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| [[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. | | [[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. |
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− | 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. | + | The daily obligatory activities of a grhastha such as [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], Pakayajnas 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. |
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| 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. | | 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. |
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| 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" /> | | 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" /> |
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− | Special attention is given to kamyakarmas done with fulfillment of certain desires as a goal. | + | Special attention is given to kamyakarmas done for fulfillment of certain desires, such as desire for prosperity of cattle, achievement of glory, gaining favour of certain people, appease an angry person, and desire to become a king. |
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| + | == References of Grhyasutras == |
| + | Like the Vedas, Grhyasutras are also handed down and preserved since ancient times through oral tradition. Transmission of what was studied, memorized and practiced manifested as the tradition or custom, which, was regarded as an authority of these rituals. This was the foundation of Sampradayas which are the existing authorities in matters pertaining to Bharatiya culture and dharmas. |
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| + | The term Pakayajnas is used to refer to Grhyayajnas to distinguish them from the Shrauta yajnas which are also described in the Brahmana texts. |
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| + | === Vedic References === |
| + | The grhyasutras completely depend on the mantras from the [[Samhita (संहिता)|Samhitas]] of [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|the four vedas]] on the occasion of the performance of the Grhya rituals. |
| + | * Mantras recited during marriage are seen from Rigveda (10.85). |
| + | * The term "Pakayajna" is referred to in Yajurveda samhita. |
| + | * Atharvaveda gives copious information about Grhya ritual described in Grhyasutras - marriage, Pumsavana, Jatakarma, Upanayana, Antyeshti, Godana, Astaka and so on. |
| + | * Brahmana texts mention a number of rites and rituals found in Grhyasutras. |
| + | * The Grhyagni - the grhya fire, is mentioned in Aitereya Brahmana. |
| + | * The Agrayana ceremony that finds description in the Grhyasutra is mentioned in the Brahmanas |
| + | * Sathapatha Brahmana discusses the Panchamahayajnas, Upanayana and Garbhadhana, Namakarana (of the samskaras) and others such as Soshyantikarman, Ayushyakarman, and Medhajanana. |
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| == References == | | == References == |
| <references /> | | <references /> |