhanurveda and Artha Śāstra (economics). (See full article at Story of Aparāvidyā from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)

Source: archive.org: Hindu Mathematics

Aparāvidyā (अपराविद्या) refers to “secular knowledge” .—It is said that once upon a time Nārada approached the sage Sanatkumāra and begged of him the brahmavidyā or the supreme knowledge. Sanatkumāra asked Nārada to state what sciences and arts he had already studied so that he (Sanatkumāra) might judge what still remained to be learnt by him. Thereupon Nārada enumerated the various sciences and arts studied by him. This list included astronomy (nakṣatravidyā) and arithmetic (rāśividyā). Thus the culture of the science of mathematics or of any other branch of secular knowledge, was not considered to be a hindrance to spiritual knowledge. In fact, aparāvidyā (“secular knowledge”) was then considered to be a helpful adjunct to parāvidyā (“spiritual knowledge”).

context information

Ganitashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, gaṇitaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.

Relevant text

Search found 32 books and stories containing Aparavidya, Aparāvidyā, Apara-vidya, Aparā-vidyā; (plurals include: Aparavidyas, Aparāvidyās, vidyas, vidyās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Hayagrīva in the Hayagrīvopaniṣad < [Chapter 2]

Conclusion

Mode of worship of Hayagrīva < [Chapter 4]

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Higher and lower knowledge < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

Indian sciences (the eighteen disciplines) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

Ill-fate of Āyurveda and other sciences < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

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Verse 1.2.11 < [Mundaka I, Khanda II]

Verse 1.1.4 < [Mundaka I, Khanda I]

Verse 2.1.1 < [Mundaka II, Khanda I]

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