It is well known that Indian scriptures and Sanskrit literature are a storehouse of knowledge. But there are very few attempts to systematically classify them into known branches of knowledge in an illustrative manner to familiarize a lay reader with the richness of Indian past. The painstaking effort of Dr. Avadhanulu in this direction by picking up relevant extracts from literature, like drops picked from the ocean, and compiling them and translating has resulted in this book which any reader can vouch, is unique.
Today there is a worldwide interest in these Indian thoughts leading to considerable research in well-known universities across the world. Yoga, meditation and holistic methods enunciated in our scriptures are recognized globally as sure remedies of happy and healthy living.
Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmasutra, Gita, Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharatha are considered holy texts containing information on all aspects of human activity – physical and spiritual. There are a galaxy of Sanskrit luminaries – Kalidasa, Panini, Bhasa, Bana, Varahamihra, Bhartruhari and many others whose works have inspired and enlightened generations of humankind over centuries. Works of Charaka, Sushrutha, Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Lilavati and others deal with different aspects of science and medicine. Ramayana and Mahabharatha have innumerable illustrations of science, technology, arts, sports, music, dance, architecture, weaponry, defense, vehicles, textiles, navigation, metallurgy and space craft to name a few. By observing ancient temples, paintings and historical structures, one wonders about the technology prevalent several hundred years ago. For example, the non-rusting iron pillar near Kutub Minar unravels the metallurgical experiences of those times.
The present book synthesizes the knowledge spread over 5000 years to enlighten the reader on the ancient wisdom in different areas.
Knowledge is classified as Vidya and Avidya (Apara vidya) – the former dealing with knowledge within (internal to the human being) and the latter with knowledge without (external to the human being). Vidya deals with philosophy and spirituality linking man with God. The scriptures deal extensively with Vidya. Critical commentaries on scriptures such as those by Adi Shankara guide an individual choose a path of God realization. This deals with mind, body and soul – Yoga, Meditation, Bhakti, Jnana are different manifestations in this class. On the other hand, Avidya deals with physical or external aspects such as Science and Technology and issues external to the human being.
The present book deals with both “Vidya” and “Avidya” and the author has classified this into chapters dealing with different aspects. The significance and importance of Vedas are highlighted in this book.  It is regrettable to note that only 13 out 1311 branches of Vedic knowledge are presently traceable.  This is great loss of vast storehouse of information to humanity for ever. 
In different chapters, the author deals with almost all branches of science and narrates relevant Sanskrit text to prove that several present day findings are not new such as the concepts on gravitation, solar system, the value of Pi and so on.  The author has carefully chosen and discussed many topics from Sanskrit literature which dealt with geometry, chemistry, physics, agriculture, irrigation, rain forecasting, imaging, wave theory, healthcare, energy, cognition, computers, cosmology, quantum mechanics and unified theory. Extracting computer concepts from Vishnu Sahsranama is very interesting.
While one may question the validity of some of his propositions, none can question his sincerity in mining useful data from earlier Sanskrit literature which may make every Indian proud.
This book makes several interesting comparisons between Vedas and Science and the concepts therein. Dr. Avadhanulu, the author of the book, has done a commendable work. This book is a useful reference guide for all those who want to know what is hidden in our scriptures in a readable language. I would certainly advise our youngsters in schools and colleges to read this book which would give a glimpse of our ancestors’ wisdom and scientific temper and inspire them in making India once again a global center of knowledge creation for the betterment of humanity.
New Delhi                                                                                               Prof. SS Murthy
11.05.2006

Title of the book : Science and Technology in Vedas and Sastras; Dr. R.V.S.S. Avadhanulu; Shri Veda Bharathi, Hyderabad; pp 334; Rs. 350.00

India's proud scientific heritage
By - M.V. Kamath

Pride of India; a Glimpse into India's Scientific Heritage; Compiled by Bharatiya Bouddhik Sampada, Nagpur; pp 208; Rs.2,000.00

When a suggestion was made some time ago that Vedic Mathematics should be introduced as a subject for study at the college level in India, there was a lot! of derisive laughter among some of our pseudo-intellectuals, not to speak of 'secularists' whose knowledge of Sanskrit was questionable and a sense of inquiry non-existent. The idea had to be dropped in the face of determined opposition. Now, overnight as it were, and almost simultaneously, we have two books on the subject, one entitled Pride of India and another entitled Science and Technology in Vedas and Sastras. Both are scholarly replies to our cynics and provide more than just glimpses into India's vast scientific heritage seldom before brought to light. Never before, may it be said, has Vedic Science been presented to the world in such intimate detail and precision whether in the realm of pure mathematics, physics, astronomy, medicine or in civil and mechanical engineering and the life sciences. Our ancestors could not have built those marvellous temples if they had no knowledge of architecture and civil engineering, not to speak of geometry and allied subjects. Pride of India is in hard cover and is the work of several experts. Beautifully illustrated, convincingly researched and splendidly presented, it is like Dr R.V.S.S. Avadhanulu's work, the ultimate reply to sceptics and a rich, if delayed tribute to the genius of India which has sustained and empowered the culture and civilisation of Bharat for centuries past. Both are works to be treasured and handed down to generation after generation. Dr Avadhanulu's work covers topics both conventional and non-conventional. It quotes with great flair the Vedas and their offshoots like the Sastras on conventional subjects like science and technology but goes beyond them to take note of what the Sastras have said about cognition, artificial intelligence, computer compilers and unified theories. The ancient seers were they to come back today would surely be stunned to know what present-day technologists have achieved unaware of what Indian thinkers had conceived in centuries past! As in Pride of India, so in Dr Avadhanulu's work, the original Sanskrit verses are quoted in full, their transliteration in English follow and their meaning and significance is explained. We are thus introduced to Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, Baudhayana, Bhaskaracharya, Apastamba, names mostly unknown to today's generation of Indian students, let alone their elders who would be disturbed to know that the theorem generally attributed to Pythogaras was originally conceived by Baudhayana and should be known as the Sulba or Baudhayana Theorem. For that matter what in the west is known as the W. Snell Theorem was first enunciated by Brahmagupta on cyclic ! quadrilaterals. Indeed Brahmagupta went even further to calculate the area of cyclic quadrilateral and triangle, not to speak of circumradius of cyclic quadrilateral. And it is interesting to know that even the value of 'Pi' had been studied by a succession of Indian mathematicians right from the time of Mahavira (850 AD). It is no disrespect to Pythogoras to acknowledge that his discovery was preceded by Baudhayana or that long before Galileo, India had a succession of astronomers, eighteen of whose contributions including those of Garga, Narada, Parasara, Varahamihira, Aryabhatta and Bhaskaracharya have been duly acknowledged in the Sastras. While modern astronomy deals with planets and their movements, Jataka goes a step further and probes as to how their movements affect the living beings on earth. As a lot of calculations are ! involved in predicting the positions of planets, mathematics understandably becomes prominent. It is usual to attribute the discovery of gravity to Isaac Newton and the apple that fell on his head. But a cursory perusal of our ancient literature brings out stunning information on this topic. Varahamihira, the great astrologer who lived in the 6th century AD, recorded in his Pancha Siddhanta that all objects in the universe attract each other. And he further said: "Gravity is the cause for falling of liquids and solids. It is invisible and is inferred by the falling motion. Gravity acts not only on the body, but equally on its finer constituents." Both Pride of India and Avadhanulu's study are complementary to each other though, inevitably, on some points they naturally merge. Both have excellent chapters, for example, on medicine, anatomy, embryology and obsitretics , surgery, pharmacology and elimination therapy. The Atharva Veda (youngest of the four Vedas)

placed in time to around 5000 BC contains hymns on diseases and their treatment. Charaka (1st century BC) of the Atreya School codified the percepts and practices in internal medicine. Sushruta (6th century BC) of the Dhanvantari School codified surgical practices and Vagbhata (6th century AD) of the Kashyapa School dealt with gynaecology and paediatrics. Recalling them and their contribution to medical knowledge is not, as many of our 'intellectuals' would argue, a matter of jingoism. It is merely gracing medical history as it is to its roots. And the authors in both the books now available quote from chapter and verse to see that their veracity remains unchallenged. What is significant about these two works is the amount of research work that has obviously! gone into their writing. And, of course, the illustrations accompanying the text. While the illustrations in Avadhanulu's work are in black and white, those in Pride of India are in colour, which make them specially attractive. But what is exciting is the range of subjects covered such as measurement of rainfall in Varahamihira's Pravarshana Adhyaya, cosmic energy and radiation. Even the subject of spectrometer has been a matter of study. Incredible, one would say but India is incredible and we have to thank the authors of these two books for reminding us of our rich scientific heritage. Truly they constitute the pride of India. Reading them is a revelation; more, they recall the glory of a great past and provide encouragement to the young to do better. We have it is us to be great. These books are a gentle reminder of that fact

Title of the book :VEDAS AND COMPUTERS (Computer Science in Vedas)
Author: Dr.RVSS Avadhanulu
            Price                            India               Abroad
            Home Edition  :              Rs.350/-          $30(US)
            Library Edition :              Rs.500/-          $35(US)
            Mailing Charges extra
 
Reviewed by : Prof. PB Sharma, Founder Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi Technological University, Bhopal; Principal, Delhi College of Engineering; & Dean, Faculty of Technology, University of Delhi
“The Vedas and Computers By RVSS Avadhanulu gives a lucid exposition of some basic principles laid down in Mimamsa philosophy vis-à-vis the modern computational systems. Further it asserts that some of the latest principles of computer science were already recorded in the Mimamsa texts. To corroborate with the above statement the author selects the FORTRAN language of computer to demonstrate the value of expression by an assignment statement  together with the control transfer statement; form of simple variable; applicatory injunction; physical & logical sequence with due analysis of the concepts; Subprogram in the Vedas; data transmission; categorization of statements; job step concept in computers; queues/stacks & paurvaparya & vitati; time sharing systems; processing time computers; Avilamba of Mimamsa; and password concept in light of  Adhikaravidhi.
I find the publication the Vedas and Computers highly relevant to our quest for significantly upgrading modern computational capability by incorporating the profound wisdom of Vedic computing into the future algorithms for high performance computing. The value of Vedic computing , in fact, lies in terms of improved logistic and faster algorithm. The work of Avadhanulu is highly innovative and largely original for its applicability and relevance to the modern computational science.”
- (Book Review-MLBD (Motilal Banarsi Das ) News letter, November, 2003)

Title of the book: VEDAS AND COMPUTERS (Concepts of Computer Compilers in Vedic Mimamsa)
Reviewed by : Prof.V. Ramaiah ( Book Review –New Indian Express,1999)
 “This is a book on an unusual topic of linking the past and present. It deals with a very new and interesting area.  While computers represent the modern era, the Vedas have a hoary past.  While much is known about the world of computers, the Vedas still have on aura of mystery.  Many Vedic statements have astounded scientists and astronomers, but there has been no serious effort to unravel the real meanings behind all the chanting. 
What the author has done here is to look at some striking similarities between Vedas and Computers. The book gives an overall view of some of the areas where computer language and Sanskrit meet.   It takes up to the point  where the knowledge embedded in Vedic Mimamsa can contribute to modern computers in their concepts and definitions.

The author has done a remarkable work in opening up a whole new world  for researchers who could explore whether a system for processing the statements existed during the Vedic period.

I am sure that  this could be the launching pad  for those who are ready to push the idea further.

Title of the book : Vedic Mathematics

The subject of Vedic mathematics is quite wide, deep and ancient.  For quite long period, it was treated as part of Jyotisha Sastra. Partly it was covered under Kalpa Sastra, under the title of Sulba sutras, making the foundation for geometry. There has been a great lineage of mathematicians like Arya Bhata, Bhaskracharya, BrahmaGupta, Mahavira Acharya, Pavuluri Mallanna  and a host of others. In recent period, the book authored by HHSwami Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha, and titled as Vedic mathematics, has attracted the attention of everybody, both within the country and also abroad.The unconventional approach, high spped arithmatics and high utility factor in competitive world have taken the subject nearer to the modern student.

The Vedic mathematics books published  by SVB deal with all the important aspects mentioned above, in addition giving a vivid description of our great heritage.The methods for computation of  roots,  covering square roots, cube roots, fourth order and fifth order roots, etc., are uniquely compiled and presented by the author facilitating better understanding of the principles both by the teachers and students alike.

The subject is divided into several  small topics and sizes of the books are intentionally kept small,  only to make the students  overcome their  psychological barriers.

So far , Seven Booklets are published in Telugu and Three Booklets in English

1. The Vedas, which are traditionally treated as the treasure houses of knowledge from times immemorial, are facing the threat of extinction due to historical reasons and also due to shift in the value system in India. 

2. With a view to appraise the present critical situation of the Vedic studies, and also to   rededicate the people to participate in the  Veda Samraksha schemes, visual presentations are provided  in Telugu and English, .covering the  original spread of Vedic literature, present position and the steps to be taken urgently.

3. For giving an idea about the incredible methods adopted by our Rishis for flawless preservation of Vedic Sabda and svara over the ages, a model of all the 11 types of chantings of one mantra of Rigveda  are incorporated in the CD .

4. It is further attempted to demonstrate the power of pictorial representation of the concepts of few Vedic mantras, for increasing the aptitude of the talented youth  for  research in the Vedas.

5.  As the present education system and social conditions are  making the youth of India ignorant of our own holy places, the locations of 12 Jyotirlinga Kshetras are shown with the help of a  3D animation program, developed as a model.

Title of the book : Upanishad Ratnavali

The Upanishads, also called as the Vedanta, constitute the base for supreme knowledge. In simple words, the Upanishads start from the point where the  modern sciences cease. Several institutuins are making their unique efforts in spreading the knowledge of Upanishads. But the fact is that  the subject has to still  reach  several crores of people.

SVB has taken up the mission of taking the contents of Upanishads closer to the masses, in its own way. Accordingly SVB developed its own strategy, starting from the style of narration, font selection, line spacing, sizes  of the booklets, and  quality of printing  Originally SVB brought out the gist of Sankara Bhashyas of  10 Upanishads in a set of four booklets.. However, the matter is improved and one more  Upanishad, viz.,Svetaswatara Upanishad, is also covered, but keeping the number of booklets the same.. The response of the public for the first two editions was thrilling. The third edition is expected to go in the same way.
The books are authored by Sri Kalanidhi Sayanayana Murthy , Former Law Secretary , Govt of Andhra Pradesh and edited by Dr.Remella Avadhanulu , Chief Executive of Shri Veda Barathi.

Title of the CD / DVD : Veda Samraksha (Video CD)

The status report on Veda sakhas indicates an alarming situation as only seven branches are being studied as against 1131 branches of Vedas earlier.Hence the presently available Vedic branches have to be preserved urgently . Accordingly the present Cd contains the Multimedia presentations in English and telugu on the need for preservation of vedas. Also a model of 11 types of chantings for one mantra on sample basis is provided in this CD to indicate the amount of grat efforts put up by our sages for maintaning perfection in utterance of the syllables and swras of each mantra .
Further a model of graphics for Vedic mantras is presented with multimedia faclities . Along with this a 2D animation bit it indicating the geographical placement of the 12 jyothir linga kshetras is also presented in through CD. The above contents are indicated through the following:

1.Need for Preservation of Vedas (Telugu & English)
2.About The 11 Types of chantings of Rig Veda
3.About Multimedia Graphics for Vedic Mantras
4.12 Jyothirlingas & Multimedia Vedic Mantras

Title of the CD / DVD : RIG Veda DVD ( Entire Rigveda Samhita - ( Full Book - 64 chapters)) - 1 DVD - (MP3)

1.The Rigveda  DVD, developed by Shri Veda Bharathi, is unique of its kind in the world of Audio CDs and DVDs. At the first instant itself, the high quality print of the titles and texture captures the attention of the users and gives an immediate feel of holy subject in modern format. The graceful appearance of sages and Sun God on its front cover and majestic design of engravings on the shiny copper plates in the backdrop are indicative of the contents and earlier containers.
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2. The present DVD  contains the traditional  chantings, by an authoritative Vedic scholar, of the entire Rigveda Samhita, which is the most voluminous part of  the sacred Vedic literature.

3.This has the audio files of all the 10,552 mantras, belonging to the  1028 Suktas of Sakala branch of Rigveda,  distributed under  64  chapters/ Adhyayas.

4.The DVD can run continuously  for  about 30 hours.

5.The DVD starts with a prayer highlighting the glory of  Rigveda. This is followed by  an introduction narrating the status of Vedic literature and the need for preservation and propagation of Vedic knowledge.
 
6 The DVD further contains chapterwise introductions, for all the 64 chapters of Rigveda, and provides encyclopaedia information like details of Ashtakas, Adhyayas, Mandalas, Suktas, Rishis, Devatas and Chandas before the commencement of the chantings of each chapter.

7.The particular type of rendering in this DVD is referred to as Moolam or Samhita mode of chanting.

8.A Guide is also supplied along with the DVD.  With the help of  index  key parameters provided and file formats described therein,   the audio  tracks of any Sukta of Rigveda in the  DVD can be located instantaneously and the contents can be accessed randomly. This in fact proves to be a powerful tool and saves the user time significantly.

9. However, if the user so chooses, he can play the  DVD sequentially also, that is, from the beginning till the end of the recordings, continuously.

10. The DVD is priced @ Rs.500/- in India, and US$50/- in other countries.

Title of the CD / DVD : 11 Modes of Chanting of Rigveda Samhita- Chapters 1,2 and 3

For preserving the purity of the sabda and swara of each mantra, our great seers introduced  11 modes of chanting, like Samhita, pada, Krama, Jata, Mala, Sikha, Rekha, Dhwaja, Danda, Ratha and Ghana. That system was followed and practiced  for several centuries.   However , presently, only very few pandits are available in the country who can confidently recite the entire Rigveda Samhita in all these 11 modes.   It may be reassuring to note that Shri Veda Bharathi is making sincere attempts for preservation of the available Vedic chantings.  So far SVB could capture the 11 types of chantings of the first three chapters of Rigveda Samhita. This runs for about 75 hours and is provided in two  DVDs in mp3 format.

Title of the CD / DVD : Abhisheka CD ,

SVB identified the requirements of  devotees of Sanatana Dharma with regard to their daily prayers and worship.

Accordingly the following items are recorded:

Title of the CD / DVD : Kamyas DVD

The word KAMYA means an object desired which is to be  obtained. It is believed that every Vedic mantra is useful for one purpose or other. The devotees who may be encountering  problems in their real life, like illness and  poverty, may desire certain  objects, like health and richness,  as  solutions. Similarly some  may be interested in achieving certain objectives, like power and prosperity. In all the cases, the people may be making their physical  efforts. But when their objectives could not be fulfilled  with their physical means, there is every chance that they may get frustrated. In such cases, certain divine solutions are further attempted for fulfilling their objectives..

In our Vedic literature, some Veda mantras are found mentioned as tools for divine solutions for certain  problems. Accordingly the chantings of these mantras are recorded in a repeated way.

 It is sincerely recommended that japa of these mantras is  carried out with the help of  well versed pandits only, to avoid mistakes in utterance of the syllables and svaras of the mantras. It may also be noted that fulfillment of the objectives will depend on  the sincerity and seriousness with which the solutions are attempted.

The list of objectives for which the mantras could be  identified  are as follows:
1. Nirvighnam   -for overcoming  any  hurdles envisaged and/or encountered
2. Aiswaryam    -for higher economic condition and growth in life
3.Children    
4.Male child
5.Intelligence & memory
6.Recovery of gold
7.Cure of acute diseases
8.Cure of chronic diseases
9.Cure of skin diseases
10.Cure of Eye diseases
11.Cure of Tuberculosis
12.To overcome Fear from death
13.Cure of ill effects  of ghosts
14.Relief from sins
15.Relief from greater sins
16.Release of the arrested person
17.Reinstatement
18.Recovery of power
19.Rainfall
20.Prosperity of the nation
21.Aura
22.All wishes
23.Health & longevity
24.Swasti Mantras1 & 2

Title of the CD / DVD : Krishna Yajurveda (Part) Chantings:

It is well known that Yajurveda is broadly divided into Krishna Yajurveda and Sukla Yajurveda, which are further subdivided into several branches. Taittiriya Sakha is one such branch of Krishna Yajurveda, which is popularly studied in south India in general, and Andhra Pradesh in particular. The Samhita part of this branch has several hundred mantras  covered under 44 chapters, brought into 7 Kandas. Each of these mantras can be chanted with five different modes, viz., Moolam, Pada, Krama, Jata and Ghana. Many of the Vedic devotees wish to have this kind of  chantings played in all their domestic functions.

This CD contains the five modes of  chantings of the mantras of the first chapter of first Kanda. Also it contains the moolam mode of chanting of the first chapter of the third Kanda.

Title of the CD / DVD : Brahma Sutra Sankara Bhashya Pathamulu (Telugu):

The ultimate books of knowledge identified in the Vedanta Sastra of our Sanatana Dharma are reverentially called as Prasthana Traya., meaning three important land marks in the great journey for liberation. The three books, viz., Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagawadgita constitute the subject matter. Several  great Acharyas have rendered their commentaries for these three books.  An  important one among them is Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada, propagator of Advaita philosophy. His commentary on Brahma sutras is acknowledged as one of the best treatises of the world.

The elaboration of this commentary by Mahamahopadhyaya PadmaSri Acharya Pullela SriRamachandrudu garu,  in Telugu, in the form of class room sessions, is recorded in electronic media., and now presently brought into two DVDs.