Shloka 14
सामवेद–अथर्ववेदशाखाः, पुराणसंहिता, अष्टादशपुराणानि, विद्यास्थानानि
Sāma/Atharvan branches, Purāṇa compendium, 18 Purāṇas, knowledge taxonomy
चतुर्थः स्याद् आङ्गिरसः शान्तिकल्पश् च पञ्चमः श्रेष्ठास् त्व् अथर्वणाम् एते संहितानां विकल्पकाः
caturthaḥ syād āṅgirasaḥ śāntikalpaś ca pañcamaḥ śreṣṭhās tv atharvaṇām ete saṃhitānāṃ vikalpakāḥ
The fourth recension is said to be the Āṅgirasa; the fifth is the Śāntikalpa. These are the eminent traditions of the Atharvans—distinct arrangements of the Saṃhitās.
Sage Parāśara (in dialogue with Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Cataloguing Atharvaṇa saṃhitā-variants and their authoritative standing.
Teaching: Historical
Quality: authoritative
Concept: Distinct saṃhitā-arrangements can be ‘eminent’ when they preserve ritual efficacy and doctrinal clarity without violating Vedic intent.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Honor disciplined diversity in practice; prioritize authenticity, coherence, and ethical use of sacred knowledge.
Vishishtadvaita: Ritual and devotion are coordinated means within a theistic Vedānta: ordered kalpa and saṃhitā support Bhagavān-centered dharma.
Key Kings: Āṅgirasa, Śāntikalpa
FAQs
It presents the Purāṇic view of how Vedic knowledge is safeguarded through multiple authoritative branches (śākhās), ensuring continuity of mantra and ritual application.
He uses vikalpa to indicate recognized variant arrangements or recensional forms—parallel lineages of transmission—rather than contradiction, emphasizing preservation through structured diversity.
Even while discussing Vedic branches, the Purāṇa’s frame treats Veda and dharma as upheld within Vishnu’s sovereignty—sacred knowledge functions as an instrument of cosmic order ultimately grounded in the Supreme Reality.