Reconstruction of the Third School of Purvamimamsa

Book Details:

• Author: Ujjwala Panse

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1990

• ISBN: 9788170302094

• Pages: 210

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 360 gm

About the Book

This pioneering work by Dr. Ujjwala Panse is a remarkable contribution to Indian philosophical literature, specifically in the field of Pūrvamīmāṁsā. Published as part of the Sri Garib Dass Oriental Series (No. 90), the book is the first in-depth attempt to reconstruct the lost Third School of Pūrvamīmāṁsā, propounded by the 12th-century philosopher Murari Misra. Unlike the widely studied schools of Kumārila Bhaṭṭa and Prabhākara Miśra, Murari Misra’s philosophical system had faded into obscurity due to the fragmentary nature of his surviving works.

Dr. Panse’s study—originally her Ph.D. thesis from the University of Pune—presents a meticulous reconstruction of Murari Misra’s epistemological and ontological doctrines using scattered references in various Indian logical and philosophical texts. Despite the absence of a complete original manuscript, she skillfully pieces together Murari's views through critical analysis of Purvapakṣa (prima facie arguments) and commentaries found in other scholarly works.

The book explores how Murari’s interpretations of Jaimini’s Sūtras diverge not only from Bhāṭṭa and Prābhākara positions but also offer original insights that warrant recognition as a distinct philosophical path—“Murāres tṛtīyaḥ panthāḥ” (Murari’s is the third path).

In the foreword, the importance of Pūrvamīmāṁsā as the foundational system of sentence-interpretation (vākyaśāstra) is emphasized. It is noted that since most Indian philosophical schools rely on Vedic authority, understanding the Mīmāṁsā method is crucial. The work of Murari Misra, though often overlooked, demonstrates a nuanced application of these methods to a wide range of metaphysical and epistemological issues.

The book also sheds light on the intellectual significance of Murari Misra, pointing out how even his critics couldn’t ignore his ideas—highlighting the depth and seriousness of his contributions. Through careful study and interpretation, Dr. Panse has made Murari’s voice heard again, offering a rare and valuable resource for students and scholars of Indian philosophy, Sanskrit, and Vedic interpretation.

This groundbreaking volume stands alongside the classical works of M.M. Ganganatha Jha, continuing a tradition of deep textual engagement and scholarly dedication. It will be of immense value to those interested in Pūrvamīmāṁsā, Nyāya, Vedic studies, and the comparative analysis of Indian schools of thought.