What set of three texts did Shankaracharya call Prasthanatrayi?
Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
Upanishads, Bhagavadgita and Brahmasutras
Understanding the Prasthanatrayi
The term Prasthanatrayi literally means the "Three Points of Departure" or the "Three Sources." In Indian philosophy, if a scholar wanted to establish a new school of thought (Siddhanta), they had to write commentaries (Bhasyas) on these three specific texts to prove their ideas were rooted in Vedic authority.
The three components are:
Upanishads (Sruti Prasthana):
Nature: Revealed scripture.
Role: These are considered the direct "hearing" of divine truth and form the philosophical core of the Vedas.
Bhagavadgita (Smriti Prasthana):
Nature: Remembered scripture.
Role: A part of the Mahabharata, it provides the practical and ethical application of Vedic philosophy in daily life and duty (Dharma).
Brahmasutras (Nyaya Prasthana):
Nature: Logical/Reasoned scripture.
Role: Written by Badarayana, this text systemizes and defends the teachings of the Upanishads using logic and reason to resolve apparent contradictions.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A, B, and D: These include the Vedas (as a whole), Mahabharata, or Ramayana. While these are highly sacred, they are not part of the specific "triple canon" required for foundational philosophical commentary. The Prasthanatrayi specifically filters the vast Vedic literature into these three essential pillars.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
