ISSN : 2663-2187

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EXTENSION OF ANNA IN DIFFERENT CONTEXT, PREVAILING IN THE VEDAS, BOTH FROM THE ANCIENT PERSPECTIVE AND THE MODERN OUTLOOK: A STUDY

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Kankana Goswami, Ashlesha Goswami, Pralay Kumar Boro
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.si 1.2024.240-249

Abstract

The term Anna bears a broader meaning in the Vedic scriptures. It is not confined only in the food but also extended to the evolution of the physical world as well as to the cosmology. The visible world is based on the Anna or Aliment as one of the basic needs for survival. The rituals of the Vedas are the indispensable part of the ancient social tradition. In the Karma Kāṇḍa, Anna is explained as the food which includes the form of grains, herbs (Oṣadhi), nutrition and illumination of prosperities (Social health). In different sacrifices, Anna plays different roles according to the sequences, needs and the merits of the sacrifices, when then it (Anna) is flourishing through different names and forms. It is praised as the elements of the wellbeing of the society. Anna leads to the degree of social upliftment too. The Upanishads have dealt with the Anna in the dimension of Cosmology. The Anna is one of the major components of cosmological world and its evolution. Here, the term Anna is established in various directions like Flora, Nutrition and the Solid State. The longevity with good health among the human race is the ultimate goal of the world human society. This whole concept is lying on “Anna”. The latest trending terminology “Millets” is not a newly added concept being discussed throughout the world; but, is relatively the ancient term Anna, which incorporates all kinds of ‘Coarse Cereals’ with other grains too in itself. Now, the Millet is considered as the ‘Smart-food’ or ‘Super-food’ in respect of both health and economy. Focusing on the revival of using raw form of millets has been recognised by the world, declaring 2023 as the World Millet Year.

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