Aitareya Āraṇyaka

Aitareya Āraṇyaka is part of the Āraṇyaka literature which dvelve into philosophical interpretation of rituals mentioned in the Brāhmaṇa literature composed by Ṛṣi (sages) in the forest. It is based on the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa belonging to the Śākala śākhā of the Ṛgvedic literature. The Aitareya Āraṇyaka is divided into five Āraṇyaka which are further divided into Adhyāyas (chapters). The 4th, 5th and 6th Adhyāya of the 2nd Āraṇyaka are known as the Aitareyopaniṣad. This Ms. contains Āraṇyaka 1; Adhyāya 1 from (f.2b–6b), Adhyāya 2 from (f.6b–11a), Adhyāya 3 from (f.11a–17a), Adhyāya 4 from (f.17a–19a), Adhyāya 5 from (f.19b–22b), Āraṇyaka 2; Adhyāya 1 from (f.22b–26b), Adhyāya 2 from (f.26b–28b), Adhyāya 3 from (f.28b–31b), Adhyāya 4 from (f.31b–33b), Adhyāya 5 from (f.33b-35a), Adhyāya 6 from (f.35a–35b), Āraṇyaka 3; Adhyāya 1 from (f.35b-39a), Adhyāya 2 from (f.39a-43b); Āraṇyaka 4 from (43b-44a), Āśvalāyanasūtra kalpopaniṣad Āraṇyaka 5; Adhyāya 1 from (f.44a–48b), Adhyāya 2 from (f.48b–51b). Adhyāya 3 From (f.51b–54b). This Ms. is written 9–11 lines per folio. Cover page contains title. Title also present in colophon (f. 54b). Back page contains alternative title enclosed in red horizontal and vertical margins on each side creating a frame. Mistakes are covered with yellow or blacked out. Some corrections and additions in the margins. Significant syllables and words rubbed with orange powder for highlighting. Scribe is Ḍhunḍhirājabhaṭṭa Viśvarūpa in (f. 54b).