Bhashya

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

Bhashya
Sutrartho varnyate yatra
Padaih sutranusaribhih
Svapadani cha varnyante
Bhashyam bhashyavido viduh
A Bhashya is an elaborate exposition, a commentary on the Sutras, with word by word
meaning of the aphoristic precepts, their running translation, together with the individual views of
the commentator or the Bhashyakara. The best and the exemplary Bhashya in Sanskrit literature is
the one written by Patanjali on the Vyakarana Sutras of Panini. This Bhashya is so very famous and
important that it is called the MAHABHASHYA and its celebrated author is specially called the
BHASHYAKARA. Patanjali is the father of Bhashyakaras. The next important Bhashya is the one
on the Mimamsa Sutras written by Sabara-Swamin who learnt the art from Patanjali’s commentary.
The third important Bhashya was written by Sankara on the Brahma Sutras, in close following with
the Sabara-Bhashya. The Bhashyas on the six sets of aphorisms dealing with Indian philosophy
were written by Vatsyayana, Prasastapada, Vijnanabhikshu, Vyasa, Sabara and Sankara. On the
Vedanta or Brahma Sutras, there are about sixteen Bhashyas, like those of Ramanuja, Madhva,
Vallabha, Nimbarka, etc.