Vedic Tantrism : A Study of Rgvidhana of Saunaka with Text and Translation/M.S. Bhat. Reprint. Delhi, Motilal, 1998, viii, 437 p., $22. ISBN 81-208-0197-0.

Contents: Preface. A. Rgvidhana : a Study: Introduction. I. Vidhana literature: 1. The Brahmanas and the Vedangas. 2. The Vedangas. 3. The Anukramanis and the Vidhanas. 4. The Vidhanas. 5. Commentaries on the Vidhanas. 6. Parallel or abridged versions of the Vidhanas and other late Compendia. 7. The contents. 8. The date. II. Contribution of the Rgvidhana to the ritual literature and mythology: 1. Analysis of the contents. 2. Analysis of the subject-matter. 3. Mythology. III. Language and composition of the Rgvidhana: 1. Phonology. 2. Euphonic combination. 3. Morphology. 4. Syntax. 5. Vocabulary. 6. Metre. IV. Authorship and date: 1. Saunaka, the author of Rvidhana and other works. 2. Date of the Rvidhana. 3. Matrsunu, the commentator of the Rvidh. V. The materials for the edition of the text: 1. The manuscripts. 2. Printed edition or translation. 3. Relationship of the manuscripts : two recensions. 4. Constitution of the text. 5. Testimonia. 6. Emendations. 7. Rgvidhana and its sources. VI. Resume. Appendices. B. Rgvidhana : Text and translation: 1. Text. 2. Apparatus criticus. 3.Translation & notes. Bibliography. Index of verses in Rgvidhana. Index.

Vedic Tantrism is a new edition of Rgvidhana which is the earliest Vedic manual of magic or magico-religious rites and practices. Attributed to Saunaka, it anticipated the later growth of Tantric ritualism, while its real significance lies in simplification of ‘complicated and burden some ceremonies treated in Srauta and Grhya Sutras…in such a way that observances become easier in practice.’

"The first 1878 edition of this manual by Dr. Rudolf Meyer with Latin introduction was a ‘remarkable’ scholarly ‘achievement’ but not without ‘defects’. Prof. J. Gonda’s English translation of the text, published in 1951, resuscitated the immense value of Rgvidhana and made it ‘accessible to scholars’. But, ‘his rendering, on the whole, is inaccurate and at times absurd’.

"The present edition has been prepared on the basis of fresh material made available by the discovery of hitherto unknown manuscripts. The ‘unique commentary’ by Matrsunu, providing ‘means for the critical examination of Rvidh’, has been made use of. To facilitate the understanding by modern readers, the entire work has been divided into two parts. Part One is devoted to the study of ‘various aspects of Rvidh’ Original Sanskrit text accompanied with translation in which every ‘word’ is ‘accounted for’ is included in Part Two. Variant readings and notes discussing ‘many difficulties of the text’ are special features of the edition.

"Vedic Tantrism will appeal to all shades of Vedic scholars as well as students and researchers of Tantrism." (jacket)

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