Vedic Sacrifices An Outline

Language: English
Pages: 32

Foreword

Vedic sacrifices are an ancient religious institution. The Vedas and their allied works are intimately related to them. Hence, an understanding of the Vedic sacrificial system will definitely help us to understand and esteem, not only the Vedas, but also the Upanisads.

Since the Vedic sacrifices have almost gone out of vogue, it has become very necessary to give some idea of the same, to the average educated person, who still has faith and pride in our religion and culture. Eventhough this may be a purely academic exercise it is worth attempting it! This booklet has been written with that spirit. We do hope that this spirit is at least recognised, if not appreciated.

The whole subject being unfamiliar, sketches of altars and some implements have been provided in the appendix to enhance the utility of this work.



Contents:

Introduction

Basic Literature

Yajna, Yoga and Homa

Yajamana or the Sacrificer

Rtviks or Priests

Classification of the Yajnas

Fire and Its Production

Some General Rules

Vedis and Yajnayudhas

A Brief Account of Some Wellknown Sacrifices

Epilogue

Appendix-A

Appendix-B