Vedanga and Upaveda

In addition to the four parts of the Vedas (see Introduction to Hindu Scriptures - Part 1 ), there are six “Vedangas”. These are considered “limbs” of the Vedas. For example, “Jyotisha” (literally meaning light, deals with astronomy and astrology) is considered to be the “eyes” of the Vedas and Chanda (the science of rhyme and meter in poetry) is visualized as the feet of Vedas.  Just like the limbs of the body, they perform various supportive and augmenting functions in the study, preservation and protection of the Vedas and the Vedic traditions. A student wanting to understand and realize the inner meaning of the Vedas is required to first master these six Vedangas before attempting to study the actual Vedas. The six Vedangas are Siksha, Chhanda, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Jyotisha, and Kalpa.

There are five “Upavedas” which expound profound sciences. Arthaveda discusses statecraft; Ayurveda (derived from the Rig Veda) is a storehouse of medicine and health; Dhanurveda (derived from Yajurveda) discusses military science; Gandharvaveda (derived from the Samaveda) is on music and the arts and the Science of mechanics and architecture is explained in the Sthapatyaveda, which is derived from the Atharvaveda.

For more details I humbly request thereaders to read my blog Introduction to Hindu Scriptures - Part 2