The Orion, or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas c11.3.4

c11.3.4

15), and though we may not suppose the same instrument to have existed in the old Vedic days, yet there seems to be no objection to hold that it may have meant some instrument of observation. The word brahma is no doubt used to denote a mantra, but it may also mean knowledge or the means of acquiring such knowledge. In Rig. ii. 2. 7 Sâyaṇa has himself interpreted brahma to mean some "act or action;" and I see no reason why we should not understand the phrase turîyeṇa brahmaṇâ in the above hymn to mean "by the action of turîya," or, in other words, "by means of turîya," and thus give to the whole hymn a simple and natural appearance, rather than endeavour to interpret it after the manner of the Red Indians, who believed that Columbus averted the calamity of the eclipse by prayers. The peasants of the Vedic times, some scholars might argue, cannot be considered to be more civilized than the Red Indians; but in so arguing they forget the fact that there must be a Columbus, who would, by his superior capacity, inspire the feelings of awe and reverence for him. When the bards, therefore, tell us that Atri knew of the eclipse by turîya brahma, we can now easily see what it means.