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Introduction
Vedangas are six-Siksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chandas and Jyotisha. By using the name Vedanga the human origin of these subjects is indicated, although they are in close association with the Vedas.
Among Vedangas, i.e., limbs of the Vedas, Siksha comes first. Sage Panini is said to be the prime author of this branch. It deals with the science of Vedic Phonetics-treating of sound pitches, like Udatta, Anudatta, Swarita, Prachaya, Hraswa, Dirgha and Pluta of the vowels.
It emphasises the primacy of sounds and the Vedas are the repository of such sounds as conducive to the maximum welfare of humanity.
A knowledge of this science, especially in the context of the use of the Mantras, is said to be absolutely essential. Defective pronunciation will bring contrary or even harmful results. Tvashta performed a homa for creating Vritra. He pronounced a sound defectively. As a result, he came into trouble. This Siksha-sastra is common to all the Vedas.
Author - V.A.K.Ayer
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