Sayana, also known as Sayanacharya, was a medieval Indian scholar and commentator who lived in the 14th century. He was the elder brother of Vidyaranya and is primarily known for his contributions to Sanskrit literature and his extensive commentaries on various Hindu scriptures. Here is a brief biography of Sayanacharya:

Early Life:

  • Sayana was born in the Hoysala Karnataka region of present-day Karnataka, India, in the late 13th century.
  • Like his younger brother Vidyaranya, Sayana was a disciple of the sage Vidyashankara.

Scholarly Achievements:

  • Sayana was a renowned scholar and an expert in several branches of knowledge, including Vedanta, Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), and Jyotisha (astrology).
  • He is particularly famous for his extensive commentaries on the Vedas, Upanishads, and other sacred texts. His commentaries are known for their depth, precision, and comprehensive understanding of the scriptures.

Role in the Vijayanagara Empire:

  • Sayana served as the chief minister (Mahamandaleshvara) in the court of the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire, Harihara I and Bukka Raya.
  • Alongside his brother Vidyaranya, Sayana played a crucial role in advising the Vijayanagara rulers on political, administrative, and religious matters.

Literary Contributions:

  • Sayana’s most notable work is his commentary on the Rigveda, known as “Rigveda Bhashya.” This commentary is considered a masterpiece and has been widely studied and revered by scholars.
  • He also wrote commentaries on other Vedas, such as the Yajurveda and the Samaveda.

Legacy:

  • Sayana’s scholarly contributions have left a lasting impact on the understanding and interpretation of the Vedic texts.
  • His commentaries continue to be highly regarded in the field of Hindu philosophy and have been essential for the preservation and transmission of Vedic knowledge.

While Vidyaranya is often associated with the spiritual and political aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire, Sayana’s focus was primarily on scholarship and the exposition of Vedic literature. Together, the brothers played a significant role in shaping the cultural, religious, and intellectual landscape of medieval South India.

Sayana’s extensive commentaries on the Vedas, particularly his commentary on the Rigveda, are monumental works in Sanskrit literature. These texts are crucial for understanding the nuances of Vedic hymns and rituals. Here are some of Sayana’s significant works:

  1. Rigveda Bhashya:
  • Sayana’s commentary on the Rigveda is known as “Rigveda Bhashya.” It is a comprehensive and detailed commentary on each hymn of the Rigveda.
  • The commentary includes explanations of the meaning, context, and ritual significance of the Vedic verses.
  1. Other Vedic Commentaries:
  • In addition to the Rigveda, Sayana wrote commentaries on other Vedas, such as the Yajurveda and the Samaveda.
  • These commentaries provide insights into the understanding and interpretation of the respective Vedic texts.
  1. Other Literary Works:
  • Sayana also wrote on other subjects, including grammar, etymology, and astrology.
  • Some of his works outside the Vedic commentaries cover diverse topics and contribute to the broader field of Sanskrit literature.

Availability of Translations:

  • Translations of Sayana’s works, especially the Rigveda Bhashya, into English or other languages may be available in scholarly publications, academic journals, or translations of the Vedas.
  • These translations are often done by scholars who specialize in Vedic studies and Sanskrit literature.

Places to Find:

  • University libraries, academic institutions with strong Sanskrit or Indology departments, and online repositories may have editions of Sayana’s works with translations.
  • Reputed publishers of classical Indian texts and translations, as well as academic presses, may have produced editions of Sayana’s commentaries.

Digital Resources:

  • Digital libraries, online repositories, and websites dedicated to Sanskrit literature and Vedic studies may offer access to digital versions of Sayana’s works.

If you are specifically looking for English translations of Sayana’s works, it would be helpful to check with academic publishers, bookstores specializing in Indology, or online platforms that offer scholarly publications in the field of Vedic studies. Keep in mind that the availability of translations may vary, and consulting academic sources or experts in the field can provide further guidance.