Sambodhi 2013 Vol 36

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 22

14
Parameswaran Murthiyedath
SAMBODHI
geometry of the universe. While the Vedic sages were careful to avoid statements on the absolute dimensions of these occurrences, geometry could not be presented without certain statements of algebraic precision. It is about those algebraic geometry that the present narrative is primarily concerned.
The most usual form and content of Vedic geometry would be identified with that of the yajña in general, of the sulbasūtra specifically and of the geometry of the yajña that was found in the performance circuit, more specifically. Such a progress of the knowledge of the Vedic geometry carried along several misconceptions, which in the recent past went unchecked. The ritualistic fervour and devout nature prevented any type of speculation about the origins of such geometric configurations. It could be noticed that even during the period of documenting the sulbasutrd, such enquiries were not made or at least no records of such enquiries came to our notice. Therefore, if we have to know the reasons of geometrical significance attached to the yajña and the Rgveda, we have to make enquiries, all afresh. Such new enquiries would reveal that the geometry of the Rgveda was not only about space but equally speculated on time.
First of all, the geometry of the Rgveda comes with a divine cleverness, unparalleled and apparently much beyond the ordinary human analytical ability and methods. Like all the statements of the Rgveda, the geometry would also come irrefutable and yet bizarre. One would not be able to deny it and at the same time fully comprehend it; not only as to the principles involved but also as to its geometrically special significance. As regards the Rgveda, there could be no doubt, that, the sages conceived this universe to be an enormous and yet imperfect, sphere, radially divided into 7 levels of existence and 7 levels of powers and energy. Added to it, the concept of a universe that pul
d in 7 levels of contraction and expansion could be inferred from the several statements. This necessitated representation of not only of space, but time as well, by these geometrical presentations. Therefore, the centre-line symmetry that could be observed in all the uttaravedi forms of the yajña was the representation of the time element of a resonating state. This concept of symmetry came from the Rgveda itself.
It would be observed that the geometry of the Rgveda were centred on circles, presumably for the purpose of bringing in an element of irrationality and transcendental nature to the geometrical concepts. Therefore, even triangles and trapeziums were conceived beginning with a circle. I had identified a dozen of specific geometric presentations of the Rgveda and have firmed up on