Shri Shankar Shikshayatan Vaidik Shodh Sansthan organised a national online seminar on September 30, 2026 to examine the Vedic principles underlying the preparation of purodasha (a ritual offering) mixed with water. The discussion centred on the chapter Udaka Mishrita Purodasha Sampadan from Pandit Motilal Shastri’s Shatapatha Brahmana Vijnanabhashya. Scholars from leading Sanskrit and Vedic institutions explored the roles of water, plants, Agni, Soma and Prana in the Vedic understanding of nourishment and the processes of nature. The seminar also examined the classification of elemental principles in Vedic science and the interpretative framework developed in the Shatapatha Brahmana Vijnanabhashya. The exchange brought together scholars and researchers from different parts of the country to discuss the scientific interpretations of Vedic texts presented in this work.
Acharya Pandit Sanjay Pandey, a renowned Vedic scholar from Ayodhya, explained that different vessels are used for water in a yajna. These include the Prokshani Patra, Madayanti Patra, Sravanti Patra and Upasarjani Patra. Water that enters plants and enriches them with their juice is called Upasarjani. (Shatapatha Brahmana Vijnanabhashya, p. 670)
Dr Arun Kumar Mishra, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, Delhi, observed that the principles of Agni (fire) and water occupy a central place in Vedic science. Soma is another name for water. The principle expressed in the phrase Agnishomabhyam Jagat—the universe originates from Agni and Soma—is well known. The element of water provides the foundation and support for Agni. When water is poured into fire, it rises upwards in the form of vapour. The water used in the Upasarjani vessel is associated with the flour-based substance used in the preparation of the offering. This relationship is supported by a Yajurvedic passage: Sam apah oshadhibhih, sam oshadhayo rasena—water combines with plants, and plants combine with their juice. (Ibid., p. 671)
Dr Vishwesh Vagmi, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand University, explained that barley and wheat are classified under the term oshadhi (plant or vegetation) in this context. The earth is associated with oshadhi, while water constitutes our food. Our bodies are formed through the combination of these two. He cited the following passage:
Tasmad oshadhayah kevalyah khadita na dhin vanti; oshadhaya u ha apam rasah; tasmad apah pitah kevalyo na dhin vanti; yadaivobhayyah samsrishta bhavanti, athaiva dhin vanti.
The passage explains that plants consumed on their own do not fully nourish us, just as water consumed on its own does not fully nourish us. Plants derive their essence from water, and it is when the two are combined that they provide nourishment. (Ibid., p. 674)
Dr Nitin Arya, Assistant Professor, Department of Vyakarana, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi, explained that Abhiplava refers to the principle of Go-tattva, identified with Prana (the vital force) bearing the name Manogarbha. This principle is characterised by an inwardly directed mental impulse that spreads from the centre towards the periphery. (Ibid., p. 677)
Professor Santosh Kumar Shukla, Professor, School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, presided over the seminar. He explained that Vedic science classifies the principles of existence in five ways. The Vak (speech) of the Svayambhu Mandala is Brahma; that of the Parameshthi Mandala is Vishnu; that of the Surya Mandala is Indra; that of the Prithvi Mandala is Agni; and that of the Chandra Mandala is Soma. The Shatapatha Brahmana Vijnanabhashya provides interpretations of a wide range of subjects through this framework. (Ibid., p. 697)
The Vedic students of Maharshi Gautama Samaveda Vidyalaya, Bihar, under the guidance of Dr Kamalraj Upadhyay, Professor at the institution, collectively recited Vedic invocations for auspiciousness.
The programme was conducted by Dr Lakshmi Kant Vimal, Research Officer at Shri Shankar Shikshayatan Vaidik Shodh Sansthan. Scholars, faculty members, research students and others interested in Sanskrit learning from universities and colleges across several states participated enthusiastically, contributing to the success of the seminar.
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