antar vidvas

 In Sanskrit, "antarvidvas" (अन्तर्विद्वस्) refers to someone who "knows thoroughly" or "knows what is between," especially the knowledge of the paths or matters between heaven and earth, as described in the Ṛgveda.

Etymology and Composition

The term antarvidvas is a tatpuruṣa compound formed from two Sanskrit elements:

• अन्तर् (antar): meaning "within," "between," or "interior"

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  . It conveys the sense of knowing or understanding what lies in the middle or interior.
• विद्वस् (vidvas): derived from the root विद् (vid), which means "to know" or "to find." It denotes a skilled, learned, or knowledgeable person, similar to the modern concept of a "vidwan" or scholar

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Thus, antarvidvas (अन्तर्विद्वस्) literally translates to "one who knows internally or correctly," emphasizing precise or profound understanding

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Usage in Classical Texts

In the Ṛgveda (1.72.7), the term is used in the sense of knowing the paths between heaven and earth, indicating a person who possesses complete or esoteric knowledge of cosmic or spiritual matters

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. Classical commentators like Sāyaṇa elaborated that such knowledge refers to understanding intricate connections and workings of the universe.

Grammatical Note

• Gender and Number: The masculine form is विद्वन् (vidvān), with the dual विद्वांसौ (vidvāṃsau) and plural विद्वांसः (vidvāṃsaḥ)

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• Adjectival Use: Antarvidvas functions as an adjective meaning "exactly knowing" or "internally wise." It can modify actions, people, or even qualities depending on context.
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Summary

• Antarvidvas (अन्तर्विद्वस्) combines antar (between/within) + vidvas (one who knows).
• It describes a person or entity that knows thoroughly, especially spiritual or esoteric knowledge.
• Found in Ṛgvedic usage, highlighting knowledge of cosmic paths, it reflects a high level of wisdom and understanding.
• It is masculine/feminine neutral in gender as a descriptive adjective and can take standard Sanskrit declensions.

This term is part of a rich classical Sanskrit vocabulary, expressing nuanced concepts of knowledge and comprehension in spiritual and philosophical contexts

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