The Significance of Etymology in Early Modern Polemical Works Of Vedānta

Résumé En

The paper explores a theological debate between Appaya Dīkṣita (16th cent.) and Paravastu Vedāntācārya (18th cent.) regarding the term Nārāyaṇa in early modern Vedānta. They dispute whether the term refers exclusively to Viṣṇu or if it can also denote other deities such as Śiva or Viriñci.Appaya argues that Nārāyaṇa can signify Śiva as well, citing verses from various scriptures and employing etymological analysis. He contends that the term's meaning is not limited to Viṣṇu but extends to other deities.Paravastu, a Vaiṣṇava scholar, rebuts Appaya's assertions by emphasizing the exclusive association of Nārāyaṇa with Viṣṇu. He refutes Appaya's interpretations and demonstrates through grammatical analysis that Nārāyaṇa can only refer to Viṣṇu, based on Vedic and conventional usage.The debate underscores the significance of grammatical analysis in early modern Vedāntic discourse, particularly in the interpretation and identification of theological terms like Nārāyaṇa.