6.1.3. Expiatory Rites in Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra

Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra, a text associated with Kṛṣṇa-yajurveda, described expiatory rites in the second chapter. Scholars argued that the last two books of these Dharmasūtras were later addition.^[1] Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra divides sins as three types: Patanīya, Upapātaka and Aśucikara.^[2] Patanīya are making voyages by sea, stealing property of a Brahmin or misappropriating a deposit, giving false evidence regarding land (dispute), trading with merchandise of all descriptions, serving Śūdras, begetting a son or daughter from a Śūdra woman. Also Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra describes various types of secondary sins (Upapātaka), they are sexual intercourse with a woman or with a corrupted woman or with an outcaste woman, practicing medicine, officiating at sacrifices offered by several individuals, theatrical performances, teaching dance, looking after cattle and buffaloes and other similar professions, as well as cheating virgins. Furthermore, Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra indicates that gambling, black magic, subsisting by gleaning corn fallen in the field by one who has returned to his home after finishing Vedic study, staying for more than four months at his teachers house on the part of him who has finished his duties, teaching one who had finished his studies, gaining livelihood by astrology are causing impurity (Aśaucikara).^[3]

Expiatory rites for killing are the same as that of Gautama and Āpastamba. The additions are horse sacrifice, Goseva and bath at the end of horse sacrifice.^[4] On the excommunication from and readmission to the caste, one’s relatives should return sinner’s water pot (Udapātram) at a formal assembly (Pariṣad) and after the expiation the sinner is purified. The expiation is touching of water, milk, ghee, honey and salt.^[5] Baudhāyanadharmasūtra deals with sins causing loss of caste; undertaking a sea journey, theft of Brahmins deposit or property, performance of false eyewitness, trading in all sorts of merchandise and serving Śūdra. Expiatory rites of these sins are eating little at every fourth meal time, bath thrice daily, and remain standing throughout the day and be seated at night. In three years, they would cleanse thoroughly their rotten sin.^[6] Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra also suggests, by reciting the Kūṣmāṇḍa Mantra throughout twelve days a man gets freed from all sins, like abortion.^[7] Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra also states that a Brāhmaṇa taking boiled rice from Śūdra and sexual intercourse with woman should expiate his sin by practicing seven Prāṇāyāmas in seven days.^[8] Baudhāyana-dharmasūtra prescribes that those who had forbidden intercourse becomes one like a thief or even like a slayer of a learned Brāhmaṇa. If he performs Kūśmāṇḍa Homa, he becomes liberated from any sin that is less than the murder of a learned Brāhmaṇa.^[9] An expiation of sex with wife of Guru is the same seen in Āpastamba.^[10] It is directed that an arduous penance in three months and fire offerings as expiation for the sin of improper marriage and doing prohibited sex.^[11]

A student who has sex with woman has broken his vow of chastity. He should offer a sacrifice using an ass as the sacrificial animal.^[12] Moreover, it is recommended that three arduous penances for a teacher, if a student dies while the teachers give punishment.^[13] In addition, it is said that ejects of semen is a sin while on chastity and Avakīrṇi Prāyaścitta is recommended for this.^[14] In some way a student breaking his vow or eating forbidden substances like meat or sex with woman are considered as sinful acts. Offering of ghee, wood sticks to fire is an expiatory ritual suggested for this.^[15] Expiation for theft is equal to Āpastamba. At this same time, Baudhāyana in addition suggests that if a king does not punish a thief, the king assumes the sin of that thief.^[16] Baudhāyana suggests Prāṇāyāma is a powerful expiation. It recommends Prāṇāyāma for consuming forbidden or unfit food, use of impure substances etc. Besides, it considers Prāṇāyāma as a cleansing agent of major and minor sins.^[17] Baudhāyana writes that reciting the Mantras like Upaniṣads, the beginning part of Veda and end part of Veda, Madhu Sūkta, Aghamarṣaṇa, Atharvaśiras, Rudra hymns, Praṇava etc. shall purify all sins. Likewise, austerity, ritual offerings, fasting, ritual gifts and travelling to mountains are also cleansing activities.^[18]