Why is Maharshi Kanad famous? How did he get this name?

Maharshi Kanad is known as one of the earliest Indian philosophers and scientists. He is especially famous for founding the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, which focused on understanding the nature of the physical world. His most important contribution was the idea of “anu” (atom)—he proposed that everything in the universe is made up of tiny, invisible particles. This idea of atoms came thousands of years before modern science discovered them.

Maharshi Kanad believed that these atoms combine in different ways to form all the materials we see around us. Because of this, he is often called the “Father of Atomic Theory” in India.

How Did He Get the Name ‘Kanad’?

Maharshi Kanad was originally named Kashyapa. According to legend, during his travels, he once visited the holy city of Prayag (now Prayagraj). There, he saw many people throwing away small food particles as waste. Curious and compassionate, he began picking up the grain particles and started eating them, believing that even the tiniest piece of food had value.

People started calling him “Kanad,” which comes from the Sanskrit words “Kana” (meaning particle) and “ad” (meaning eater). So, “Kanad” means “the one who eats particles”. This name reflects both his humble nature and his deep interest in the smallest units of matter.

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