Nirukta and the Vedic interpretation (study)
by Shruti S. Pradhan | 1964 | 116,890 words
This essay studies the role of Yaska’s Nirukta in Vedic interpretation focusing on his contributions to understanding the Rigveda. This study further examines Yaska’s technique of using etymology to confirm meanings assigned by traditional Nighantus (Vedic glossaries), highlighting his subjective approach. While modern methods combine context with ...
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19. Passage Quoted: Rigveda VIII.41.3, Nirukta IV.19 (p. 315). 581 Translation According To Yaska: O Brahmavahas (one whose vehicle is a prayer): these hymns are being composed. Occupy the grassseat. Eat the cake, O brave one. Final Translation: Same as Yaska's. Notes: Brahma: prayer (Nirukta X.12, p. 724). brahmavahas: is voc. Durga wrongly takes it as nominative plural going with brahma. 20. Passage Quoted: Rigveda I.143.4, Nirukta IV.23 (p. 326). Translation According To Yaska: Send that Agni with prayers who all alone rules over wealth like Varuna in his own house, whom, the all-knowing one, Brghus in their power brought down on the naval of the earth, of the world. Final Translation: Same as Yaska's except majmana means 'in their greatness'. Notes: visvavedas: all-knowing, visva, all (Nirukta III.22, p. 263 etc. nabhi: naval (Nirukta IV.21, p. 322). majman: strength (Nighantu II.9, p. 196). We use it in the sense of greatness.