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Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि) (view source)
Revision as of 21:37, 10 January 2020
, 21:37, 10 January 2020→Subject-matter of Grhyasutras: added content
== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==
== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==
Samskaras form an important subject of the Grhyasutras. Broadly topics treated in these texts include pre-birth ceremonies for the mother Pumsavana, Seemantonnayana etc) and post-birth ceremonies of the child starting from Namakarana, a detailed account of Upanayana, Upakarma, Samavartana, Snataka conduct, obligatory activities of a grhastha mainly Panchamahayajnas, shraddha, the periodical yajnas, monthly rituals to be performed on the new-moon and full-moon days, annual rituals among other information. The yajnas that are performed annually include Sravana, the Indrayajna, the Asvayuji, the Agrahayani, the Ashtakas, the Phalguni, and the Chaitriyajna.
[[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]] form an important subject of the Grhyasutras. Broadly topics treated in these texts include pre-birth ceremonies for the mother Pumsavana, Seemantonnayana etc) and post-birth ceremonies of the child starting from Namakarana, a detailed account of [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], Upakarma, [[Samavartana (समावर्तनम्)|Samavartana]], [[Snataka (स्नातकः)|Snataka]] conduct up to Antyeshti or the funeral ceremonies. The Grhyasutras give a detailed account of the ceremony of Upanayana and other education related samskaras which a child undergoes starting from initiation into the study of Veda. Being the pivot of all domestic ceremonies, the marriage with its diverse and diffuse details occupies a great deal of explanation in the Grhyasutras.
The daily obligatory activities of a grhastha such as [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], and the periodical yajnas, [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|shraddha]], monthly rituals to be performed on the new-moon and full-moon days, annual rituals among other information. The yajnas that are performed annually include Sravana, the Indrayajna, the Asvayuji, the Agrahayani, the Ashtakas, the Phalguni, and the Chaitriyajna.
Apart from the above, these texts contain ceremonies connected with agricultural operations, cattle welfare and festivities associated with them. The ceremony of Vrshotsarga, wherein a stud-bull is stamped and left at liberty, is discussed, so also the Sulagava yajna for the prosperity of cattle. Mantras which are to be recited while driving cattle to and fro from pasture. Ploughing the field is started with special ceremonies as is the Sita (which literally means a furrow) worshipped. Agrayana yajna is connected with agriculture wherein the first fruits of the crop are to be offered to the deities.
Next topic of importance discussed in the Grhyasutras includes the choice of land for building a house, the rites to be performed for laying the foundation and the main door or gate of the house, and when the pujas to be performed when the owner first enters the house after its completion.
Other topics discussed include ceremonies to be performed on the appearance of certain animals such as cats, birds such as pigeons, crows in the house. Other events such as bursting of the central pillar in the house and other inauspicious signs such as sight of a solitary jackal or a cat and the prayaschittas for the same are discussed. Expiating actions for the neglect of obligatory duties and rites are aptly discussed.<ref name=":0" />
Special attention is given to kamyakarmas done with fulfillment of certain desires as a goal.
== References ==
== References ==
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