Brahmistha (Sanskrit: ब्रह्मिष्ठ, Romanised: Brahmiṣṭha) is a Sanskrit word used for denoting the highest Vedic scholar.[1] The word Brahmistha is found in the Vedic literatures.[2] A Brahmin who has attained the greatest knowledge of Vedas is called as Brahmistha.[3][4] The word Brahmistha is also defined as "the best knower of Brahman".[5][6]
| Origin/etymology | Vedas |
|---|---|
| Meaning | |
| Original form | ब्रह्मिष्ठ |
| Context | Brihadaranyaka Upanishad |
| Coined by | King Janaka |
Etymology
editBrahmistha is the superlative degree form of the word Brāhmaṇa. The highest degree of Brāhmaṇa is termed as Brahmistha.The knower of Brahman is term as Brāhmaṇa and the greatest knower of Brahman is term as Brahmistha.[1][7]
Description
editIn the philosophical text Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the word Brahmistha was used by the King Janaka of Mithila at his court during the occasion of the Bahudakshina Yajna to denote the greatest scholar of Vedas.
In the scholarly contests at the Bahudakshina Yajna, when no one was able defeat the Vedic scholar Yajnavalkya, then he was finally accepted and awarded as Brahmistha by all the sages, scholars and King Janaka at his court.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b www.wisdomlib.org (2017-05-30). "Brahmishtha, Brahmiṣṭha: 5 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ a b www.wisdomlib.org (2015-02-23). "Yajnavalkya and Asvala [Section I]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ Calasso, Roberto (2014-11-18). Ardor. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-0-14-197181-0.
- ^ Varghese, Alexander P. (2008). India: History, Religion, Vision and Contribution to the World. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. ISBN 978-81-269-0903-2.
- ^ Ray, Renuka (1978). Role and Status of Women in Indian Society. Firma KLM. pp. 15–16.
- ^ Cohen, Signe (2017-09-27). The Upanisads: A Complete Guide. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-63696-0.
- ^ Gonda, Jan (1950). Notes on Brahman. J. L. Beyers. p. 67.
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