Implements Used in Vedic Sacrifices and Rituals (Set of 3 Books)

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Implements Used in Vedic Sacrifices and Rituals (Set of 3 Books)
Yajnasambhara	Yajnayudhani	Introduction to Implements Used in Vedic Yajnas

It gives me great pleasure to introduce this book Yajnasambhara Paribhasa Ritual and Myths. It mainly deals with the sacrificial utensils and other accessories which can be broadly called Yajnasambhara.

Dr. Bhagyashree Bhagwat the author of the book has collected all the possible information available on these accessories from the Vedic texts and has systematically presented them in this book. She has not only given the definitions and myths about these accessories but has described the exact ritualistic use of them.

This information has become more useful because of the photo pictures therein. All this information has been given in an alphabetical order and this enhances the practical utility to the students of Vedic Ritual.

During the last twenty five years we experience a revival in the field of all the aspects of Vedic studies. On the one hand numerous Vedic schools on traditional lines have come into existence and a new generation of Vedic scholars who can recite various branches of Vedic texts has come forward. On the other hand there appears to be a revival in the actual performances of Vedic rituals both Srauta and Smarta. Thus the application of the Vedic texts in the rituals have also found a new inspiration.

There is the further dimension to the Vedic Studies in the form of modern philological approach also. Scholars as well as the performers will be definitely benefited by this book which is a product of sustained hard work.

I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Bhagyashree Bhagwat for this long awaited and also thank Vaidika Samshodhana Mandala for publishing the same.

The concept of Yajna had pervaded the society in ancient times. We notice that the RV shows some traces of the ritual. The Yajurveda and the Samaveda are more directly connected to the performance of the Yajna. The expansion is particularly seen in the Brahmana texts. In the Sutra texts further efforts are directed towards the arrangement of the ritual.

Thus even in ancient times ritual was growing.

All these texts deal with Kriyartha of the Veda which is Yajna. Besides the existence of literature related to the Vedic texts the language of the ritual is obscure. Many words have disappeared from the linguistic sphere. So the scattered references about the ritual or explaining the ritual deserve attention.

As the late Dr. C.G. Kashikar has remarked one Cannot understand the secrets of Vedic Mind without the knowledge of sacrificial ritual to get acquainted with the ritual knowledge of the performance is a basic requirement knowing the requisites of the Yajna and ritual terminology is an ardent need.

Knowledge about the requisites provides the key to understand the actual performance.

So here the information of various sacrificial materials and technical terms related to the ritual is collected and explained to keep the purpose in view. The first part gives the general background.

In the part II the entries approximately 575 are arranged in the Devanagari alphabetical order followed by its Roman transliteration and the next bracket indicates the gender of that particular world. Then follows the meaning explanation and the mythical part wherever available.

The study of Yajnasambhara will help to know the basic frame of rituals beginning with Agnihotra, followed by Isti Catumasya Soma Pasu Sautramani etc.

Scholars are looking at it from different angles.

(Adhyaryu) Collects the utensils of the Sacrifice; The utensils of the Sacrifice are the Sacrifice, verily he Collects the Sacrifice. He collects them in pairs…One who knows the ten utensils of the Sacrifice; his sacrifice is set in order from the beginning. Sphya, Kapalani, Agnihotra-havani, Surpa, Krsnajina, Samya, Ulukhala, Musala, Drsad and Upala are the ten utensils of the Sacrifice. One who knows this, his Sacrifice is set in order from the beginning.

This book yanayudhani proves very much useful to the students, researchers and those having interest and curiosity about the srauta ritual. The book reflects our museum with scholarly information by the renowned scholar Dr. T. N. Dharmadhikari. Dr. T. N. Dharmadhikari was first Director of Vaidika Samshodhana Mandala (Adarsh Sanskrit Shodha Samstha) Pune: He has contributed a lot towards the collection of the utensils and converting it into a well arranged museum. The first edition of yanayudhani was published in 1989 and over the period of 20-22 years the copies exhausted. We are extremely thankful to Prof. V. K. Nulkar (Hon Trustee of Akkalkot Swami Maharaj Sansthan, Pune) and Shriman Kisanlalji Sarada) (Hon. Trustee of Shriman Kisanlalji Sarada, Pratishthan, Nasik) for their generous donations to bring out this second edition. When we decided to bring out the second edition, we were short of funds. We approached these philanthropic souls and within no time they sanctioned and disbursed the amount. This second edition of the yaiuiyudhiini could not have been possible without their support.

I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude towards the members of the Managing Committee of Vaidika Samshodhana Mandala - Prof. Dr. Saroja Bhate, Prof.

Dr. Pramod Lalye, Prof. Dr. Madhukar Dhavalikar and Dr. Ratnakar Chandekar who have been a constant source of inspiration. Their co-operation and guidance always enables me to undertake new projects and complete it.

We sincerely express our deep sense of gratitude towards the authorities of The Rashtriya Samskrit Samsthan, New Delhi for substantially funding the entire scheme of Adarsha Sanskrit Shodha Samstha, under which this work is being published.

I also acknowledge the efforts taken by Mr. Rahul Marulkar of Mandar Printers, Pune, for doing the printing perfectly and speedily.

We have great pleasure in presenting to the world of scholars interested in the ancient Indian Culture, this volume of an Album of Sacrificial Utensils utilised in the time-old tradition of the Vedic Sacrifices.

Vaidika Samsodhana Mandala has developed a small museum of the Sacrificial Utensils, This Album includes the photographs of few important utensils used in Adhana Agnihotra, Isti, Soma, Pravargya, Citi and Mahavrata rituals.

By the side of photographs, We have also furnished the information of the utensils, in respect of their material, shape and utility in Vedic Sacrifices_ This information is based on the relevant passages culled and cited from the Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Srauta and Grhya Sutras, Commentaries, Parisistas, Prayogas and Paddhatis etc-, either published or still hidden in manuscripts.

From the photographs of the utensils and their information, one may realise as to how the Vedic designers combined the utility of the utensils with their deep sense of aesthetics. This is more apparent when the distinctive marks have been invented in the designs for constituting difference between the utensils belonging to the same group.

Thus one finds a beak of Sruc similar to that of swan or to lips of elephant. Akarsa—phalaka is fashioned in the shape of serpant’s hood. Prasitra-harana assumes the form of cow’s ear; and Sphya appears like sword.

Rightly therefore the Rgvedic verse (VI.11.5) has referred to the Sruc as Suvrkti- i, e. well—fashioned.

We have therefore tried to point out both the characters of the sacrificial utensils- viz- form and utility; along with their material.

The utensils are traditionally used in the Vedic sacrifices from the hoary past, and are described in the time•0ld vedic literature. We therefore hope that this Album will help the students and admirers of the Ancient Indian Culture, and also the students of archaeology to some extent, in comprehending the nature of ancient designs.