The Nadi palm leaf manuscripts are ancient texts written by sages who recorded life details of individuals through divine insight. These sacred writings were originally composed in various classical languages depending on the region, the sage, and the script used by the custodians who preserved them.
Main Languages Used in Nadi Manuscripts
1. Ancient Tamil
The majority of Nadi manuscripts, especially those found in Tamil Nadu (e.g., Agastya Nadi), are written in ancient Tamil. This language was used for recording the words of Rishis like Agastya, Kaushika, and Bogar. The Tamil used is often poetic, symbolic, and rich in metaphors — requiring trained Nadi readers to interpret its full meaning accurately.
2. Sanskrit
Some Nadi systems — especially those rooted in North India like Bhrigu Samhita — are written in Sanskrit. These texts follow more of a Vedic astrological format, with reference to planetary positions, houses, and birth charts. Sanskrit was the scholarly and spiritual language during the time of many sages.
3. Grantha Script
The Grantha script was used by scribes in South India to write Sanskrit on palm leaves. It is not a language, but a script specifically developed to write Sanskrit using Tamil-style characters. Many Nadi leaves — especially those blending Sanskrit and Tamil — are recorded in this script.
4. Old Telugu and Malayalam (Less Common)
In some regions, particularly Kerala and parts of Andhra Pradesh, a few rare Nadi manuscripts are found in old Telugu or Malayalam, depending on local traditions and linguistic practices. These are rare and not part of the mainstream Nadi collections.
Why Are Nadi Manuscripts Hard to Read?
- The palm leaves are written in ancient dialects no longer in everyday use.
- The script is often compact and symbolic, with no spacing or punctuation.
- Many leaves have decayed or been re-copied multiple times, adding variations in style and readability.
- Only trained Nadi readers can decode, interpret, and translate the meaning accurately for modern seekers.
Conclusion
Nadi manuscripts were written in a mix of ancient Tamil, Sanskrit, and sometimes in scripts like Grantha. These texts are not only linguistic treasures but also spiritual documents that require both intellectual and intuitive interpretation. The use of these sacred languages underscores the divine and timeless nature of the knowledge preserved within the Nadi palm leaves.