Rg Vedic Suktas: Gayatri and Others (A Contemplative Study)

Pages: 82

Preface

The idea of rendering into simple English important suktas of the Rg-veda was first given to me by Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj (at present the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission). Even though I had been thinking about it for a long time I was not sure I could take up the work of rendering into simple English the important Vedic Suktas. Reasons were many. But his repeated suggestions spurred me into action and I started collecting the necessary material in the form of available printed books and photo-copies of rare books. The first attempt in this direction was an English rendering of Sri Rudram and Purusa Suktam, which has since been published by the Ramakrishna Math, Chennai 4.


Even though 'Sri Rudram' is not sukta, it was chosen because it was popular and theme-wise was similar to Purusa Suktam. This was received well by the astikas. Next choice fell on Asya Vamiya Suktam as it was a difficult sukta, and therefore more challenging. Also because an English rendering based on Sayana's commentary was not available. It is a mine of philosophical ideas. I found that Sayana is the most dependable and helpful guide in understanding the suktas. Swami Smarananandaji was kind enough to spare his valuable time to edit this second book in the series.


Many people have helped me in completing the above two books. But I can never forget the help rendered by the authorities of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Indore, who provided me a comfortable accommodation at Omkareswar, enabling me to complete the works in a short time in the holy atmosphere of the place. Srimat Swami Ramananda Saraswatiji Maharaj, Head of Markandeya Sannyasa Ashrama, Omkareswar, readily spared his time to clear my doubts. It was very kind of him. Dr Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal of Chennai, an eminent scholar of Vedanta, has taken the trouble of going thr