The Purusha Suktam is one of the Pancha (5) Suktams . The other four are the Narayana Suktam, Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam, and Nila Suktam.

In Vedic tradition the Purusha Suktam, Vishnu Suktam, Sri Suktam, and Narayana Suktam are generally chanted together.

The Purusha in the title of the Purusha Sukta refers to the Parama Purusha, Purushottama, Narayana, in his form as the ViraaT Purusha. He was the source of all creation. It describes this form of his, as having countless heads, eyes, legs, manifested everywhere, and beyond the scope of any limited method of comprehension. All creation is but a fourth part of him. The rest is unmanifested.

The words “purusha” in its most literal sense means man. This is not a generic for human, but includes the masculine sense and principle of the world. In one way, it is interpreted as Narayana alone is purusha, and all the rest of prakriti, creation, is female. Purusha may also be split as pura + usha — the dawn-light (usha) of the city of the body (pura). Or pu + rusha, one whose passions are refined. Or even puru + sha, filled with wisdom and happiness.

Since the Purusha Suktam is seen in all Vedas, it is cited as the essence of all Srutis by Veda Vyasa in the Mahabharata. Saunaka, Apastamba, and Bodhayana have also written concerning the use of the Purusha Suktam.

This course focuses on Proper pronunciation incorporting the rules of Vedic chanting (Alpaprna, Mahaprana, Matra, Bala, Hrsva, Dīrgha, Pluta, udatta, Anudatta and others.) We will also explore the traditional commentaries; Bhshyas and Vykhyas.

It is an honor to have Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat continually guide us through these texts.

January 4th - April 11th (15 classes)

3:30-4:30pm CET / 9-10pm IST

If you miss a class not to worry as recordings will be shared for a limited time.