Kalpa (Vedanga)

Kalpa (Sanskrit: कल्प) means "proper, fit" and is one of the six disciplines of the Vedānga, or ancillary science connected with the Vedas – the scriptures of Hinduism.^[1] This field of study is focused on the procedures and ceremonies associated with Vedic ritual practice.^[2]^[1]

The major texts of Kalpa Vedanga are called Kalpa Sutras in Hinduism.^[3] The scope of these texts includes Vedic rituals, rites of passage rituals associated with major life events such as birth, wedding and death in family, as well as personal conduct and proper duties in the life of an individual.^[4] Most Kalpasutras texts have experienced interpolation, changes and consequent corruption over their history, and Apasthamba Kalpasutra ancillary to the Yajurveda may be the best preserved text in this genre.^[5]

Kalpa Sutras are also found in other Indian traditions, such as Jainism.^[6]

^ ^a ^b James Lochtefeld (2002), "Kalpa" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 1: A–M, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, p. 339.
^ Plofker 2009, p. 313.
^ Maurice Winternitz 1963, p. 252.
^ Wendy Doniger (1999). Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions. Merriam-Webster. pp. 629. ISBN 978-0-87779-044-0.
^ Patrick Olivelle (1999). The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Ancient India. Oxford University Press. pp. xxv-xxviii with footnotes. ISBN 978-0-19-160604-5.
^ Moriz Winternitz (1988). A History of Indian Literature: Buddhist literature and Jaina literature. Motilal Banarsidass (Reprint). pp. 412–413, 444–446. ISBN 978-81-208-0265-0.

[jameslochtefeldsca339-1] James Lochtefeld (2002), "Kalpa" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 1: A–M, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 0-8239-2287-1, p. 339.

[FOOTNOTEPlofker2009313-2] Plofker 2009, p. 313.

[FOOTNOTEMaurice_Winternitz1963252-3] Maurice Winternitz 1963, p. 252.

[4] Wendy Doniger (1999). Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions. Merriam-Webster. pp. 629. ISBN 978-0-87779-044-0.

[5] Patrick Olivelle (1999). The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Ancient India. Oxford University Press. pp. xxv-xxviii with footnotes. ISBN 978-0-19-160604-5.

[6] Moriz Winternitz (1988). A History of Indian Literature: Buddhist literature and Jaina literature. Motilal Banarsidass (Reprint). pp. 412–413, 444–446. ISBN 978-81-208-0265-0.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]