The term Upanga refers to the “limbs” or auxiliary parts that are associated with the Vedas, which complement the teachings found in the Vedas and Vedangas.
These texts provide further elaboration, elaborative knowledge, and philosophical depth that support Vedic rituals and the spiritual life. While the Vedangas are directly associated with the ritual and linguistic aspects of the Vedas, Upangas are more concerned with the spiritual and philosophical wisdom.
The Six Upangas:
- Itihasa – This refers to the epic narratives, like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which tell the stories of gods, heroes, and kings, and convey important moral and ethical lessons.
- Purana – These are ancient texts that recount the history of the universe, the stories of gods, saints, and sages, and the teachings of cosmology, dharma, and moral conduct. There are 18 major Puranas, such as the Vishnu Purana and the Shiva Purana.
- Agama – These are scriptures that provide guidance on rituals, temple worship, and spiritual practices. The Shiva Agamas and Vaishnava Agamas provide teachings specific to their respective sects.
- Upanishads – The Upanishads form the philosophical and spiritual core of Vedic teachings. They explore the nature of the self (Atman), the ultimate reality (Brahman), and provide wisdom regarding meditation, ethics, and spiritual realization.
- Aranyakas – These are texts that serve as a bridge between the ritualistic parts of the Vedas and the more mystical and philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. They focus on forest-dwelling ascetics and meditative practices.
- Brahmanas – These texts contain detailed explanations of the rituals and ceremonies in the Vedas, including the underlying symbolism and significance.