2020, Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part B

author(s)
Dr. Melukote K Sridhar

abstract
This paper discusses about Number Sixteen and its significance in Indic tradition. Number sixteen plays an important role in one's life. It covers us from before birth to last day in many ways. Hence our ancestors gave utmost importance to this number which has percolated into the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Indian mythology, numerology, religion, philosophy, spirituality, Tantra, physiology, Ayruveda and many more. The paper also decodes Puruṣa Sükta of the r̥gveda, Praśna upaniṣad, vedic astronomy, Puranas, rituals in Indic tradition regarding number sixteen. It explores as to how this number attained importance in the Epic period, Hindu religious ceremonies, offerings, Nyaya philosophy and Ayurveda while treating patients. The paper highlights on the continuity and connectivity of this number sixteen from the Vedic to the present times and inter-relationship between the micro and macrocosms for individual, family and national welfare.