Sri Macchankara Bhagavat Padacarya Viracita- Sariraka Sutra Bhasya Pancadhikarani

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In the present edition, the first five sections are taken for intensive study, as it would open new vistas in the basic principles of the Advaita Philosophy and in our knowledge of the history of the development of the same. This fact we will be understood as we proceed in our study. The general nature of the study now being undertaken and about its uniqueness are based on two early Grantha manuscripts and eight very early standard editions of the Bhasya, available in Nagari and Telugu scripts. The unique feature is attempts have been made to bring out critical edition of the text of Bhasya with word-by-word English translation. Individual sub-sections are appended with detailed comments and are planned to represent vada-prativada (arguments and counter-arguments). Attempts are made here to understand and appreciate better the depth and beauty of the Bhasya as far as possible in a new historical perspective.

During the final stage of the present edition, the author, Dr. S. Sankaranarayanan attained heavenly abode on 19 September 2014. With the support of Scholars, all achievable efforts have been taken in compiling the present edition as of where it was left by the author.

The utility of the book is further enhanced by the addition of the original text of 'Tattvachintamani' and 'Aloka' commentary for the convenience of the readers; along with a brief introduction, notes and indices.

Dr. S. Sankaranarayanan, born in Tamil Nadu started his career in Karur, Vedic training, subsequently completed Nyaya siromani, M.A in History & Politics Annamalai University. During his service as Deputy Superintending Epigraphist in Archaeological Survey of India he got PhD in Ancient Indian History from Karnatak Univer sity. While in service, he studied Advaita Vedanta in Maharaja Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Mysore. Later he held the position of Director and Professor of The Oriental Research Institute, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati and also founded and headed the Department of Indian Culture. On superannuation, he joined The Adyar Library and Research Centre as Honorary Professor and later became the Director there. He was also the Associate Editor in the projects of History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture, the Centre for Studies in Civilization, New Delhi (1994-97).

He has published numerous research papers in different journals in India and abroad. Some of his major publications are Vishnukundis & their Times, Critical edition of Bhojacharita of Rajavallabha, Tarkasangraha Abhinavaguptaâs Geetharthasangraha commentary on Bhagavadgita Vedic foundation of South Indian Temple Culture, A critical edition of Vivarana Commentary of Upanishadbrahmayogin on Chandogyopanishad and Sree Sankara-His Life, Philosophy and Relevance to Man in Modern Times. His recent publication Rare Facets of Ancient Indian History and Culture is monumental work and consist of 60 learned and thought provoking articles and most of them hold research out possibilities for further

As a scholar of such varied interest, he received several awards and titles. Some of them are aNyayavedantasastraratnakaraâ from HH Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (1985), áBharat Rashtrapathi Awardâ (1994) and áDarsanakalanidhiâ from Madras Sanskrit College (2005).

अचतुर्वदनो ब्रह्माद्विबाहुरपरो हरिः । अभाललोचनः शम्भुर्भगवान् वादरायणः ।।

The sage Bhagavan Badarayana wrote the first and comprehensive treatise on this systern and it is popularly known as "Brahmasutra". It is believed that this title "Brahmasutra" was coined subsequently and the original title was "Saririka Sutra". Jagadguru Bhagavatpad Adi Sankar wrote the first authentic commentary Le. "Saririka Sutra Bhasya or Brahma Sutra Bhasya". The present book is an intensive study on the first five sections (Panchadhikaranis) of the Saririka. Bhasya alongwith the English translation and elaborate expositions by (late) Dr. Sri Sankaranarayanan. The Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth is grateful to his illustrious son Dr. Raghunathanan for arranging the manuscript and submitting to the Vidyapeetha for publication.

In the present edition, the first five sections (pañcadhikaranis) are taken for intensive study, since it would open new vistas in our understanding the nature of some of the basic principles of the Advaita philosophy and in our knowledge of the history of the development of the same. This fact we will be understood as we proceed in our study. Presently let me speak something about the general nature of the study now being undertaken and about its uniqueness.

1. This study presents the text Säriraka Bhasya on the basis of two carly Grantha manuscripts and eight very early standard editions of the Bhasya, available in Nagari and Telugu scripts. So far, no attempt seems to have been made to bring out a critical edition of the text of this Bhasya.

2. Here it is proposed to offer the text of the Bhasya with word-by-word English translation a unique feature.

3. The entire text of the Bhasya is divided into about 110 sub-sections on the basis of the central idea of the section in question and each sub-section bearing a suitable sub-title in Sanskrit.

4. Each one of these sub-sections has a simple English translation with its own suitable sub-title in English.

5. The translations of the individual sub-sections are appended with detail comments, throwing light on the various vital, deep ideas hidden in the Bhasya text. The aim is to enunciate clearly and analyse as far as possible, the textual logical and philosophical problems featuring in the sections concerned. Attempts are made to throw light on each step of arguments of the opponents and that of the counters of the Siddhantin. In short, these comments are planned to represent in a way the discussions that are marked by the vada-prativada (arguments and counter-arguments) featuring our Bhasya classes conducted by the learned and kind-hearted acāryas in the traditionally managed vidya-salas (educational institutions) till very recent past. These classes were used to be so penetrating and inspiring that the students would not like to miss even one class. The comments in the present edition intend helping the modern serious students of the Bhasya in deriving the same satisfaction and joy to a considerable extent.

**Contents and Sample Pages**