VEDHAPATASALA

Introduction

Sruti and Smrithi are the two authoritative sources of the Hindu philosophy. Sruti. Literally means what is heard. Great Rishis are said to have heard the eternal truth and left a recof of them for the benefit of the future generations. These records are called the Vedas. They are said to be delivered by the Lord himself. This is considered as the primary authority as against the Smrithi which are secondary. The teachings as well the method of teaching are unique. It has stood the test of time and ages. These teachings are Anadi, without a beginning.

Our trust is a fore runner and trend setter in all aspects. The objectives of the Trust to propagate the philosophy and culture of Hinduism are well set. It is one of the few institutions which has identified Spiritualism with culture by promoting music in a big way. As an integration pRigram, the Trust should take up the cause to promote Hindu scriptural studies, the Vedas.

In the ancient days students were taught Vedas by their gurus, in what was known as Gurukulavasa. Students were required to stay with the Guru for a few years and learn the Vedas. In modern times the concept of teaching has changed rapidly. With the influence of the British culture and education systems, this age old scheme of study has become extinct, with the result very few students take up these studies. This is purely due to lack of creation of proper logistics for the teacher as well as the students for imparting this great traditional knowledge. It has become very difficult for any guru to take up this cause individually, as maintaining a team of students has of economic implications. It is difficult to locate students, who are interested in learning and also there are very few dedicated and good teachers. Institutions like the TTD Kanchi mutt etc. are making strenuous efforts to retain and develop this tradition. Our Trust can supplement their efforts by establishing a Veda patasala.

A preliminary study on this proposal has been made. The proposal is explained below in two broad categories, the scheme and the cost involved.

The scheme

It is proposed to setup a Veda patasala to impart the knowledge of Vedas. The course will comprise of two fold studies. One will be the study of Vedas and the other will be the study of Agama sastras.

Vedas as well known are mainly for in numbers, namely, Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. These Vedas are very elaborate and require a lot of time for a student to learn. Rig Veda requires about 5 years, while Yajur Veda requires about 7 years or more to learn. Hence, Rig Veda, the most popular Veda which can be taken up initially. This can be followed by Yajur and other Vedas.

Agama sastras explain the procedures and methods of performing various temple rituals and poojas. There are many schools on this subject, such as Vaikansa, Pancharatna, amongst Vaishnava agamas. Again as an introductory step, Vaikanasa system can be taught, which is incidentally the system followed at our temple. Later we may introduce study of Siva agamas.

These two studies will be taken up simultaneously, so that at the end of the 5th year or so a student will become well qualified in Veda as well as Agama sastras.

A senior scholar will be retained by the Trust, who will teach the students. A panel comprising of the founder, senior battar and some of the trustees may be formed to select the teacher. Preference will be given to senior couples, so that the touch of a gurukulam where the teacher and his wife live, can be invoked. She will take care of the food and other needs of the young students.

Young boys in the age group of 7 to 10 years will be selected and enrolled as students. The selected candidates will be taught in the traditional manner. The course will be a residential one. The candidates parents can be asked to sign an agreement with the Trust for the students’ stay at Trust premises without being disturbed till the course is completed. No fees of any nature will be charged by the Trust for imparting this study. Initially about ten students will be enrolled.

The students will also serve at the temple premises. They may be required to perform functions such as chanting of Vedas, distribution of prasadam, kumkum and other services as the Trust may consider it fit. These services should not interfere with their study hours.

After completion of the course a student will be required to work at the temple premises as part of their practical training. During this period the candidates may also be taught other scriptures such as Bagawad Geeta etc.

The trust may retain any of the qualified candidates as employees subject to its requirement and other parameters as may be relevant at that time.

A premises, within the vicinity of the Temple will be taken on lease. The place will be a two storied one, wherein the teacher will occupy one floor and the students will stay in the other floor.

To get proper recognition of the study at the Trust’s patasala, the students proficiency will be tested in exams conducted by examiners from other patasalas of TTD and Kanchi mutt etc. etc

Economic factors

The monthly expenses for running the Veda patasala will be as below: