About the book

Dimensions of Vedic Studies is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of Vedic literature, with a particular emphasis on the Atharvaveda and its Paippalada recension. This scholarly volume brings together in-depth research on the textual, historical, and cultural dimensions of Vedic traditions, focusing especially on the lesser known yet highly significant Paippalada Sakha preserved in Odisha.

The first part of the book, “The Atharvaveda Paippalada Samhita:At a Glance”, provides a detailed overview of the discovery, transmission, and structure of the Paippalada tradition. It examines the historical development of both Saunaka and Paippalada recensions, highlights the textual uniqueness of the AVP, and analyzes its oral traditions, chanting methods, and ritual use. The exhaustive breakdown of the AVP's twenty Kandas with corresponding kandikas and mantras is a significant scholarly contribution.

The second part, “The Settlement of Vedic Brahmanas in Ancient Odisha”, traces the historical and cultural presence of Vedic Brahmanas in Odisha. Drawing from Puranic, Epic, and inscriptional sources, this section discusses how the Paippalada tradition took root and thrived in kalinga (ancient Odisha), influencing regional rituals, socioreligious practices, and even Tantric developments.

This book not only fills critical gaps in the understanding of the Atharvavedic tradition but also sheds light on the vibrant continuity of Vedic culture in eastern India. With a solid foundation in textual philology and historical analysis, it serves as an invaluable resource for Indologists, Vedic scholars, and students of ancient Indian history and religion.