Question

Which Vedanga is considered the 'hand' (Hasta) of the Veda Purusha?

• A. Kalpa
• B. Chhandas
• C. Nirukta
• D. Shiksha

Hint:

Mnemonic: "Kalpa performs, Hands act." Think of 'Kalpa' as 'Action/Performance' and you will easily associate it with 'Hands'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The concept of Veda Purusha is an anthropomorphic representation where the Veda is viewed as a person with various limbs. The six Vedangas (auxiliary sciences) are identified with these limbs based on their function. This metaphor helps students understand how the auxiliary sciences support the main 'body' of Vedic knowledge.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The mapping of the limbs to the Vedangas is found in the Paniniya Shiksha (verses 41-42):
1. Chhandas (Prosody) = Padau (Feet): Because meters support the movement of the verse. (Option B)
2. Kalpa (Rituals) = Hastau (Hands): Because Kalpa instructs on the manual performance of actions in a sacrifice. (Option A)
3. Jyotisha (Astronomy) = Chakshuh (Eyes): Because it allows one to see the correct time for rituals.
4. Nirukta (Etymology) = Shrotram (Ears): Because it deals with hearing and understanding the origin of words. (Option C)
5. Shiksha (Phonetics) = Ghranam (Nose): Because it deals with breath and sound production. (Option D)
6. Vyakarana (Grammar) = Mukham (Mouth): Because it is the most important organ of speech and knowledge.
The 'hands' (Hasta) are the organs of action (Karmendriya). Since the Kalpa Sutras (Shrauta, Grihya, Dharma) provide the specific procedures for how a priest or householder should physically perform a ritual, they are aptly called the 'Hands' of the Veda. Without Kalpa, the theoretical knowledge of the Veda cannot be translated into ritual action.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Kalpa is the Vedanga recognized as the 'hand' of the Veda Purusha.