The Sacrifices of Rajasuya, Vajapeya and Ashvamedha (study)
by Aparna Dhar | 2016 | 61,606 words
This page relates ‘Expiatory Rite’ of the study dealing with the Sacrifices such as Rajasuya, Vajapeya and Ashvamedha including their ritualistic and monarchial strata with reference to the Shatapatha-Brahmana. These Brahmanas represent a category of ancient Sanskrit texts dealing with ancient Vedic rituals and ceremonies based on the Vedas.
Expiatory Rite
In the Vedic sacrifice, importance is given, generally, in the simplicity of the work. The priests consider the trifling mistakes as the impediments of the sacrifice. But at the same, time they suggest the remedy for removing the blemishes. From this the expiatory rites originate. But expiation was not so difficult. Sometimes a particular hymn was pronounced or particular substance was offered to the fire as expiation for removing the sins or if the sacrificial substance was spoiled or unavailable, its substitute was used to complete the sacrifice. In that case, the acceptance of the substitute is considered as the expiration.