Report
Shri Shankar Shikshayatan Vedic Research Institute organised the fifth National Seminar on Shatapatha Brahmana on Saturday, 30 May 2026. The seminar focused on the chapter entitled “Havirgrahana” from Shatapatha Brahmana Vijnana Bhashya, authored by Pandit Motilal Shastri. The event formed part of an ongoing series dedicated to exploring the diverse themes discussed in this remarkable commentary on the Shatapatha Brahmana.
Dr. Lakshmi Mishra
Dr. Lakshmi Mishra, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, inaugurated the discussion by observing that the Vijnana Bhashya encompasses a wide range of subjects interpreted through a scientific perspective. According to the text, Yajna is the fundamental principle underlying the creation of the universe. Based on the dictum “Pankto Vai Yajnah”, all existence is understood as possessing a fivefold structure. She explained that the term Pankta signifies the collective unity of five sacrifices. Similarly, the human body itself is conceived as consisting of five divisions: the head, the region extending from the neck to the lower abdomen, the pelvis and thighs, the legs up to the feet, and the feet themselves. These divisions are designated respectively as Parshvakapala, Jatukasthi, Shankhasthi, Gandasthi, and Aghohanvasthi, illustrating the correspondence between the human body and the cosmic sacrificial order.
Dr. Suryakant Tripathi
Dr. Suryakant Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, discussed the topic “Nakshatramula Aditi”, describing it as an extensive and profound concept. He explained that the Earth’s orbital path is referred to as the Krantivritta, while the Moon’s orbit is known as the Dakshavritta. Through its association with the twenty-seven lunar mansions (nakshatras), the lunar orbit is divided into twenty-seven sections, symbolically representing Soma in twenty-seven forms. Assuming the form of Kashyapa, the Sun becomes the progenitor of creation, and the solar life-force (Sauraprana) emanating from the Sun is itself identified as Kashyapa. Thus, the entire process of creation is interpreted through the interaction of the Sun and the Moon. He emphasized that the Hindi Vijnana Bhashya of the Shatapatha Brahmana is distinguished by such scientific interpretations of Vedic concepts.
Dr. Jaya Saha
Dr. Jaya Saha, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Tripura University, delivered a thoughtful exposition on the scientific treatment of various topics in the commentary, particularly the doctrine of Havirgrahana. She explained that Haviryajna follows the performance of Agnihotra, while Somayajna, also known as Jyotishtoma, succeeds the Haviryajna. Among these sacrificial rites, Haviryajna occupies a central position and is regarded as a reflection of the terrestrial sacrifice (Parthiva Yajna), wherein offerings of food and Soma are made.The Earth itself is described as having two aspects: one inclined toward the Sun and the other turned away from it. The hemisphere opposite the Sun is identified with the Garhapatya fire altar, whose fire is called Garhapatyagni. The hemisphere facing the Sun corresponds to the Ahavaniya altar and its sacred fire, while the central region of the Earth represents the Vedi. The southern region is identified with the Dakshinagni altar, also known as Shrapanagni. Through these symbolic correspondences, the commentary presents a cosmic interpretation of the Vedic sacrificial system.
Dr. Ankur Vats
Dr. Ankur Vats, Assistant Professor, Department of Veda, Central Sanskrit University, Raghunathkirti Campus, elaborated on the process of Havirgrahana, explaining that it is performed with an instrument known as the Shakata. In the absence of this implement, the ritual should be carried out using the Sphyopahita Idapatri. He further explained that just as the archetypal form of sacrifice is the Purusha Yajna, the Shakata itself represents an archetypal sacrificial form. In the primordial sacrifice, numerous elements are assembled, including Agni, Vedi, and Havirdhana. The Havirvedi is associated with the Darshapurnamasa Ishti, while the Mahavedi corresponds to the Jyotishtoma sacrifice. According to this cosmological interpretation, the entire Earth constitutes the Garhapatya fire altar, while the region extending from the Earth’s surface to the Sun is the Mahavedi. The Ahargana characterized by the Saptadasha Stoma represents the Uttaravedi or Ahavaniya, and the Ekavimsha Sun itself is identified with the Yupa (sacrificial post). Beneath this solar Yupa lies the Saptadasha Stoma, which constitutes the Ahavaniya altar. The term Ahavaniya, he noted, derives from the expression “Ahuyate Yatra Somah”—”that place where Soma is invoked.”
Valedictory
The seminar commenced with the recitation of Vedic benedictory hymns by Shri Abhishek Dubey, a Vedic scholar from the Department of Veda, Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University.
The proceedings were ably moderated by Dr. Mani Shankar Dwivedi, Guest Faculty, Jamia Millia Islamia.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from professors, researchers, students, and scholars of Sanskrit from universities and colleges across several states of India, making the event a meaningful and successful academic gathering.