vedanga Definition

The term 'vedanga' refers to the six auxiliary disciplines or limbs that support the Vedic literature and rituals. These disciplines serve to enhance the understanding and performance of the Vedas, and include grammar ( Vyākaraṇa ), astronomy ( Jyotiṣa ), ritual ( Kalpa ), etymology ( Nighaṇṭu ), meter ( Chandas ), and predictive arts ( Nirukta ).