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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine ecological consciousness in Sanskrit literature and explore how Vedic, epic, and classical Sanskrit traditions promote harmony between nature and human life. The study further seeks to relate Sanskrit environmental ethics with contemporary sustainability concerns.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a qualitative and interpretive approach. Primary Sources such as the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, and the Upanishads, alongside the epic narratives of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are critically analysed. Secondary sources, such as Scholarly articles, are particularly relevant alongside contemporary works on ecocriticism and Indian philosophy. Thematic and philosophical analysis are used to examine ecological ideas such as sacred groves, ritual purity, respect for rivers, trees, and animals.

Findings: The study finds that Sanskrit literature embodies a holistic ecological worldview capable of contributing meaningfully to contemporary environmental ethics and sustainable consciousness. Through concepts such as rita, dharma, ahimsa, and yajna, Sanskrit texts advocate harmony, restraint, and ethical coexistence with nature.

Research Limitations: While this study offers interpretive insights into the ecological consciousness present in Sanskrit literature, itremains bounded by the symbolic and poetic nature of its sources.

Managerial Implications: This study contributes to ecological and academic discourse. The findings enrich fields such as ecocriticism, philosophy, comparative literature, religious studies, and environmental humanities.

Originality/Value: This study offers an interdisciplinary interpretation of Sanskrit literature through the lens of environmental ethics. The research highlights the continuing relevance of ancient Indian ecological wisdom in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

Keywords

Sanskrit Literature, Environmental Ethics, Vedas, Upanishads, Prakrti-Samvada, and Sustainable Development.

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