Vedic literature (MALAYALAM) Author: V. K. Narayana Bhattathiri; Pub.by Narayana Bhattathiri Smaraka Trust, 20/150, Dutt Saw Mill Road, P.O.Kallai, Kozhikode-673003. Rs. 80.
IN THIS book of 28 essays, the knotty and mystical thoughts of the Vedas are discussed by the author, who has liberally drawn upon from the commentaries of Sayanan, Aravinda, and Yaaskan and thus helped in taking the Vedic teachings to a wider audience.

Although the learned author strives to look at these ancient creative works in the light of modern theories of critical phenomena, his views and findings accord more with those of Aravinda than of western scholars. He has brought a lot of fresh thinking into his analysis, thanks to his streak of originality and logical approach.

What enhances the value of the publication is his attempt to connect the Vedic literature with such varied aspects of study like Sanskrit grammar, hymns, and synonyms of God. Particularly noteworthy is the essay on “Niruktham” by Yaaskan (who lived before 400 BC) and a commentary on Vedic ‘Nighandu' (glossary). ‘Ithihasa', the description of different seasons in the ‘Bhagavatha', the harmony that exists among the various Hindu philosophical works, and such other themes are dealt with in a thorough and masterly fashion.