Svetasvatara Upanishad

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THE S'VETASVATAROPANIŞAD is a short Upanişad consisting of only 113 Mantras (sacred verses) divided into six chapters. It belongs to the Kṛṣṇayajurveda. It gets its name from the sage Svetas'vatara who is said to have taught it to his disciples (vide Mantra 21 of chap. 6). The word S'vetas'vatara does not seem to be the original name of the Rşi but only an honorific title. According to S'ankarananda the word means one who has controlled his senses (S'veta=pure+ As'va=Indriyas or senses). According to others it means a pure mule or a male calf (S'veta + As'vatara). In ancient days it was quite common to add suffixes like Ṛṣabha, Puñgava, etc., to names as a mark of respect or pre-eminence. Either way the word signifies the greatness of the teacher.

It is not one of the more ancient Upanişads that are generally considered to be the major ones, and that form the basis of the enquiry in the Brahmasūtras. These Sutras do not allude to any of the verses original to the S'vetas'vatara even once, but many of its Mantras are quoted by the commentators in support of their doctrines. This shows what an important position of authority it held in the eyes of the great commentators, not withstanding its comparatively later origin.

**Contents and Sample Pages**

**Contents and Sample Pages**