The
Upanishad is one of the older, "primary" (
mukhya) Upanishads commented upon by
Shankara. It is associated with the
Atharvaveda. It figures as number 5 in the
Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads.It is a Mantra-upanishad, i.e. it has the form of a Mantra. But, as the commentators observe, though it is written in verse, it is not, like other Mantras, to be used for sacrificial purposes. Its only object is to teach the highest knowledge, the knowledge of
Brahman, which cannot be obtained either by sacrifices or by worship (
Upasana), but by such teaching only as is imparted in the Upanishad. With its beautiful style, lucid metres, serious wording, and lofty feelings each
mantra of this Upanishad gives joyous reading. It might have derived its name from the word "Munda" meaning "Shaven Head". The assumption is that if the principle thought of this Upanishad is understood, the illusions of material world will be cut like hairs in the process of shaving or because mostly monks are audience for its teachings, and since usually Hindu monks will have a shaven head, this name might have something to do with that background.
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Mundaka Upanishad or Mundakopanisad (Sanskrit) [from munda shorn + upanishad] An Upanishad of the Atharva Veda, also called Atharvanopanishad, said to have taken its name from the hopeful idea that everyone who comprehends its sacred doctrine is shorn, i.e., liberated, from all error.