This blogpost is written to detail the importance of ancillary sciences or Vedangas in the study of Vedas.
ORIGIN
Designed to Pronounce Well
It is said that the Chandas can be understood as the base of the Vedas which is fundamental for the foundation of the Vedas. It was created to understand the concept of Vedas by using the correct and proper pronunciation. Every Sanskrit word in the Vedas need the most proper and correct pronunciation. Every time one pronounces a word from the Vedas or a verse, they need to pronounce it correctly so as to understand the importance of the Vedas well. The essence and correct meaning of the Vedas and the shlokas can be the most effective only if it is pronounced correctly by following the rules of pronunciation as prescribed by Chandas. This field becomes extremely important when one needs to practice yajna. Every shloka and verse should be pronounced so well that it would hit the right note correctly and have the most positive impact on the community.
ETYMOLOGY
A Concept in Sanskrit
The word Chandas comes from the Sanskrit word Chad, which means to please or nourishing. Chandas represents the metrics for the pronunciation for the Vedas. It provides all the right notes and the scientific concept behind pronouncing every mantra. It gives proper weightage to every syllable and word so as to give your pronunciation of mantras the maximum impact. This field of Vedanga ensures that the correct metrics are established and it gives maximum impact on the usage of the mantras for different ceremonies, yajnas etc. It gives proper weightage to every syllable, vowels and consonants which form different words, phrases etc.
SIGNIFICANCE
To Practice Wisdom Well
The Vedas are full of wisdom of various fields through different shlokas, mantras and verses. Most of the Sanskrit poems are four lines long. The Chandas details how to pronounce every syllable, word, mantra, shloka and verse. This science helped people understand the knowledge of Vedas which was composed of Sanskrit language which was obscure and unknown to some people. The better pronunciation will let people deliver wisdom better.
ANCIENT PRACTICE
Since the 2nd Millennium BCE
The Rigveda and the verses present in the text indicate that the field of Chandas was known and well developed by then. Its usage and long proven history is an evidence of the fact that Rigveda which is a text of hymns was pronounced better due to the presence of Chandas. This sutra or one of the six Vedangas prove that Sanskrit language and the Vedas are much more than just words and syllables. Incorrect pronunciation will fail the purpose of the mantra and the yajnas.
MODERN USAGE
For the best effect
The concept and importance of correct pronunciation is useful in all different types of language. It originated due to the predominance of Sanskrit in the Vedas and the ancient times. It has also affected how different Monks and Scholars have used this field to better comprehend and improve the lives of the people.
Chandas, designed to experience the Vedas
The Vedangas were created to give the reader of the Vedas a better and holistic understanding of the knowledge of the Vedas and it helps in serving the purpose of the Vedas, which was to impart knowledge and remove ignorance.
To read about more such important disciplines in Hinduism. Keep reading the blogposts on Sameedh.
