दशग्रन्थी ब्राह्मण

[Arvind_Kolhatkar]

Dear Group,

In Marathi, and perhaps in other Indian languages too, a learned Brahmin is called दशग्रन्थी ब्राह्मण.  I was wondering what these '10 books' are.  Could they be the 4 Vedas and the six Shastras?  But then, Shastras are not books by themselves.  And are UpaniShads and other important books not included?  The main Vedas are 3 and not 4.

I am sure learned members can throw light on the meaning of this phrase.

Arvind Kolhatkar, Toronto, June 29, 2011.

[Sunder Hattangadi]

This is one definition I came across:

 

http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/knowledge/article/correct-way-of-chanting-vedic-mantras.html#2

 

 The ten holy texts

‘The Sanhitas, Brahmans, Padakram, Aranyaks, Shiksha, Chanda, Jyotish, Nighantu, Nirukta and Ashtadhyayi constitute the ten holy texts (dashagrantha). The Aranyaks are not considered a part of the Brahman texts, but are endowed with a separate status. Similarly the Nighantu and Nirukta are considered as two separate holy texts. Vyadi has named these ten holy texts differently as - the Sanhitas, Brahmans, Aranyaks, Shiksha, Kalpa, Ashtadhyayi, Nighantu, Nirukta, Chanda and Jyotish. As Vyadi has described these ten holy texts the tradition of their study dates back to the ancient times.’⁽⁸⁾ Brahmans (priests) well versed in the recitation of the ten holy texts are called Dashagranthi Brahmans.

 

Regards,

 

sunder

 

 

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[hnbhat B.R.]

Thanks Sunder for the enlightening on the term of dashagranthi. A glance of the constituents of the ten texts, provided from two sources some common feature can be seen: 

1. Of the Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, as the main compilations, the accessories of Veda (6) are included to make the number ten. 

2. In both the Vedanga-s constituents are split to complete the number. separating nighantu from nirukta (which is in fact considered as the commentary on the Nighantu) making the number into 7 + 3 in the definition of Vyadi.

3. In the first, Kalpa is replaced by Padakrama text.  Otherwise, all the same list.

 The later text is popular in Kerala, as I have seen many manuscripts of the same in palm leaf. But not sure of the contents than a guess that regulation of the recitation Pada- and Krama paatha-s. It is not explained in the articles too. Or may be the text of the Samhita arranged in Pada, and krama recitation. Any information will be enlightening.

Thanks for Arvindji for raising the issue.

--
Dr. Hari Narayana Bhat B.R. M.A., Ph.D.,
Research Scholar,

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