Taittiriya Shakha

The 'Taittiriya Shakha' can be loosely translated as 'Branch or School of (the sage) Tittri' or 'Branch or School of Taittiriya' or 'School of the pupils of Tittiri'. • 'Taittiriya' is derived from the name of the sage Taittiri (or Tittiri). • 'Shakha' means 'branch' or 'school'. == Origin ==

Monier-Williams According to Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Taittiri was a pupil of Yaska (estimated 4th-5th century BCE). According to the Vishnu Purana, Yaska was in turn a pupil of Vaiśaṃpāyana (estimated 6th century BCE). Taittiri is also stated in the Mahabharata to have attended 'the Yajña conducted by Uparicaravasu'. Nirukta Yaska, attributed as the teacher of Taittiri, is also attributed as the author of the Nirukta, a study of etymology concerned with correct interpretation of Sanskrit words in the Vedas. This is significant as the Nirukta references and quotes extensively from the Taittiriya texts (e.g. as listed in Appendix 1 of the Nirukta). == Overview ==

The Taittiriya school of the Krishna (black) Yajurveda produced several types of texts constituting Sruti Vedic literature (of the YajurVeda). These are the: • Taittiriya Samhita: Seven books of hymns and mantras. Includes Brahmana and Anukramani (index) sections. One of four total Samhitas of the Krishna YajurVeda. • Taittiriya Brahmana: Three books of hymns, mantras, legends, astronomy, and – typical of Brahmana texts – instructions on the performance of sacrificial rites. • Taittiriya Aranyaka: Ten books of hymns, mantras, and – typical of Aranyaka texts – Vedic theology constituting two Upanishads. • Taittiriya Pratisakhya: One book concerned with phonetics, that is, the correct pronunciation of words. Notable members According to B.R. Modak, the scholar Sayana (died 1387 CE), notable for his commentaries on Vedic literature including the Taittirīya texts, was a member of the Taittiriya Shakha. Commentaries The 'Śrauta Sútras' (or Shrautasutras) of Apastamba (450–350 BCE), Bodhayana (500–200 BCE), and Vaikhanasa.(300–100 BCE) are theological texts concerned with procedures and ceremonies of Vedic ritual practice. All are attached to the Taittiriya Samhita. There are other commentaries written by Sanskrit scholars and philosophers on the works of the Taittiriya Shakha. Most notably, according to B.R. Modak, Sayana wrote commentaries on the Taittirīya texts (and others). According to N. Sharva, the Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa was also commented upon by Bhava Swāmī (circa 700 CE or earlier); Kauśika Bhaṭṭa Bhāskara Miśra (preceding and referred to by Sayana in the Nirukta and by Devarāja Yajvā in the Nighantu); and Rāmānḍara / Rāmāgnichitta. == Taittiriya Samhita ==

R. Dalal states that 'The Yajur Veda consists of passages in verse and prose, arranged for the performance of yajnas (sacrifices)... The two main versions of the Yajur are known as the Shukla (or "white") Yajur Veda and the Krishna (or 'Black') Yajur Veda... of the black Yajur Veda, five shakhas are known: the Taittiriya (Apastamba), Kapishthala (Hiranyakesi), Katha, Kathaka (school of the Kaṭhas), and Maitrayani (Kalapa), with four closely related recensions, known as the Kathaka Samhita, the Kapishthala-Katha Samhita, Maitrayani Samhita, and the Taittiriya Samhita'. Structure and Content The Taittiriya Samhita ('TS') consists of seven kandas (or 'books') of hymns, mantras, prayers, and three Anukramanis (indexes). In translations such as that by A.B. Keith, this Samhita is presented as the Krishna (black) Yajurveda. M. Winternitz adds that the Samhita also includes Brahmana passages (i.e. instructions and explanations of sacrificial ceremonies). The chapters (prapāṭhakas) for each of the books (kandas) of the Taittiriya Samhita are as follows: • Kanda 1 • Prapāṭhaka 1: The new and full moon sacrifices • Prapāṭhaka 2: The Soma sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 3: The Victim for Agni and Soma • Prapāṭhaka 4: The Soma cups • Prapāṭhaka 5: The Rekindling of the Fire • Prapāṭhakas 6-7: The sacrificer's part in the new and full moon sacrifices • Prapāṭhaka 8: The Rajasuya • Kanda 2 • Prapāṭhaka 1: The special animal sacrifices • Prapāṭhakas 2-4: The special sacrifices • Prapāṭhakas 5-6: The new and full moon sacrifices • Kanda 3 • Prapāṭhakas 1-3: The supplement to the Soma sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 4: The optional and occasional offerings • Prapāṭhaka 5: Miscellaneous supplements • Kanda 4 • Prapāṭhaka 1: The lacing of the fire in the fire-pan. • Prapāṭhaka 2: The reparation of the ground for the fire • Prapāṭhaka 3: The five layers of bricks • Prapāṭhaka 4: The fifth layer of bricks • Prapāṭhaka 5: The offerings to Rudra • Prapāṭhaka 6: The preparation of the fire • Prapāṭhaka 7: The piling of the fire (continued) • Kanda 5 • Prapāṭhaka 1: The placing of the fire in the fire-pan • Prapāṭhaka 2: The preparation of the ground for the fire • Prapāṭhaka 3: The second and later layers of bricks • Prapāṭhakas 4-7: The piling of the fire altar (continued) • Kanda 6 • Prapāṭhakas 1-5: The exposition of the Soma sacrifice. • Prapāṭhaka 6: Exposition of the Daksina and other offerings • Kanda 7 • Prapāṭhaka 1: The Ekaha and Ahina Sacrifices • Prapāṭhaka 2: The Ahina sacrifices (continued) • Prapāṭhakas 3-4: The Sattras. • Prapāṭhaka 5: The Gavam Ayana Nakshatras D.M. Harness states that 'The Vedic Nakshatras [stars] arose from a spiritual perception of the cosmos. Nakshatras are the mansions of the Gods or cosmic powers and of the Rishis or sages. They can also project negative or anti-divine forces, just as certain planets like Saturn have well known malefic effects. The term Nakshatra refers to a means (tra) of worship (naksha) or approach... The Nakshatras dispense the fruits of karma... For this reason Vedic rituals and meditations to the present day follow the timing of the Nakshatras... [which] are of prime [importance] in muhurta or electional astrology for determining favorable times for actions, particularly sacramental or sacred actions like marriage'. Reference to the Nakṣhatra Sūktam (star positions relating to new and full moon ceremonies), occurs in kāṇḍa (book) 3, prapāṭhaka (chapter) 5, anuvākaḥ (section) 1 (3.5.1). Shaivism Shri Rudram and Namah Shivaya homages to Shiva The Shri Rudram Chamakam and Namah Shivaya, homages to Rudra / Shiva (the supreme deity in Shaivism), occur in kāṇḍa (book) 4, prapāṭhakas (chapters) 5 and 7 (4.5 and 4.7). Vaishnavism The Varaha Avatara of Vishnu Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu (listed in the Dashavatara, or ten primary incarnation of Vishnu) is primarily associated with the Puranic legend of lifting the Earth out of the cosmic ocean. A.A. Macdonell and R. Janmajit both state that the origin and development of the boar avatar is found in the Taittiriya Samhita, albeit initially as a form of Prajapati: Another extract attributed to the early development of the Varaha avatar by Macdonell is: == Taittiriya Brahmana ==

The Taittirīya Brāhmaņa ('TB') is considered by academics to be an appendix or extension of the Taittirīya Samhita. Structure and Content Based on information provided by Kashyap and R. Mitra, the chapters (prapāṭhakas) for each of the books (ashṭakas or sometimes referred to as kandas) are as follows: • Ashṭaka 1: Pārakshudra • Prapāṭhaka 1: Explanation for the establishment of Agni • Prapāṭhaka 2: (Devas, chants, Vishuvat, Solstices, Mahavrata, and the bird-shaped altar) • Prapāṭhaka 3: Vajapeya Yajna • Prapāṭhaka 4: Explanation of Soma offerings • Prapāṭhaka 5: The powers of stars or nakshatras, rites and RigVeda Mantras • Prapāṭhaka 6: (Unknown) • Prapāṭhaka 7: (Unknown) • Prapāṭhaka 8: (Unknown) • Ashṭaka 2: Agnihotra • Prapāṭhaka 1: The Agnihotra Sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 2: Dasahotra Sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 3: Dasahotra Sacrifices concluded • Prapāṭhaka 4: Mantras for Subsidiary Sacrifices or Upahomas • Prapāṭhaka 5: Mantras for Subsidiary Sacrifices or Upahomas (Concluded) • Prapāṭhaka 6: Kaukila Sautramani or the Sacrifice with Spirituous Liquor • Prapāṭhaka 7: Ephemeral Sacrifices or Savas • Prapāṭhaka 8: Sacrifices with especial prayers (Kamya) • Ashṭaka 3: (Various) • Prapāṭhaka 1: Sacrifices to the Constellations - Nakshatra Ishti • Prapāṭhaka 2: Dars'a Ya'ga or Sacrifices meet on the wane of the Moon • Prapāṭhaka 3: Paurnamasa Ishti or Ceremonies to be performed on the full moon • Prapāṭhaka 4: On Human sacrifices • Prapāṭhaka 5: Ishti Sacrifices • Prapāṭhaka 6: Pa'Shuka Hotra • Prapāṭhaka 7: Expiations for defects in the performance of ceremonies • Prapāṭhaka 8: On the operations of the first day of the Asvamedha sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 9: On the operations of the second and third days of the horse sacrifice • Prapāṭhaka 10: Sa'vitra-Chayana or collection of fire for the adoration of the sun • Prapāṭhaka 11: Nachiketa-Chayana, or collection of Nachiketa Fire • Prapāṭhaka 12: Cha-tur-hotra and Vaisvasrij ceremonies == Taittiriya Aranyaka ==

The Taittiriya Aranyaka ('TA') is primarily a theological text consisting of ten chapters (prapāṭhakas). J. Dowson states that 'Aranyaka' means 'belonging to the forest' as this type of text is intended to 'expound the mystical sense of the sacrificial] ceremonies, discuss the nature of God [etc.]. They are attached to the Brahmanas, and [are] intended for study in the forest by people who have retired from the distractions of the world'. As illustrated below, the Taittiriya Aranyaka contains a Brahmana text of its own, the Pravargya Brahmana, as well as two Upanishads, the Taittiriya Upanishad (a Muktika or primary Upanishad) and the Mahanarayana Upanishad (a minor Vaishnava Upanishad). Structure and Content R. Mitra states that the Taittiriya Aranyaka is 'by far the largest of the Aranyakas. It extends altogether to ten prapāṭhakas or 'Great Lessons', i.e. books or chapters, of which the last four are Upanishads, and the first six, are Aranyaka strictly so-called'. The 10 chapters (prapāṭhakas) of the Taittiriya Aranyaka, including numbers of anuvakas (sections) for each, are as follows: J. Eggeling in note 451:1 to the Shatapatha Brahmana (relating to the Shukla or White Yajurveda) incorrectly states it was 'a black boar with a thousand arms'. The Journal Of The Indian Society Of Oriental Art (volume 13) states 'in the ‘Taittiriya Aranyaka’, the earth is said to have been raised by a black boar with a hundred arms (‘varahena krsnena satabahuna uddhrta’). It is an easily understandable step to the making of the boar an incarnation of Visnu himself, a step which is finally taken in the epics and the Puranas'. This legend is also contained in the Mahanarayana Upanishad (prapāṭhaka 10 of the Taittiriya Aranyaka): As 'Krishna' also means 'black', the verse can also be interpreted as 'black boar' or 'raised up by the black boar', as stated by Daniélou and Eggeling. However, the translation given above clearly shows how Krishna is linked with Varaha. The Kurma Avatara of Vishnu N. Aiyangar states that the following verse from the Taittiriya Aranyaka (prapāṭhaka 1.23-25) 'is narrated in connection with the ritual called Arunaketuka-kayana, in which the tortoise ['Kurma'] is placed below the uttara-vedi [altar]. In it Prajapati or his juice the Tortoise is called Arunaketu (one who had red rays)': The Vātaraśanāḥ Rishis (or Munis) created are also mentioned in RigVeda 10.136, where Shiva drank water/poison, linking to the legend of Kurma and the churning of the Ocean of Milk, referred to as the Samudra manthan. Prajapati then encounters a tortoise (Kurma/Arunaketu) that existed even before he, the creator of the universe, came into being. == Taittiriya Pratisakhya ==

The Taittiriya Pratisakhya ('TP') is concerned with phonetics, i.e. the correct pronunciation of words. Structure and Content The 24 chapters of the Taittiriya Pratisakhya are as follows: • List of sounds • Origin of sounds • Shortening of vowels • Pragraha or uncombinable words • Sanhita or combination of words • Conversions of s and visarjaniya into sh. • Conversion of n into ṇ • Changes of unaspirated surds • Changes of h, ah, áh, n, ṉ, án, in, etc. • Coalescence of vowels • Elision of vowels • Elision of vowels • Elision of m • Duplication • Nasalization • the use of n • Various opinions about nasality • Opinions about the aspiration of Om • Emphasis and shaking • Different kinds of circumflex letters • Division of consonants in syllabication • Formation of articulate sounds, tones, pitch, long and short syllables, etc. • Articulation • Various kinds of texts, and qualifications of Vedic teachers and readers == Manuscripts and translations ==

Supplemental • '''Ápastamba's Śrauta Sútra''' (Sanskrit) edited by D. Garbe (1882): Prasnas 1-7 and Prasnas 8-15 == References ==