# मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā)

Canonical page: https://sanskritlexicon.com/word/mimamsa

मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) is a Sanskrit word meaning theory, examination of the Vedic text, deep reflection, inquiry or investigation, investigation or critical examination, one of the six systems of Indian philosophy. Its 15 recorded definitions are grouped into 3 contexts, among them A School of Hindu Philosophy, Inquiry, Reflection, or Systematic Study, Associated Terms or Figures.

- **Root:** मन् (man)
- **Etymology:** E. मान to seek knowledge, aff. अङ् and टाप्; the derivative takes the augment of the reduplicate form of the verb — E. māna to seek knowledge, aff. aṅ and ṭāp; the derivative takes the augment of the reduplicate form of the verb
- **SLP1:** `mImAMsA`  **IAST:** mīmāṃsā  **Devanagari:** मीमांसा
- **Wikipedia:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%ABm%C4%81%E1%B9%83s%C4%81
- **Declensions:** 24 forms — https://sanskritlexicon.com/word/mimamsa/declensions.md
- **Other headwords romanised the same way:** मीमांस (mīmāṃsa)

## Meanings by context

### A School of Hindu Philosophy (11 definitions)
- 1. Examination of the Vedic text. 2. One of the three great divisions of orthodox Hindu philosophy.  
  *Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899)*
  > ‘examination of the Vedic text’, N. of one of the 3 great divisions of orthodox Hindū philosophy (divided into 2 systems, viz. the Pūrva-mīmāṃsā or Karma-mīmāṃsā by Jaimini, concerning itself chiefly with the correct interpretation of Vedic ritual and text, and usually called the Mīmāṃsā; and the Uttara-mīmāṃsā or Brahma-mīmāṃsā or Śārīraka-mīmāṃsā by Bādarāyaṇa, commonly styled the Vedānta and dealing chiefly with the nature of Brahmă or the one universal Spirit), Indian Wisdom, by Sir M. Monier-Williams (Title) 46; 98 &c. [ ID=164667 ]
- 1. Investigation or critical examination. 2. One of the six systems of Indian philosophy.  
  *Apte Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 0867-a ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [ मान् - विचारे स्वार्थे सन् अ (mān-vicāre svārthe san a) ] 2 N. of one of ( pb ) the six chief darsanas or systems of Indian philosophy. (It was originally divided into two systems:-the पूर्वमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (pūrvamīmāṃsā) or कर्ममीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (karmamīmāṃsā) founded by Jaimini, and the उत्तरमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (uttaramīmāṃsā) or ब्रह्ममीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (brahmamīmāṃsā) ascribed to Bādarāyaṇa; but the two systems have very little in common between them, the first concerning itself chiefly with the correct interpretation of the ritual of the Veda and the settlement of dubious points in regard to Vedic texts; and the latter dealing chiefly with the nature of Brahman or the Supreme Spirit. The पूर्वमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (pūrvamīmāṃsā) is, therefore, usually styled only मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) or the Mīmāṃsā, and the उत्तरमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (uttaramīmāṃsā), वेदांत (uttaramīmāṃsā, vedāṃta) which, being hardly a sequel of Jaimini's system, is now considered and ranked separately); मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) कृ (mīmāṃsākṛ) तमुन्ममाथ सहसा हस्ती मुतिं जैमिनिं (tamunmamātha sahasā hastī mutiṃ jaiminiṃ) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 2. 33
- 1. Deep reflection, inquiry, examination, or discussion. 2. An opinion. 3. Discussion of a sacred text. 4. A philosophical system divided into two branches: Purva Mimamsa, concerning Vedic ritual, and Uttara Mimamsa, discussing the nature of Brahman.  
  *Macdonell Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 229-2 ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) mī-māṃ-sā́, f. [ des. fr. √man] deep reflexion, inquiry, examination, discussion; opinion; discussion of a sacred text; designation of a philosophical system, which is divided into two distinct braches : the former, called Pūrva- or Karma-mīmāṃsā, and founded by Jaimini, is chiefly concerned with the correct interpretation of Vedic ritual; the latter, called Uttara-, Brahma-, or Śārīraka-mīmāṃsā, but best known under the name of Vedānta, and founded by Bādarāyaṇa, is a pantheistic system discussing chiefly the nature of Brahman or the universal soul. [ ID=14231 ]
- 1. One of the six Hindu schools of philosophy, originating with Jaimini and focusing on ritual, moral, and legal obligations. 2. The second part, known as Vedanta, ascribed to Vyasa and focusing on the spiritual worship of the Supreme Being.  
  *Wilson Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 662 ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) f. ( - सा (-sā) ) One of the philosophical systems of the Hindus, or rather a two-fold system, the two parts of which form two of the six Darśanas or schools of philosophy; the first part, the Pūrva Mīmāṃsā, or Mīmāṃsā simply, originates with Page663 the Muni JAIMINI, and illustrates the Karma kāṇḍa of the Vedas, or the practical part, (the ritual,) of religion and devotion, including also moral and legal obligations. The second part, or Uttara Mīmāṃsā, ascribed to VYĀSA, is the same as the Vedānta, founded on the Jñāna-kāṇḍa or theological portion of the Vedas, and treating of the spiritual worship of the Supreme Being or soul of the universe. E. मान (māna) to seek knowledge, aff. अङ् (aṅ) and टाप् (ṭāp); the derivative takes the augment of the reduplicate form of the verb. [ ID=30440 ]
- One of the Hindu philosophical systems.  
  *Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 594-a ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) ( सा ) ((sā)) 1. f. One of the philosophical systems of the Hindus. [ ID=29979 ]
- 1. Investigation, discussion, or examination. 2. One of the six systems of philosophy.  
  *Vaidya Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 574-22 ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) f. 1. Investigation, discussion, examination, मननतरिनीर्णविद्यार्णवो जगन्नाथपंडितनरेंद्रः । रसगंगाधरनाम्नीं करोति कुतुकेन काव्यमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) म् (mananatarinīrṇavidyārṇavo jagannāthapaṃḍitanareṃdraḥ. rasagaṃgādharanāmnīṃ karoti kutukena kāvyamīmāṃsām) R.G.; 2. name of one of the six systems of philosophy; (this system was founded by Jaimini and concerns itself with the proper interpretation of the ritual of the Vedas; sometimes it is called पूर्वमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (pūrvamīmāṃsā) in contradistinction to the Vedānta system which is considered to be a sequel of Jamini’s system and styled उत्तरमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) (uttaramīmāṃsā); there is, however, very little in common between the two systems). [ ID=30267 ]
- 1. The Purva Mimansa school of Hindu philosophy, focusing on the ritual and practical aspects of the Vedas. 2. The Uttara Mimansa or Vedanta school, focusing on the spiritual and theological portions of the Vedas.  
  *Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 569-a ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) f. ( - सा (-sā) ) One of the philosophical systems of the Hindus, or rather a two-fold system, the two parts of which form two of the six Darśhanas or schools of philosophy; the first part, the Pūrva Mīmānsā, or Mīmānś simply, originates with the Muni JAIMINĪ, and illustrates the Karma-kāṇḍa of the Vedas or the practical part, (the ritual,) of religion and devotion, including also moral and legal obligations. The second part, or Uttara Mīmāṃsā, ascribed to VYĀSA, is the same as the Vedānta, founded on the Jnāna-kāṇḍa, or theological portion of the Vedas, and treating of the spiritual worship of the Supreme Being or soul of the universe. E. मान् (mān) to seek knowledge, affs. अङ् (aṅ) and टाप्; (ṭāp;) the derivative takes the augment of the reduplicate form of the verb. [ ID=31550 ]
- Two of the philosophical systems of the Hindus, distinguished as Purva and Uttara.  
  *Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 0708-b ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) mīmāṃsā, i. e. mīmāṃsa + a, f. Two of the philosophical systems of the Hindus, distinguished as pūrva and uttara. [ ID=11333 ]
- 1. Reflection, consideration, or examination. 2. The name of a philosophical system.  
  *Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 412 ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) f. reflection, consideration, examination, N. of a philos, system. [ ID=24906 ]
- reflection, consideration, opinion, investigation, examination, discussion, and the name of one of the three great divisions of orthodox Hindu philosophy  
  *Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1872)*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 0780-b ] Mīmāṃsā, f. reflection, consideration, opinion, investigation, examination, discussion, ( kāvya-m°, the theory of poetry, art of poetry; N. of a work); ‘examination (of the sacred text),’ N. of one of three great divisions of orthodox Hindū philosophy (divided like the Nyāya and Sāṅkhya into two systems, viz. the Pūrva-mīmāṃsā or Karma-mīmāṃsā founded by Jaimini, and the Uttara-mīmāṃsā or Brahma-mīmāṃsā or Śārīraka-mīmāṃsā by Bādarāyaṇa, the latter, how- ever, is more commonly called the Vedānta system, while the Pūrva-mīmāṃsā is usually called the Mīmāṃsā; though the Mīmāṃsā by Jaimini is classed among the six orthodox systems of philosophy, it does not concern itself like the others with the nature of soul, mind, and matter, but rather with a correct interpretation of the ritual of the Veda and the solution of doubts and discrepancies in regard to the Vedic texts caused by the discordant explanations of opposite schools; it may therefore be described as a critical commentary on the first or ritual portion of the Veda, and its only claim to the title of a philosophy consists in its philosophical method of interpretation, the topics being arranged according to particular categories, such as authoritativeness, indirect precept, &c., and treated according to a kind of logical sequence, which commences with the proposition to be discussed, the doubt arising about it, the Pūrva-pakṣa or primâ facie and wrong view of the question, the right argument or refuta- tion of the Pūrva-pakṣa, and the conclusion; see, Page0780-c+ 78 moreover, Pūrva-mīmāṃsā: Jaimini, whose date is unknown, taught his system in twelve books, each book containing either four or eight chapters, and each chapter being subdivided into sections compris- ing one or more Sūtras; the oldest commentary on these obscure aphorisms being the Bhāṣya of Śabara- svāmin, explained by the great Mīmāṃsā authority Kumārila-svāmin or Kumārila-bhaṭṭa, and again elu- cidated by Mādhavācārya in the Jaiminīya-nyāya- mālā-vistara). —Mīmāṃsa-kṛt, t, m. ‘the author of the Mīmāṃsā system,’ an epithet of Jaimini. —Mī- māṃsā-kautūhala-vṛtti, is, f., N. of a commen- tary by Vāsudeva Adhvarin (also called Vāsudeva Dīkṣita) on the Mīmāṃsā-sūtras of Jaimini. —Mī- māṃsā-kaustubha, as, m., N. of a commentary by Khaṇḍa-deva on the Mīmāṃsā-sūtras of Jaimini. —Mīmāṃsā-jīva-rakṣā, f., N. of a Mīmāṃsā work. —Mīmāṃsā-tattva-candrikā, f., N. of a work by Gopāla-bhaṭṭa on various Mīmāṃsā topics. —Mīmāṃsā-tantra-vārttika, am, n., N. of a com- mentary by Kumārila-svāmin on the Sūtras of Jai- mini. —Mīmāṃsā-naya-viveka, as, m., N. of a commentary by Bhavanātha-miśra on the Mīmāṃsā- sūtras of Jaimini. —Mīmāṃsā-nyāya-prakāśa, as, m., N. of a celebrated elementary work on the Mīmāṃsā system by Āpa-deva (son of Ananta-deva and pupil of Govinda). —Mīmāṃsā-paribhāṣā, f., N. of an elementary treatise by Kṛṣṇa-dīkṣita on the Mīmāṃsā. —Mīmāṃsā-bhāṣya-vivaraṇa, am, n., N. of a commentary by Kumāra-svāmin on a work entitled Mīmāṃsā-bhāṣya. —Mīmāṃsārtha- pradīpa (°sā-ar°), as, m., N. of a disquisition by Śaṅkara-śukla on the provableness of the Veda. —Mī- māṃsā-vidhi-bhūṣaṇa, am, n., N. of a Mīmāṃsā work by Gopāla-bhaṭṭa, written in refutation of the Vidhi-rasāyana. —Mīmāṃsā-śiromaṇi, is, m. ‘crest-gem of the Mīmāṃsā,’ epithet of an author, (also called Nīla-kaṇṭha.) —Mīmāṃsā-sarvasva, am, n., N. of a work by Halāyudha. —Mīmāṃsā- sūtra, am, n., N. of the twelve books of aphorisms by Jaimini on the interpretation of the Veda; see Mīmāṃsā, col. 2. —Mīmāṃsā-stavaka, as, m., N. of a Mīmāṃsā work by Rāghavānanda. [ ID=37479 ]
- 1. A philosophical system issuing from Brahma's mouth. 2. An anga of the Vedas.  
  *The Purana Index*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 2-709 ] Mīmāṃsā — a philosophical system issuing from Brahmā's mouth; 1 read by the Asuras; 2 an anga of the Vedas. 3 [ Footnote: 1) M. 3. 4; 53. 6; Vi. III. 6. 27; V. 1. 38.] [ Footnote: 2) Br. II. 35. 87; IV. 12. 17.] [ Footnote: 3) Vā. 61. 78.] [ ID=10820 ]

### Inquiry, Reflection, or Systematic Study (3 definitions)
- Profound reflection, investigation, examination, or discussion.  
  *Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899)*
  > (H2) [Printed book page 818,3] मीमा (mīmā) ंसा (ṃsā) f. profound thought or reflection or Consideration, investigation, examination, discussion, Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa (Title); Taittirīya-āraṇyaka (Title) [ ID=164665 ]
- Theory  
  *Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899)*
  > theory ( cf. काव्य - म् (kāvya-m) ° (°) ) [ ID=164666 ]
- 1. Deep reflection. 2. Inquiry or investigation.  
  *Apte Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [Printed book page 0867-a ] मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) [ मान् - विचारे स्वार्थे सन् अ (mān-vicāre svārthe san a) ] 1 Deep reflection, inquiry, examination, investigation; रसगंगाधरनाम्नीं (rasagaṃgādharanāmnīṃ) करोति कुतुकेन काव्यमीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) ं (karoti kutukena kāvyamīmāṃsāṃ) R. G.; सैषा (saiṣā) आनंदस्य मीमांसा (mīmāṃsā) भवति (ānaṃdasya mīmāṃsā bhavati) T. Up.; so दत्तक (dattaka) °, अलंकार ° (°, alaṃkāra°) &c

### Associated Terms or Figures (1 definition)
- an epithet of Jaimini  
  *Apte Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary*
  > — कारः - कृत् (kāraḥ -kṛt) m. N. of Jaimini. [ ID=23202 ]

## Sources

Definitions from Apte Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Macdonell Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1872); Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899); Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary; The Purana Index; Vaidya Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Wilson Sanskrit-English Dictionary; Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary.
Text from the Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, University of Cologne.

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