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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Grhyasutras belong to the class of Kalpasutra texts. Kalpas are important texts of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|six vedangas]], the ancilliary subjects which are required to understand Vedas and hence are one among the Chaturdasha Vidyas. They pertain to domestic rituals as known from the word Grhya. Thus the subject matter of grhyasutras involves the domestic life of a person. They are the oldest manuals on the samskaras and in the whole set of Kalpa texts, the Dharmasutras as a rule follow the Grhyasutras.  

Grhyasutras belong to the class of Kalpasutra texts. Kalpas are important texts of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|six vedangas]], the ancilliary subjects which are required to understand Vedas and hence are one among the Chaturdasha Vidyas. They pertain to domestic rituals as known from the word Grhya. Thus the subject matter of grhyasutras involves the domestic life of a person. They are the oldest manuals on the samskaras and in the whole set of [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa Vedanga]] texts, the Dharmasutras as a rule follow the Grhyasutras.  

The origin of the Grhyasutras appear to be traceable to an oral tradition prevalent among the people of ancient times which preserved them till date. They employ many mantras from the veda samhita parts while performing the domestic rituals. So one can understand the antiquity of these ceremonies which are traced back to the time of the Vedas.  

The origin of the Grhyasutras appear to be traceable to an oral tradition prevalent among the people of ancient times which preserved them till date. They employ many mantras from the veda samhita parts while performing the domestic rituals. So one can understand the antiquity of these ceremonies which are traced back to the time of the Vedas.  

Authorship of the various Sutra charanas has been discussed in the [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa Vedanga]] article.

Grhyasutras are associated with the particular Vedas and more intricately with the Veda shakas. Following is the list of Grhyasutras including both published and unpublished works.<ref name=":0" />

 

|Ashvalayana (By Ashvalayana the student of Saunaka)

|}The Grhyasutras mention the views of a number of authorities on the Grhyakarmas. They profusely quote the names of the rshis whose views are mentioned and discussed in any particular grhyasutra. The following is the list of rshis who were regarded as the authorities of the subject mentioned by the author of the sutra.

|}

It is amply clear from the above enumeration of the authorities on the Grhyakarma that the topics treated of in the sutras had already undergone a great deal of discussion before the present Grhyasutras came to be composed. However, the form of discussion on the ritual adopted is rather difficult to be determined.

== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==

== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==

=== List of Grhyakarmani ===

=== List of Grhyakarmani ===

Grhyakarmas are described elaborately in a the sutras but with a varied terminology from across sutras. In this section an attempt has been made to put together a list of Grhyakarmas and a brief description of the equivalent terms from various grhyasutras where possible. Some of these activities are described as periodical as well as special yajnas both in grhya and shrauta sutras. The broad categories include Samskaras, Panchamahayajnas, Pakayajnas which constitute a whole set of yajnas, Grhapravesa and other house related rites, Agricultural operations including cattle related rites and finally Prayaschittas.  

Grhyakarmas are described elaborately in a the sutras but with a varied terminology from across sutras. In this section an attempt has been made to put together a list of Grhyakarmas and a brief description of the equivalent terms from various grhyasutras where possible. Some of these activities are described as periodical as well as special yajnas both in grhya and shrauta sutras. The broad categories include Samskaras, Panchamahayajnas, Pakayajnas which constitute a whole set of yajnas, Grhapravesa and other house related rites, agricultural operations including cattle related rites and finally Prayaschittas.

 

The grhyasutras employ many mantras borrowed from the Samhitas on the occasion of the performance of the Grhyakarmas. Some of these mantras clearly indicate the antiquity of the grhya ceremonies as far as the Vedas. Mantras from Rigveda recited at the time of marriage (Rig. Veda. 10.85), the funeral rites (Rig. Veda. 10.14, 15, 16),  indicate the prevalence of Grhya ceremonies from the vedic age. Atharvaveda mantras are prescribed by the Grhyasutras in large numbers.  

==== [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|संस्काराः ॥ Samskaras]] ====

==== [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|संस्काराः ॥ Samskaras]] ====

In most of the Sutras the term Samskara generally signifies a subsidiary act of purification performed at Shrauta or Grhyakarmas. Most of them represent Upanayana by the word Samskara. Further the term was gradually extended to include all domestic rites. Gautama Dharmasutras gives a comprehensive list of 40 samskaras which include the Pakayajnas, Haviryajnas and Somayajnas apart from the rites performed from before conception to the death of an individual. However in the present days the norm is to consider only the body related samskaras pertaining to the individual under this heading. They are according to Gautama

In most of the Sutras the term Samskara generally signifies a subsidiary act of purification performed at Shrauta or Grhyakarmas. Most of them represent Upanayana by the word Samskara. Further the term was gradually extended to include all domestic rites. Gautama Dharmasutras gives a comprehensive list of 40 samskaras which include the [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|Pakayajnas]], [[Haviryajnas (हविर्यज्ञाः)|Haviryajnas]] and Somayajnas apart from the rites performed from before conception to the death of an individual. However in the present days the norm is to consider only the body related samskaras pertaining to the individual under this heading. They are according to Gautama

: गर्भाधानपुंसवनसीमन्तो-न्नयनजातकर्म-नामकरणान्नप्राशन-चौड़ोपनयनम् । चत्वारि

: गर्भाधानपुंसवनसीमन्तो-न्नयनजातकर्म-नामकरणान्नप्राशन-चौड़ोपनयनम् । चत्वारि

: वेदव्रतानि स्नानं सहधर्मचारिणीसंयोगः...

: वेदव्रतानि स्नानं सहधर्मचारिणीसंयोगः...

==== [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Pakayajnas]] ====

==== [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Pakayajnas]] ====

Now, while Gautama included these yajnas as part of samskaras, these yajnas are gradually fading away with very few people actively conducting them in the present society. Except for a few such as Aupasana, Vaisvadeva, and the Shraddha related yajnas the rest are rarely seen. Additionally the differences seen in the vidhis as per the veda shakas are not handed down to future generations.  

 

Now, while Gautama in his Dharmasutras included the seven pakayajnas as part of samskaras, other Sutrakaras maintain them as a separate class of yajnas. It is unfortunate that these yajnas are gradually fading away with very few people actively conducting them in the present society. Except for a few such as Aupasana, Vaisvedeva, and the Shraddha related yajnas the rest are rarely seen. Additionally the differences seen in the vidhis as per the veda shakas are not handed down to future generations.  

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