The Vedanga ( vedāṅga, "member of the Veda") are six auxiliary disciplines for the understanding and tradition of the Vedas. 1. * Shiksha (śikṣā): phonetics and phonology (sandhi) 2. * Chandas (chandas): meter 3. * Vyakarana (vyākaraṇa): grammar 4. * Nirukta (nirukta): etymology 5. * Jyotisha (jyotiṣa): astrology and astronomy, dealing particularly with the auspicious days for performing sacrifices. 6. * Kalpa (kalpa): ritual