Question

"Rigvedo Yajurvedah Samavedo'tharvavedah" - This famous sequence of the four Vedas is found in which of the following texts?

• A. Rigveda-bhashya-bhumika
• B. Paniniya Shiksha
• C. Aitareya Upanishad
• D. Aksha Sukta

Hint:

The Paniniya Shiksha is the only major 'Shiksha' text that explicitly covers all four Vedas in its introductory framework. Most other Shikshas are specialized for a single branch (e.g., Naradiya for Samaveda). Memorizing the first two verses of Paniniya Shiksha is highly beneficial for Vedic exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Paniniya Shiksha is the most revered manual on phonetics (Shiksha Vedanga) within the Vedic tradition. It is traditionally attributed to the great grammarian Panini. Its primary purpose is to define the correct methods of articulation, accentuation, and pronunciation for the Vedic Samhitas. The opening verses of such technical manuals often establish their scope by listing the primary texts they intend to govern. The sequence of the four Vedas mentioned in the question serves as a formal declaration of the text's comprehensive applicability to the entire Vedic canon.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The phrase "Rigvedo Yajurvedah Samavedo'tharvanah" appears in the very first verse of the Paniniya Shiksha. The text begins by stating that it will explain the science of 'Shiksha' (phonetics) as it relates to these four Vedas. This is crucial because, in the Vedic period, the 'Shabda' (sound) was considered divine and eternal. A slight deviation in the pronunciation of a syllable or an accent could potentially invalidate a sacrifice or lead to unintended results. Therefore, the Shiksha was considered the "Nose of the Veda" (Vedasya Nasika), the organ through which the Veda "breathes" its correct meaning.

The sequence follows a historical and functional hierarchy. The Rigveda is listed first as it is the 'Veda of Verses' (Riks), the source of nearly all prayers. The Yajurveda follows as the 'Veda of Rituals', providing the practical framework for sacrifices. The Samaveda is the 'Veda of Melodies', and the Atharvaveda is the 'Veda of Formulas'. By explicitly naming all four, the Paniniya Shiksha asserts its authority over all Vedic schools.

The text consists of 60 verses that detail the 63 or 64 sounds of the Sanskrit language, the places of articulation (Sthana), and the internal/external efforts (Prayatna) required for speech. For a student of the Vedas, the Paniniya Shiksha is the starting point of phonetic training. The inclusion of this specific sequence at the start of the book is a standard feature of many 'Sutras' and 'Shikshas' to clarify the subject matter ('Vishaya') and the intended audience ('Adhikari'). In NTA examinations, such questions test the candidate's familiarity with the opening 'Mangalacharana' and introductory verses of foundational Vedic texts.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The sequence listing the four Vedas is found in the Paniniya Shiksha. Therefore, option (B) is correct.