A CRITICAL REVIEW ON ŚĀRṄGADHARA PADDHATI

Abstract

India's diverse and evolving culture, shaped over millennia, varies significantly across regions. Central to ancient Hindu philosophy are the Puruṣārtha which literally means “an object of human pursuit” encompassing four fundamental goals of human life, delineating paths for personal and spiritual development. Among various Hindu scriptures related to life goals, Śārṅgadhara Paddhati, standing as an anthology of Sanskrit verses, has been compiled byĀcārya Śārṅgadhara(1363 CE). The ŚārṅgadharaPaddhatispans 160 chapters covering diverse topics such as Gandharvaveda, Dhanurveda, Vṛkṣāyurveda, and many more, offering a comprehensive exploration of life's principles. Notably, the text emphasizes learning from all sources, including plants and animals, to achieve life's objectives. The text's relevance extends to contemporary agricultural challenges, including discussions on organic farming, conservation measures inspired by ancient traditions. It highlights the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with ecological preservation, drawing lessons from historical practices. In essence, the Śārṅgadhara Paddhati encapsulates timeless wisdom on holistic living, ecological harmony and the pursuit of life's goals, resonating with India's rich cultural heritage and offering insights for addressing present-day challenges in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.