Vedic Suktas-1

Veda means knowledge. Vedic literature comprising the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda,and, Atharvaveda, is the ancient-most repository of knowledge extant in Sanskrit language. Apart from the 4 Samhitas, mentioned here, there is the literature known as Brahmanas, Aranyakas and the Upanishads.

This entire Vedic corpus is preserved by oral tradition, which rendered the name ‘Shruti’ to it. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) has the Vedic corpus as its foundation. 4 Vedas, 6 Vedangas, Purana, Dharmashastra, Nyaya and Mimamsa are collectively known as 14 Vidyasthanas.

All the four Vedas contain suktas (hymns-song of praise) with variations in the purpose and application.

• Rigveda, predominantly contains suktas offering salutations/tribute to the deities

• Yajurveda has prarthanas (prayers) and sacrificial formulae centred on yajnic rituals

• Samaveda has the musical representation of mainly the Rigvedic suktas

• Atharvaveda has many diverse suktas including spells conferring specific benefits

This course aims at introducing the Vedic Suktas to a seeker. Vedic Suktas are addressed to one or more deities. These deities could be the Gods like Indra, Varuna, Agni or natural phenomena like Water, Air, Earth or Heavens.

This course focuses on the Rigvedic suktas that are sung on six vedic deities – Agni, Indra, Vishnu, Varuna &Rudra. 

It is interesting to note that nearly one fourth of the Rigvedic hymns are addressed to Indra. Amongst the list of deities that the course concentrates upon, Agni is the next most popular deity, followed by Varuna, Rudra & Vishnu. 

A total of 10 video lectures by Prof. Gauri Mahulikar, divided into 6 lessons, are made available to the registered students. The lectures focus on the various aspects of the deities, beginning with the reason behind their names, their popularity, content and purport of the respective suktas, metaphorical or philosophical emphasis of the suktas and so on. Crisp translations of the hymns are also provided in the lessons.

What You will Learn

• Introduction to 14 Vidyasthanas
• A brief idea of the Vedic deities
• Vedic Suktas praising Agni, Indra, Varuna, Vishnu and Rudra
• Translations of the Vedic Suktas and various interpretations

Requirements

Any individual, of any age, desirous to learn the ancient-most literature in the world, the Rigveda and learn more about the Vedic deities can join this camp. Though the Suktas are in Sanskrit, lectures will be in English, therefore knowledge of English is necessary.

Course Content

The course on Vedic Suktas – 1 comprises 6 lessons.

• Lesson 1: Introduction to the Vedic Literature and 14 Vidyasthanas
• Lesson 2: Vedic Agni
• Lesson 3: Vedic Indra
• Lesson 4: Vedic Vishnu
• Lesson 5: Vedic Varuna
• Lesson 6: Vedic Rudra

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 6 lessons covering 10 Video/audio sessions and 6 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Vedic Suktas-1 course is 2 months. The suggested maximum duration is 3 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above ‘O’ Grade
• 60% and above ‘A+’ Grade
• 50% and above ‘A’ Grade
• Below 50% ‘B’ Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

Course Contributor

Prof. Gauri Mahulikar

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries

The Administrator – Home Study Courses
Chinmaya International Foundation,Adi Sankara Nilayam
Veliyanad, Ernakulam District, Pin – 682313, Kerala, India
Mobile: +91 9207711140 
Landline: +91 484 2749676
(Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM IST)
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org