IKS Unit 2

The Nataraja statue is a central figure in Hindu devotion, often placed in temples and homes for prayers and rituals seeking blessings and spiritual enlightenment.

The intricate pose and symbolism of the Nataraja statue inspire art, literature, and dance, particularly Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam.

Valmiki, known as Adikavi, is revered as the first great poet in Sanskrit literature.

Valmiki's masterpiece, the Ramayana, narrates the epic adventures of Rama and his journey to restore dharma.

Valmiki's transformation from a hunter to a sage is a testament to his profound spiritual journey and dedication.

Valmiki's Ramayana emphasizes the importance of the family unit as the foundation of society.

The Ramayana's poetic structure, imagery, and compelling narrative solidified its position as one of the great works of world literature.

Valmiki's Ramayana is a repository of wisdom and nobility, showcasing the values of dharma, righteousness, and the battle between good and evil.

The author of the epic Mahabharata, considered the encyclopedia of knowledge.

He classified the Vedas into Samhitas, making him a pioneer in organizing knowledge.

The sage who compiled the 18 Puranas and wrote the Brahma Sutras.

This title highlights Vedavyasa's expertise in arranging and interpreting the Vedas.

The ancient language of the Vedas.

The epic Mahabharata emphasizes the importance of understanding moral conduct and navigating conflicts.

Panini's contributions to grammar and language are recognized worldwide for their profound impact.

Panini's work revolutionized understanding of Sanskrit grammar, paving the way for future linguistic studies.

He was born in Shalatur, near Peshawar, and studied at Takshashila University. His birth date is estimated around 500 BC.

He is the author of the "Mahabhashya", the first and oldest commentary on Panini's "Ashtadhyayi". This work is an encyclopedic study of Sanskrit grammar, containing over 700 quotations.

It outlines the eight limbs of yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The goal is to control the senses and purify the mind, reducing external disturbances.

It deals with the 1228 rules of Panini's "Ashtadhyayi", resolving doubts and providing definitive answers on grammatical issues.

He wrote "vartikas" (commentaries) to supplement Panini's rules, but Patanjali refuted their necessity and upheld Panini's approach.

The work on medicines, "Nidan Sutras" or "Samvediya-Nidan Sutras", is attributed to him, showcasing his contributions to the medical field.

He is believed to be the author of "Mahanada", "Charak – parishkara", "Siddhanta – sarawali", "paramartha – sar", and "lok shastra", further showcasing his academic scope.

He studied at Takshashila University and later taught at Pataliputra. His life is estimated around the 2nd century BC, potentially contemporary with King Pushyamitra.

A prominent Indian philosopher and theologian who systematized the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism, known for his contributions to the understanding of Brahman, the ultimate reality.

A revered ancient Indian epic that narrates the story of Rama, an ideal prince, and his wife, Sita. It embodies Hindu values such as righteousness, loyalty, and devotion to duty.

A significant Hindu text that explores the philosophical aspects of Brahman, the ultimate reality, and its relation to the individual soul.

A profound concept in Advaita Vedanta advocating the oneness of the individual soul (atman) and the universal soul (Brahman), suggesting that the individual self is ultimately identical with the divine reality.

The revered ancient Indian text considered an encyclopedia of knowledge, containing diverse teachings on dharma, politics, philosophy, and warfare, all narrated through the story of the Kurukshetra war.

Shankara's most important work, where he expounded on the complex philosophical principles of Advaita Vedanta.

It is believed that Shankara traveled extensively in ancient India, teaching and debating with learned scholars, spreading the message of Advaita Vedanta.

Shankara is believed to have attained a state of spiritual enlightenment, characterized by supernatural powers and profound knowledge.

A prominent Indian philosopher and exponent of Vedic literature, known for her extensive knowledge of the Vedas and profound philosophical views. Her contributions are recognized in the Rigveda and Chandogya Upanishads.

A revered Indian sage, known for her deep understanding of the Vedas and her role as a prominent scholar and philosopher. Her knowledge and insights are particularly emphasized in the Chandogya Upanishads.

Shankara wrote extensive commentaries on the Upanishads and Gita, and he is also known for his numerous stotras (hymns) and devotional works, including the Upadesh Sahasri, Vivek Chudamani, and Aparokshanubhuti.

Shankaracharya was a great scholar and theologian of Hinduism, who dedicated his life to the revival and propagation of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

Shankaracharya established four mathas in India, each representing a direction of the country, with the aim of spreading his teachings and promoting Hindu values. These mathas continue to be significant centers of learning and pilgrimage.

They were both highly learned women renowned for their knowledge of the Vedas and philosophies. Gargi was a natural-born philosopher, while Maitreyi was a daughter of Rishi Maitri and a niece of Rishi Gargi. Both were born in Mithila in Northern India.

Yajnavalkya is a renowned sage and teacher, prominent in the ancient Hindu philosophical and metaphysical texts called the Upanishads. He is attributed with groundbreaking teachings that shifted the focus from Vedic rituals towards a new, introspective worldview.

Yajnavalkya's teachings significantly diverged from earlier Vedic rituals. He introduced the concept of karma and rebirth, arguing that a person's future is determined by past actions and knowledge. He also emphasized the significance of self-realization and the attainment of liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

According to Yajnavalkya, our true self (Atman) is distinct from our individual ego. It is eternal, unchanging, and one with the ultimate reality, Brahman. By recognizing this oneness, we can achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth and attain bliss.

Yajnavalkya emphasizes that desire is the root cause of all actions and ultimately leads to continuous rebirth. Releasing desires and attaining a state of detachment is crucial for liberation.

Madhvacharya, a 12th-century philosopher and reformer, is considered the founder of Advaita Vedanta, a prominent school of Hindu philosophy. He emphasized the importance of nondualism, finding one's path to liberation, and reviving traditional values for societal stability.

Madhvacharya's teachings are based on the Upanishads and advocate for a comprehensive understanding of nondualism. He stressed individual liberation and the need for restoring traditional values to create a spiritually stable society.

Yajnavalkya is also the name of the author of a prominent text on Dharma called the Yajnavalkya-smriti. However, this is a completely different figure, as the Yajnavalkya-smriti was written centuries after the Upanishads.

The Yajnavalkya-smriti is a significant text concerning Dharma or religious duty. It was written long after the Upanishads, and its author is a separate figure from the Yajnavalkya of the Upanishads.