Vedic Tantrism: Study of Rgvidhana of Saunaka

Vedic Tantrism is a new edition of Rgvidhana which is the earliest Vedic manual of magic or magico-religious rites and practices. Attributed to Saunaka, it anticipated the later growth of Tantric ritualism, while its real significance lies in simplification of ‘complicated and burdensome ceremonies treated in Srauta and Grhya Sutras… in such a way that observances become easier in practice.’ The first 1878 edition of this manual by Dr. Rudolf Meyer with Latin introduction was a ‘remarkable’ scholarly ‘achievement’ but not without ‘defects’. Prof. J. Gonda’s English translation of the text, published in 1951, resuscitated the immense value of Rgvidhana and made it ‘accessible to scholars’. But, ‘his rendering, on the whole, is inaccurate and at times absurd’. The present edition has been prepared on the basis of fresh material made available by the discovery of hitherto unknown manuscripts. The ‘unique commentary’ by Matrsunu, providing ‘means for the critical examination of Rvidh’, has been made use of. To facilitate the understanding by modern readers, the entire work has been divided into two parts. Part One is devoted to the study of ‘various aspects of Rvidh’. Original Sanskrit text accompanied with translation in which every ‘word’ is ‘accounted for’ is included in Part Two. Variant readings and notes discussing ‘many difficulties of the text’ are special features of the edition. Vedic Tantrism will appeal to all shades of Vedic scholars as well as students and researchers of Tantrism.