191008 - UPAVEDAS

UPAVEDAS

UPAVEDA (supplementary knowledge/wisdom) is a Vedic school (Shakha) to Veda. Four types are usually specified: Ayurveda (medicine), Gandharvaveda (music and dancing), Dhanurveda (martial arts, ‘archery’), and Sthapatyaveda (architecture) or, alternatively, Silpasastra. Upavedas are applied knowledge, and are specific applications of Vedic teachings.

AYURVEDA

Ayurveda (knowledge of life) is an Upaveda (supplimentory) associated with the Atharva Veda, and mythologically derived from the gods, it has historical roots in the lost past and is still in practice with increasing importance. Contribution of Caraka (1st–2nd C-AD ) and Susruta (6^th C BC). The traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.

The aim of Ayurveda is the attainment of Moksha or liberation as a healthy body is the basic requirement for the attainment of Purushaarthas. Ayurveda guides man to keep the body and mind fit to attain the Purushaarthas. Ayurveda is used to cure diseases caused by the imbalance of the three doshas : vatha (rheumatic) , pitha (obesity related) and kapha (respiratory troubles).

GANDHARVA VEDA 

Gandharvaveda is the study if aesthetics and it speaks of all art-forms like music, dance, poetry, sculpture, and erotica. Gandharva Veda has its root  in all the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.  Gandharva means skilled singer or master of music. Gandharva is not just the science of Music, but the Vedic science on the influence of sound and music in all, including the body and soul of the yogi. Ayurveda uses gandharva veda to promote physical and mental health.

DHANURVEDA

Dhanurveda is the science of warfare and archery, traditionally regarded as an Upaveda attached to the Yajur Veda, and attributed either to Bhrugu or Visvamitra. More widely, the knowledge of martial arts, specifically the bow. A section of the Agni Puraņa (8^th -10^th C-AD) dealing with warfare and combat techniques are used in 15^th – 16^th  century during Mughal Emperor Akbar.

STHAPATYAVEDA 

Sthapatyaveda, also called Shilpa Veda, is the Upaveda (supplementary branch) of Atharva Veda relates with engineering and Architecture. Sthapatya means establishing, Sthapatyaveda deals with establishing a relationship between the dweller, dwelling and cosmos. Sthapatyaveda deals with planning, designing, and construction of temples, houses, villages, and cities. Vaastu Shastra, the Indian science of Architecture, has its origin in Sthapatyaveda. Ancient civilizations around the world were influenced by this architecture, remnants of which still exist.

Shri Vishvakarma (builder of the Universe) is the source of the knowledge contained in the Sthapatyaveda. The universe is created with the very same principles that he passed to Rishis and Maharishis thousands of years ago to utilize in designing homes, cities and countries helping us to improve our life and growth.

All people are influenced by the building in which they reside, work and worship. According to the design of a structure, one feels either comfort or discomfort. Building designed in accordance with laws of nature will produce a sense of bliss, calmness and fulfillment. In incorrectly designed structures one feels anxious, stressful and despondent. Poorly designed structures produce sickness and depression.