Brihati

work by Prabhākara

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June 22, 2026

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The Brihati is a significant commentary on Shabara's bhashya, authored by Prabhakara, a philosopher who likely lived after Kumarila. Prabhakara's views often diverged significantly from Kumarila's. While Kumarila adhered to the traditional Mimamsa focus on dharma, Prabhakara expanded its scope to encompass the interpretation of Vedic texts. Prabhakara's Brihati was further commented upon by Shalikanatha in his Rijuvimala. Prabhakara is recognized as a key figure in Indian philosophy during the post-Gupta period, contributing to the logical development of philosophical thought.12

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Indian philosophy
Principal texts and relation to Shabara
…the author of the commentary Brihati (“The Large Commentary”), on Shabara’s bhashya. On many essential matters, Prabhakara differs radically from the views of Kumarila. Prabhakara’s Brihati has been commented upon by Shalikanatha in his Rijuvimala (“The Straight and Free from Blemishes”), whereas the same author’s Prakaranapanchika (“Commentary of Five Topics”)…
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…the author of the commentary Brihati (“The Large Commentary”), on Shabara’s bhashya. On many essential matters, Prabhakara differs radically from the views of Kumarila. Prabhakara’s Brihati has been commented upon by Shalikanatha in his Rijuvimala (“The Straight and Free from Blemishes”), whereas the same author’s Prakaranapanchika (“Commentary of Five Topics”)…
Read More